World Perspectives
livestock

Beef Production: North America Down, World Up

Chinese Pork Reserves Tapped Economic growth, lead time demand, and supply and delivery problems caused by cold weather in November and December have pushed up Chinese pork prices late in 2012 and into the New Year. As a result, China's Commerce Ministry on 31 January announced its intentions to release 4,800 MT of pork from the country's strategic reserves to medium and large cities for the Spring Festival, which takes place in mid-February. To date, Zhongpin Group released 2,000 MT of pork from strategic reserves in Henan on 1 February. On 2 February, 3,300 MT were released into the market in Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu. Pork prices are softening, as have pig and sow prices, but only slightly because of a lack of sufficient he...

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livestock

Livestock Round Up: Cattle Margins and Distribution

The recent February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report forecast beef production to increase in 2026 due to greater slaughter of steers and heifers, increased cow slaughter, and heavier dressed weights, all of which will provide some relief to the beef market. Also, th...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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