USDA reported that adverse spring weather prevented 19 million acres (7.68 million hectares) from being planted this season. To put that number in perspective, only 30 countries have more arable land than the acres not planted in the U.S.; it is the equivalent of Italy not using any of its arable land. Those betting yesterday’s WASDE report would be bullish are understandably frustrated. Alternatively, the area prevented from being planted is just 4.4 percent of all arable land, and that percentage is in line with USDA’s predicted reductions in potential total production. Admittedly, USDA’s crop forecast provides no hedging on what is known to be the delayed maturity of the corn and soybean crops. It is a gamble that crop...
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.