Energy costs are on the rise as winter weather freezes out production, but policy constructs are likely to lengthen the dynamic. The dominant political force intends to squeeze down fossil fuel support and this will push energy prices higher. Corn is relatively energy intense (20 percent of costs) to produce compared with soybeans (9 percent of costs), and it could be an additional factor besides the soybean-corn price ratio influencing planting this spring, but only on the margin. USDA’s Economic Research Service looked at the impact of higher energy prices on agriculture and found them to be “modest.” Indeed, the relative cost of energy has been low in recent years and yet the value of corn production minus production c...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
From WPI Consulting
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.