Macroeconomic Trends Food Prices in November Decline Year-On-Year For the first time since January 2018, average monthly food prices in China were down on an annualized basis according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The strong recovery in the country’s live hog and breeding sow inventory with African Swine Fever (ASF) being held at bay pushed down pork prices at the retail level by 12.5 percent this past November compared to November 2019. Record imports of beef, chicken, and pork have also aided in reducing the burden on consumers who for half of 2019 and most of 2020 saw record levels of food inflation. Overall, food prices fell last month by 2 percent from one-year ago. Other notable decreases included eggs, which declined...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
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.