USDA released its monthly Cattle on Feed (COF) report today, which contained some interesting data.USDA released its monthly Cattle on Feed (COF) report today. The total number of cattle on feed as of 1 September was 10.5 million or 104 percent of last year. This surpassed the industry’s average pre-report estimate (see Ag Perspectives, 21 September), although it matched the highest end of the range.Placements in August totaled 1.93 million head or 103 percent above a year ago, exceeding the average pre-report estimate of 96.8 percent. Meanwhile, marketings were 1.98 million head or 106 percent, matching that average pre-report estimate.On the one hand, the rationale for lighter placements is credible as those from March through June saw do...
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...
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...
Let’s return briefly to the fake meat hype cycle, now sitting somewhere in a dusty corner of your mind, not entirely forgotten. What happened to all those products, known as plant-based alternative proteins? They were supposed to be as good as real meat—cheaper, more environmentally...
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.