European food makers are finding out what some American brands like Sunkist learned many years ago – the Chinese will steal the names of your products. Death’s Slow Recovery The “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico is the largest ever, creating a slew of media stories, and thus calls for action. Agriculture accepts some responsibility for its existence and has taken steps to reduce the leaching of nitrogen and phosphorous from farmland into the adjacent waters. Calls to do more should be informed by a University of Waterloo study that cautions against a “rush to judgment.” The authors’ study found that it can take decades (30-40 years) for the nutrient management efforts to have positive impact hundreds of miles away on the algal source of t...
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.
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...