The change in party control of the House will have impacts on the makeup of the House Agriculture Committee; some won’t be major, and other changes are yet to unfold. One change, of course, will be a new chairman. The current ranking Democrat on the committee, Representative Collin Peterson of Minnesota, is virtually certain to assume that position, which he previously held from 2007 to 2011. However, Peterson has stated publically that he does not want to rewrite the 2018 Farm Bill next year under his leadership, preferring to instead get the current bill passed during the lame-duck session that will begin next week. The current party ratio on the committee is 24 Republicans and 20 Democrats, but that will likely switch. The present...
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.