End of Exporting Humans have traded food for millennia, from the luxuries of the spice trade and the Silk Road to wheat bartering in the Middle East/North Africa. The global trade in food exploded after WWII as a means to fight war-based starving and continued to grow as populations expanded faster than food production in some countries. Today, it is the mantra of the industry to move food from where it is in surplus to where it is needed. Farmers in food surplus countries like the U.S., EU, and South America would go out of business without exports. Now Dutch Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy Christianne van der Wal-Zeggelink says that, “Export percentages are not a goal for us. Our goal is emission reduction and to res...
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.