As we reported last week, farmers’ cost of production has been at record levels six consecutive years; that is a good context for the EPA’s latest Vulnerable Species Pilot (VSP) program which is likely to add production costs and reduce crop production, despite EPA’s promise to drop some of the most restrictive requirements. Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), EPA is required to consider the impact on endangered species of pesticide registration. Over the years, EPA’s pesticide registration and re-registration has been subject to several lawsuits. In fact, the agency is now subject to 18 court ordered deadlines to complete reviews over the next six years. That includes a case, originally filed in 2011 by t...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.
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...