Both sides of the ethanol debate are hitting the airwaves trying to influence the outcome of the EPA’s decision regarding a proposed reduction in the RVO, which will be announced by 30 November.As we wrote on 9 November, the ethanol debate – now 10 years into the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) – is as hot as ever. Here’s a summary of the latest salvos. The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report this week triggered a letter from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) to President Obama. The WASDE forecast corn production up 99 million bushels, based on an increased yield of 169.3 bushels per acre – just 1.7 bushels lower than last year’s historic record. Feed use, based on expansion and cheaper feed, moves up...
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.