In an effort to stall participation in a “special session” with the U.S. over the terms of the current free trade agreement, South Korea is arguing that its trade surplus with the United States fell 38 percent during the first half of the year and so all is well. Fairness Viewed Broadly The Hindu Business Line argues that India and China have highlighted a WTO injustice with their paper noting the higher amounts of farm subsidies spent by developed countries versus the developing world. When the Uruguay Round was negotiated, the rich countries capped their existing subsidies while the developing countries agreed to limits based on the percentage value of crops, assuming they ever found the cash to start subsidies. Now they have the cash b...
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
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.