As WPI has reported several times, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the key issue for the next farm bill, much like it was in 2014. As we noted on 17 February, the 2014 farm bill started as the 2012 farm bill - introduced in April 2012. It was not completed until February 2014, 22 months later. Much of the delay was caused by debates over SNAP funding and work restrictions. In July of 2013, the House passed a “farm only” farm bill by a vote of 216 to 208, stripping the bill of the nutrition title just to get a farm bill completed. The nutrition title was put back in during the conference with the Senate. From that experience most farm and commodity groups oppose having a farm program only farm bill, but t...
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.