Farm bill proposals are emerging from producer groups and legislators alike, but there are questions. Will USDA put forth a farm bill plan? Will acreage idling expand under conservation programs? Will sugar policy finally be altered?USDA’s farm bill input - The Trump transition team indicated that the new USDA would likely submit a farm bill proposal (or at least an outline) to Congress during debate. With the delay in Secretary-designate Sonny Perdue’s nomination, that is looking increasingly unlikely. There is a dearth of political appointees, and those at the agency are on 120-day assignments. Most of the acting undersecretaries and deputy undersecretaries are career staffers moved up to the spots on an interim basis. Moreover, last mont...
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.