President Mauricio Macri began his efforts to encourage innovation in agriculture, increase exports and boost rural economies upon assuming office in December 2015. The resulting new demand for inputs is already impacting the country’s natural gas sector.In Washington, the House Ways and Means Committee is crafting a tax reform bill along the lines of the so-called border adjustable tax that is intended to promote U.S. exports. This puts the U.S. one step behind Argentina, at least for agricultural exports. On 2 January 2016, that country implemented an increase in existing export rebates and established new ones for various agricultural commodities and products. The indirect incentive for this export tax rebate scheme is to promote m...
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.
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...