The World Bank’s food security update notes that the agricultural price index rose one percent from August to September. Food inflation is high in low to middle income countries, with Zimbabwe and Lebanon standouts for having the highest inflation rates in both nominal and real terms (see graph below). The Bank estimates that over 205 million people worldwide are in crisis or worse. The largest increases for food insecurity are occurring in African countries. Notably, the share of rich countries with high food inflation has increased sharply. Hungary and Lithuania have both gone from around 4 percent nominal food inflation a year ago to the low 30 percentile. The UK has gone from 0.9 percent to 12.6 percent, and food price inflation...
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
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.