The government of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and now the social justice warrior class in the U.S. are framing the impending ban on GMO corn imports as fulfilling their right to food sovereignty. U.S. corn exports to Mexico are around 17 MMT worth about $3.3 billion. Overall agricultural trade between the two countries is growing rapidly, though Mexico sells nearly 60 percent more to the U.S. than it imports from America, which makes the food sovereignty argument specious at best. While 45 percent of Mexico’s corn consumption is imported, 60 percent of American fresh fruit consumption is imported and nearly 40 percent of its fresh vegetables. Importantly for Mexico, more than 88 percent of Mexico...
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...