Proponents of stark structural changes are trying to use the current COVID-19 crisis as leverage to achieve their policy goals, but it is unlikely to succeed. In the U.S. it is the Green New Deal that is getting teed up and in Europe proponents want the new Farm to Fork initiative kept on track. There were similar distractions during the Great Recession but policymakers mostly enacted reforms to the banking system. In the same vein, limited resources this time will be focused on “repairs” to the health system. The term repairs is highlighted because the changes will not have unanimous agreement. Countries have already enacted restrictions on the export of food, medications and personal protective equipment. U.S. President Donal...
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.