The current politics of free trade are so complex that the basic issues involved sometimes get lost.One definition of free trade is that it allows me to freely export goods and services to you, but it does not allow you to export freely to me.A great many years ago, I spoke at an annual members meeting of a Midwestern regional coop, which included farmers plus managers and board members of country elevators that were part of the group. After I had finished, one farmer asked why everyone paid so much attention to grain exports since he could not see how that benefitted him. I was surprised as I assumed grain exports were completely noncontroversial. The best response I could formulate on the fly was to point out that about half of each year'...
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.