Yesterday’s Planting Intentions and Grain Ending Stocks reports from USDA were market movers, but despite the effects of higher feed prices, there was also bullish news on the hog and pork front. First, as we reported last week, the quarterly hogs and pigs report showed smaller numbers across the board from the pre-pandemic 2020 December to February quarterly report. Last year there were records for total inventory, market hogs, December-to-February pig crop, and pigs saved per litter. Last week’s report was the first drop in total swine herd numbers (down 2 percent) from 1 March to 1 March since 2014. The reduction in the sow herd was the largest since 2009. The Cold Storage report showed pork was reported at 491...
What You Need to Know Today: President Trump claimed the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was over, as both sides accused one another of violating the terms of the agreement. Commercial vessels are increasingly steering clear of the Strait of Hormuz as security risks escalate following Iran...
Key Takeaways: The CME Group is launching new 90 percent Lean Beef and 50 percent Lean Beef futures and options contracts in July. There are five key factors that must be present in physical markets and futures contract specifications for futures contracts to become successful. The two l...
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.