WASDE Today’s WASDE report shows higher red meat and poultry production for 2019 and 2020 driven by pork and broilers. Pork production will be pushed by expanding production. The 1 September inventory at 77.7 million head was the largest since records began in 1988, and the June-August pig crop at 35.3 million head was the largest since those records began in 1970. The June-August pigs saved per litter at 11.11 was up from 10.72 head compared to 2018. The slowdown in placements of cattle on feed in the third quarter of 2019, which in July and August was at 94 percent of a year ago, has the early 2020 beef production down but it is forecast to increase in the second quarter. Broiler production is forecast to grow on flock expan...
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.