According to the latest USDA country brief, Saudi Arabia will import just over 17 MMT of grain in 2015/16: 8.5 MMT of barley, 3.5 MMT of corn, 3.3 MMT of wheat and 1.5 MMT of rice. The government is hoping to reduce barley imports by promoting more use of prepared feeds, although the purpose of this effort is questionable. Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/ MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS The Lebanese government is taking legal action with regard to Russian wheat shipments that have tested too high for ochratoxin, which was found to be three to five times above the allowed levels. Ochratoxin is a type of mycotoxin and is considered a possible carcinogen in humans. The country’s health minister has called for a ban on Russian wheat, but this has not be...
What You Need to Know Today: Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans continued to accelerate, with USDA reporting another 558 KMT sold to China and 236 KMT to unknown destinations. Combined with sales announced Wednesday and Thursday, the latest purchases bring the three-day total to approximately...
As fall begins, wild migratory birds are starting their seasonal migration. That has the industry and government officials worried about the potential spread, again, of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Some members of Congress have called for the United States to be prepared for a pote...
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.