Only twice has a country filed a challenge in the WTO against another’s required notification of its domestic ag subsidies. The first was in May when the U.S. did so against India’s report on market support for wheat and rice during MY 2010/11-2013/14. The second time was yesterday when it filed another counternotification against India’s report of its cotton subsidies for MY 2015/16 (that for MY 2016/17 has not yet been submitted). India’s market price support (MPS) program payments operate as government purchases of the supported commodities at a guaranteed reference price. The limit of such payments under the WTO is 10 percent of the total market value of production (VoP), but the U.S. counter notice claims that...
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.