This week the EPA asked the U.S. Court of Appeals to delay enforcement of a reporting requirment that had been previously exempted, and the National Pork Producers Council also filed a motion in support of that request. No Room for Mercosur Beef in the EU Trade talks between the EU and Mercosur have gone on so long that the EU is not even the same market anymore. They started in 1999 and ceased by 2004 until resuming in 2010. Since the discussions began, 14 Central and Eastern European countries have joined the EU and the UK has voted to leave. The latter development has changed the complexion of the negotiations, leading the Irish Farmers Association to demand that beef be excluded from the deal. This week Joe Healy, president of the gr...
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.