One must question why the government allows U.S. biodiesel blenders to capture the tax credit for exported biodiesel when the objective of the blender credit has been to reduce U.S. energy dependence. U.S. Soybean Export Sales at 96.4 Percent of USDA Forecast USDA raised its forecast on Tuesday for U.S. soybean exports in 2013/14 by 25 million bushels to 1.475 billion bushels (40.14 MMT). The increase clearly was justified based on the reality that sales had reached 95 percent of USDA's forecast for all of 2013/14. However, yesterday's USDA export sales report indicated U.S. exporters sold an additional 1.1086 MMT (40.73 million bushels) of soybeans last week. That brings U.S. soybean export sales to 96.3 percent of USDA's new forecast fo...
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.