China had already implemented a subsidy this year to encourage farmers to plant more soybeans, and that production is likely to be even higher as a separate initiative is introduced to address the country's issue with a different crop. China Sharply Increases Farmer Subsidy to Encourage Crop Rotation To encourage farmers to plant less corn, this year the government of China will nearly double the incentives to rotate crops. The finance ministry today indicated the government will pay farmers the equivalent of $375 million, an increase of 78 percent over last year.The rotation subsidy will be focused on northeastern China where most of the country’s corn is produced. The government is believed to have over 200 MMT in reserve, and it wants...
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.