Brazil’s meat processors are expressing angst that their country’s boosted corn exports to China this year will drive up domestic feed costs to what they describe as an “overpriced” level. The number of Chinese bidders for imported corn is large as the Middle Kingdom’s sow herd rebounded 0.6 percent in December and pork production is almost back to the level it was before African Swine Fever damaged the herd. However, it is a more complicated story for Brazil. Looking at the past decade’s change in grain and meat production in Brazil on two different axes (see below) lends the impression that livestock production has grown alongside feed supplies. However, on a CARG basis, soybean production has 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...
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...
Let’s return briefly to the fake meat hype cycle, now sitting somewhere in a dusty corner of your mind, not entirely forgotten. What happened to all those products, known as plant-based alternative proteins? They were supposed to be as good as real meat—cheaper, more environmentally...
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.