Congress has a lot to do and a short time to do it. First, the timeline: the fiscal year ends on 30 September, and then about 60 days later, on 6 November, there’ll be the 2018 mid-term Congressional election for which Congress tries to adjourn at least 30 days prior in order to campaign. This week neither the House nor Senate is in session due to the August recess. The House won’t reconvene until after Labor Day, on 4 September. The Senate, however, will be back at work next week after on a one-week break. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) decided back in June to shorten the August recess. Reportedly, the extra work session was meant to address unfinished business, but more likely this was to keep the unusua...
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.