lt seemed good as inflation dropped from 9.1 percent in June 2022 to 3 percent in July 2023. Some politicians credited the Inflation Reduction Act, at least in name. Those that had earlier said a recession was inevitable if inflation is to be tamed were eating crow. Last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized a continued hawkish position on inflation even as some were suggesting the 2 percent target rate should be ignored. This week, recession is back in the lexicon. While monetary policy is under control, some are citing the continued decline in fiscal discipline. This decline continues despite the warning sign of Fitch Ratings lowering the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA+ at the start of this month. The U.S. Congress w...
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
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.