Small Won’t Win, Big Takes Time Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan met yesterday with USTR Robert Lighthizer and an EU spokesman described the talks as “constructive.” That might have also been the official description of their meeting three weeks ago when each side drew lines in the sand that were very far apart. President Trump is coercing the negotiations by threatening tariffs largely on German automobiles but imports from Europe are already in decline. First, there is the large production of European nameplates in America, and then there is the future comprised of electric cars, a category in which Tesla has replaced Mercedes and BMW as the luxury make of choice. The Commission says it lacks the mandate from...
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.