USDA’s National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) conducts a census of U.S. production agricultural every five years. The most recent one, completed in 2017, was due to be released in February. However, the government shutdown and funding lapse at the end of 2018 forced a delay, and it was finally released last week on 11 April. This census is a treasure trove of data on virtually every aspect of American farming and production agriculture. NASS defines a farm as any place from which at least $1,000 of goods (crops of any kind and livestock) were sold or could have been sold in the survey year. This includes everything from giant farms to small berry patches, five-acre plots of wine grapes, and truck farms of all kinds. It incl...
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.