Uglier with a Smile President-Elect Joe Biden says he wants to normalize U.S. diplomacy following his predecessor’s bull in the china closet approach but there will still be an ugly side to it. The next chief executive already says he will not immediately remove Mr. Trump’s punitive tariffs against China. Even harsher ideas came out this week from the U.S. – China Economic and Security Review Commission. That body emphasized retaining the tariffs until some other forms of leverage can be found and recommended adding a slew of other provocative policies. Most controversial would involve sending a PAS (presidentially appointed, Senate confirmed) official to Taiwan. The Commission includes Michael Wessell, a labor expert als...
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.