China’s enormous influence on the pork market is now greater than ever as USDA is projecting that the country will account for more than 25 percent of global pork trade in 2017. Now it is a force for increases in another category of exports. USDA Buying More Cheese While in Wisconsin (a battleground state in the presidential election) on Tuesday, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the department intends to buy $20 million worth of cheddar cheese. The solicitation will be forthcoming from USDA. This follows a previous announcement in August (see Ag Perspectives, 24 August) regarding USDA’s plan to spend $20 million on 11 million pounds. The goal of both announcements was to prop up dairy prices and divert the purchased cheese to fee...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...
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.