WPI previously wrote about the Trump USDA’s plans to weigh in on the farm bill as well as the diminishing likelihood of that occurring with the delay in confirmation of Sonny Perdue as its secretary (see Ag Perspectives, 10 March 2017). On Wednesday of this week, however, Secretary Perdue made good on the administration’s promise by releasing a set of guiding principles for the upcoming farm bill. Last year House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (R-Texas) was very cool to administration suggestions on the farm bill and noted in comments at the 2017 Commodity Classic, "We all have our equities, and we are all jealous of our equities, and one of the equities of the legislative branch is to write the law." At the time...
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.