Despite claims by U.S. Farm Bill critics like Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) that the American food system is “broken,” Congress will not radicalize its policies during a global food security crisis. Just as the EU has backed off from near-term and stringent production restrictions in its F2F CAP reform effort, few American politicians will take the risk of making a bad situation worse. Farm bills are complex policy vehicles will hundreds of moving and interdependent parts. Even seemingly rational policy changes can radically shift the crops that are grown, or the budgetary limits assigned to them. The last major policy change, Freedom to Farm in the 1996 Farm Bill, became derisively known as Freedom to Fail and force...
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.
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...