While U.S. broiler production is forecast to grow in 2015 and 2016, two remaining unknowns are next year's corn and soymeal prices as well as what might occur this fall with avian influenza. Chicken Expansion According to the July WASDE report issued last Friday, broiler production for 2015 and 2016 is higher based on hatchery data and continued increases in bird weights. USDA shows growth of 5 percent in 2015 and 2 percent in 2016, while industry expectations are also around 5 percent for 2015 but up to 3 percent in 2016.As of 11 July, broiler growers have placed 4.78 billion chicks for meat production, a 3 percent increase from the same period a year ago. Also for the week ending 11 July, the average slaughter weight of young chickens w...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.