This week, I have been in Rotterdam, Netherlands attending and making a presentation at a protein conference. The attendees were mostly from European food companies and also included some animal production companies. I was tasked with speaking about the growing demand in China for soybeans, corn and other commodities as well as the impact that future demand may have on the availability in Europe and elsewhere.It is clear from my discussions with several attendees that the enormous past and likely future growth in Chinese demand is causing more than a bit of unease in Europe. This is understandable. 11 years ago, the EU was by far the world's largest importer of soybeans and the largest consumer of soymeal. Today, its soybean imports are o...
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: Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans continued to accelerate, with USDA reporting another 558 KMT sold to China and 236 KMT to unknown destinations. Combined with sales announced Wednesday and Thursday, the latest purchases bring the three-day total to approximately...
Key Takeaways: With the fall calf run now upon us, producers are finally getting a glimpse of what their realized profits will be for 2026. Some producers may have already obtained a strong estimate of 2026 revenues, especially if calves were forward sold in, for example, the mid-summer...
As fall begins, wild migratory birds are starting their seasonal migration. That has the industry and government officials worried about the potential spread, again, of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Some members of Congress have called for the United States to be prepared for a pote...