WPI previously commented on the Dicamba chemical controversy (see Ag Perspectives, 7 August 2017). Dicamba-resistant soybeans, intended to replace the Roundup Ready variety, will be the next big shift in soybean seed technology. The problem was that the chemical is very volatile, which causes it to drift with the potential to damage surrounding fields of soybeans that are not Dicamba-resistant. That drift issue became quite prominent this season as the expansion in the planting of the new soybeans accelerated. There were countless reports of Dicamba damage across the norther Plains and Corn Belt, and farmers were getting into arguments over who would cover the losses. Animosities became so bad in some communities that farmers stayed away fr...
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.