Everyone understands that world weather in 2013 will be critically important to commodity suppliers and prices. World feed grains supplies are hovering around record small levels. With soybean supplies in the U.S. expected to be near bin-bottom levels by late summer, the world is banking on record soybean production in Brazil and Argentina to replenish stocks. The trade feels comfortable with world wheat supplies, but a closer looks shows the major exporters -- with the exception of North America -- are basically "out." We continue to monitor potential production problems in southern Russia because of the drought and very cold winter. We see the U.S. drought monitor maps in every publication and at every meeting. We know that high prices...
What You Need to Know Today: U.S. weather is getting more attention this week as conditions vary greatly across the western, central, and eastern corn belts, with the different regions battling dryness and too much rain simultaneously. The ProFarmer Crop Tour began today in Indiana and Nebrask...
Key Takeaways: Argentina is on pace for a record corn crop and record exports in the current marketing year, with abundant supplies likely to keep the country highly competitive in global export markets. Argentina’s record exportable surplus is allowing it to offer highly competitive pri...
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.