We’ve moved past Memorial Day, this weekend is Fathers’ Day, and it will soon by the 4th of July Independence Day holiday – all prime time events for retail beef demand. Moving into this high demand season, beef has held up remarkably well. May retail prices were the third highest on record, behind only October and November of 2021 when there was an extra $21 trillion of personal income in the economy due to COVID payments and extended benefits. When consumers have more to spend, beef is among the food purchases that increase. But now the dynamic is wages failing to keep up with inflation and yet consumers are still paying up for beef. Note the choice cutout was up another $1.07/cwt yesterday and has bee...
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) enters its mandated six-year review on 1 July. The original intent of the review is outlined in Article 34.7, which obligates members to: Provide recommendations and decide on appropriate actions. Extend the USMCA for another 16 years and meet aga...
Key Market Insights Geopolitical Limbo: Geopolitical risk remained a key driver across global commodity markets today. President Trump stated that the Iran memorandum of understanding is not yet final and warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Both sides continue w...
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.