Regional Updates MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA There hasn’t been this much news coverage of the Suez Canal since the crisis in 1956. Happily, the worst of the problem seems to be over with the grounded vessel now cleared and only the significant back-up of vessels to be dealt with. The cost of delays could run into the billions of dollars – most of which is not covered by insurance. The next question is will Egypt take any safety related action to limit vessel size for passage using the canal? Size limitations should not cause any problems for grain shipments but could be troublesome for large tankers and container vessels. Turkey may purchase soybeans from the U.S. in coming months after approval o...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.
What You Need to Know Today: New World screwworm is back in the headlines after new cases were found in a hunter-harvested elk in Texas and a beef cow in New Mexico. The detection in wildlife could further complicate containment efforts, as implementing effective biosecurity measures is consid...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize rates turning around from their recent weakness and posting solid gains on improved Chinese demand. Panamax vessels, on the other hand, saw rates decline amid greater tonnage availability in the South Atlantic and falling U.S. Gu...
Key Takeaways: Demand and capacity decide where milk growth lands. Italian cheese is up 4.2 percent in 2026, and milk output is growing fastest in Kansas, South Dakota and Texas, where the new plants are located. Price spreads decide where the marginal milk goes. The Class IV premium over Clas...