The recent sharp declines in global soybean prices may be good news for the world's soybean processors, food manufacturers and animal feeders after years of very high prices. However, this turn has U.S. farmers almost in shock and most likely South American farmers as well. Sizable Soy Export Sales Last Week Today's USDA export sales report indicated U.S. exporters made sizable sales of soybeans and soymeal last week. Net soybean sales for shipment in 2014/15 totaled 869,100 MT. In addition, there was a sale of 21,500 MT to Thailand for shipment in 2015/16. The main buyers for shipment in the current marketing year were China (730,800 MT), the Netherlands (141,500 MT), Taiwan (69,400 MT), Mexico (43,900 MT), Japan (35,000 MT) and Indonesi...
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.