Industry predictions of a decline in EU rapeseed production are being confirmed by sharply lower yields in Germany. Farmers there are harvesting at least 20 percent less per hectare than last year because of dryness and a heat wave in late June-July. Better U.S. Soy Export Sales Last Week As reported to USDA, last week's export sales of soybeans, soymeal and soyoil were higher than in recent weeks, although they were still small in comparison to annual volumes. Net soybean export sales last week for shipment in 2014/15 totaled 80,800 MT, 65 percent more than the previous four-week average. Increases to the Netherlands (106,400 MT), Mexico (33,000 MT), Indonesia (28,000 MT), Colombia (6,200 MT) and Switzerland (3,300 MT) were partially off...
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.