Animal Ag Beefs: For too long governments have resigned themselves to incurring the illegal trade practices of others on the basis that negotiation is better than interminable litigation. That sentiment changed dramatically in 2012. The latest is Brazil's rightful threat of WTO dispute settlement action against countries that have banned its beef due to a non-classic case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) even as the OIE maintains a negligible risk rating on the country. And the EU has just announced that it will step up its efforts to enforce trade agreements. Minnesota poultry growers can finally export chicken to China after Beijing lifted a more-than-year-long ban it had put in place due to a low pathogenic avian influenza out...
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.
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...