There is no proxy for the exact current global commodity situation, though it looks familiar at this juncture. Petroleum is arguably being over-produced, as are major crops like corn, wheat and soybeans. Each of the aforementioned are at or near record carryover. In the historical boom/bust cycle of commodities – something must and will change. Oil prices peaked in the 1970’s at the same time inflation pushed up the value of gold, and then notably collapsed. In July 1973, an ounce of gold could buy 33 barrels of oil. The perceived shortage affected producers of lots of different commodities, causing overinvestment, consequently over-production and ultimately a collapse in values. By January 1974, that same ounce would buy...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...
From WPI Consulting
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.