NOAA’s forecast that the coming winter will be colder than last year’s means energy costs will be on the rise. Livestock producers in the Midwest will consequently see some production costs increase as the mercury drops.It is mid-October when the economic issues associated with winter weather, heating costs, and movement in energy markets start to influence much of the economy. The agricultural economy is no exception, especially in poultry, pork, and dairy production. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this winter – defined as October through March - will be 13 percent colder than last winter but about three percent warmer than the previous 10-year national average.Of course, weather is quite variable...
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: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
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...