Markets continued their collapse today, following a lack of progress in the weekend trade talked between China and the U.S. The hardline Trump trade talk has trumped the continuation of less-than-ideal weather around the world that will eventually push markets higher. Our opinion remains that consumptive buyers should be expanding coverage on this price break. The major disappointment in these trade talks, from the market’s perspective, is that 10 days ago everyone was excited about the possibility China would agree to increase purchases of U.S. commodities by $25 billion and the threat $50 billion in tariffs on imports from China had passed. Instead, of course, there is now the possibility of no increase in imports by China plus the...
Key Takeaways: The U.S. herd is stabilizing, but growth remains modest. Total goat inventory rose 1 percent in 2026, while meat-goat numbers increased 2 percent, which is not enough to materially reduce import dependence. Domestic slaughter is rising from a low base. Commercial slaughter incre...
What You Need to Know: U.S. fertilizer production is highly concentrated, but concentration alone does not establish that producers are operating as a cartel. Imports introduce competition unevenly: they supply nearly all U.S. potash consumption but play much smaller roles in domestic ammonia...
Given yesterday’s headlines, today’s market action may not be what many expected. The dollar is little changed, crude oil is pulling back and stocks are trading higher. Crude may be the biggest piece of today’s reversal. Saudi Arabia is offering additional crude to Asian buyer...
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.