In yesterday’s report, looking forward to today’s WASDE, we noted that all eyes should go to the meat and broiler export forecasts “as trade is the driver” for 2020. As it turned out, nothing changed on those forecasts. It would appear that the Japan-U.S. deal was already factored in, and it was indeed too early for USDA to fully include the China deal. On the topic of China, a trade team from Beijing is expected in Washington on Monday for the signing of the pact next Wednesday. Also note, we’ve learned that a U.S. team may go to China as early as the first week of February, ostensibly for the kickoff of Phase Two talks … but right now, that is tentative, at best. There is still news to come abo...
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.