The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) recently argued (see WPI 23 August) that one reason it would be a bad idea to waive the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) this year is because a waived RFS would provide a disincentive for farmers to plant corn.To take a line from the ethanol crowd, however, "don't blame the RFS, blame the drought." Indeed, with or without the RFS, farmers are looking to cut back on corn and the reason is the drought. Corn-on-corn acres are the toughest to maintain yields on during adverse conditions, and we've seen adverse conditions now for two or three years in several areas of the country. Thus, several farmers do not want to grow corn again next year. Indeed, at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa, Farm Futures magazine r...
What You Need to Know Today: Commodities were mostly lower across the board today after yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting hinted at a potential interest rate hike later in 2026. The dollar index reached its highest level in over a year, and a strong dollar makes U.S. agricultural expor...
Key Market Insights Geopolitical Limbo: Geopolitical risk remained a key driver across global commodity markets today. President Trump stated that the Iran memorandum of understanding is not yet final and warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Both sides continue w...
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.