Cattle and Beef Outlook USDA revised its 2018 beef production forecast to 26.9 billion pounds, a decrease of 30 million pounds, as fewer fed cattle are expected to go to slaughter in the fourth quarter. The production estimate for 2019 is 27.8 billion pounds, down 100 million on lower-than-trend feedlot placements in the third quarter. Thus, the revisions to USDA’s earlier trends come from lower numbers in back-to back-quarters. 4.7 percent fewer cattle were placed in feedlots, but there were also 3.6 percent fewer cattle marketed than the previous year, which would still result in increased beef production. Strong marketing in the first half of 2019 can be expected as a result. Exports have been supportive of beef prices throughout...
What You Need to Know Today: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured reelection on Sunday, defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro despite trailing in the first round of voting. The surprise victory triggered a sharp selloff in Brazilian financial market...
The 2026 midterm elections are a week from tomorrow, but early voting has been taking place for weeks. At stake is control of Congress, including the House of Representatives, where all 435 seats are contested, and the Senate, where approximately one-third of the seats are up for election. Farm...
Key Takeaways: Total U.S. crop acres (excluding hay) are forecast to expand fractionally this year due to greater oilseed crop and winter wheat plantings. One of the key drivers of this year’s crop outlook is input costs, and crops with a lower cost profile have an advantage in producers...
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.