Regional News France and Romania are lobbying for stricter alignment of Ukrainian grain terms with EU standards. The move comes as concerns about logistical bottlenecks, customs issues, and environmental regulations mount. The EU-Ukraine trade corridor continues to evolve and there is growing pressure to revise or revoke the tariff-free access Ukraine has to EU markets. Such a move, or similar moves regarding inspections and grading protocols, could impact the volume of ag trade following from Ukraine into Europe. Last week, the EU Parliament approved plans to downgrade the protection status of wolves across the block, because of their growing numbers and increased threat to livestock. Milling Wheat Wheat prices cont...
What You Need to Know Today: The cattle market rebounded sharply this week, with January feeder cattle futures gaining $16.98/cwt and February live cattle futures advancing $7.60/cwt since last Friday. Tyson Foods' plans to restore a second processing shift at its Amarillo, Texas, facili...
Key Takeaways: The rationale for farm programs has changed significantly from their original intentions. Farmers’ incomes have grown sharply and have surpassed non-farm incomes beginning in the 1970s. Current farm programs are complex and focus on supporting risk management, environmenta...
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.