As we approach the end of 2012, it is worth taking a look back at the year's major events in the oilseeds sector and what may be in store in 2013. Perhaps at no other time in history has the oilseeds sector been more volatile and so important. A Look Back at 2012 The key word for 2012 was drought. Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay all suffered major droughts in the first half of the year that cut their soybean production by a combined 21.1 MMT, or 15.9 percent. Argentina and Paraguay were impacted the most in percentage terms, but Brazil saw the largest decline in its output of 8.8 MMT.The second half of the year saw the U.S. also impacted by a severe drought. However, owing to late rains in the Mississippi Valley and the eastern Corn Belt...
What You Need to Know Today: Cattle futures extended their sharp selloff Friday as weakening cash cattle prices, deteriorating feedlot profitability, and reduced packer demand continued to weigh on the market. The inability of futures to sustain a rally following last week's bullish Cattle on...
As predicted, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at the last meeting before the midterm elections, likely in part because of the election (see WPI 19 October and 22 September). The decision comes at the tail end of a midterm election cycle that has been marked by the two parties campaigning...
Key Takeaways: WPI’s new EU rapeseed crushing margin models point to weaker processing returns over the next four months due to higher rapeseed procurement costs and weaker product values. Statistical forecasts call for German crushing margins to decline from €181/MT to €...
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.