The year 2019 has been difficult for cow-calf producers with heavy winter snowstorms that reduced calf survival rates, massive spring flooding, and the summer weakness in cattle prices. Now, producers are racing to get calves to market before another early snowstorm hits and reduces their chances of getting animals to market. The market for yearling feeder cattle is extremely hot right now with feedlots bidding a premium for animals that will survive a potentially harsh winter better than their younger counterparts. WPI sources indicate that most cattlemen are simply trying to get calves weaned and shipped to the sale barn. With two years of reduced profitability and a smaller calf crop this year, producers need all the revenue they...
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...
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.