The livestock packing sector continues to see profitability decline as beef and pork prices have been relatively stable while animal costs have risen. Both beef and pork packer margins turned negative last week, though the losses are shallow in the pork sector and deeply red for the beef industry. Feedlot margins also weakened last week due to rising feeder cattle prices and steady fed cattle values. Hog producers saw mixed margin performance as closeout profits dropped on weaker futures and lower basis levels while forward-looking margins improved on higher futures/forward price expectations. ...
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.