Fed cattle prices are up, finally rebounding from the disruption to packing capacity constriction, large numbers of cattle on feed from drought conditions, and heavier slaughter weights. Exports are behind last year’s pace; through September, year-to-date exports are 8 percent on volume and 9 percent in value, accounting for 13 percent of production and $5.55 billion, which is about $295 per head of fed slaughtered cattle. Seasonal demand for beef should pick up approaching the holidays. The news of a COVID vaccine approval was also positive for economic recovery and food service demand for muscle cuts regained traction. To date, ground beef from fast food and fast casual takeout have held up, but seated dining still has...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.
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...