Much like yesterday, today’s trading was dominated by crop tour yield numbers, good weather forecasts, and continued pressure on world wheat values. The soy complex managed to post solid gains, but wheat led corn lower amid significant spread trading. Funds are thought to be flat corn while holding an 80,000-contract new short position in soybeans and a small net short in wheat. News broke this afternoon that USDA is pulling all staff from the ongoing Pro Farmer tour after one participating employee was threatened. WPI’s knowledge of this tour is that a few USDA staffers are typically present on it each year ahead of the agency’s own crop tour/yield estimate efforts. Outside markets were mostly higher today with U.S. equ...
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.