The westward movement of soybeans in the U.S. has been occurring for many years as hardier, shorter-season varieties have been developed. That is expected to continue as well as to the north with another significant variable also driving expansion of soybean planted area.Last Friday’s USDA Prospective Plantings Report surprised many with the larger-than-expected increase in soybean plantings for 2017. It projected an additional 6.049 million acres (7.25 percent) may be planted versus last year. A substantial boost was anticipated because of the poor profit outlook for corn and wheat, which farmers clearly indicated compels them to plant the crop that costs less to produce. Most likely, bankers had more than a bit to say about their planting...
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.