In the March World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, USDA raised beef production by 140 million pounds based on slaughter weight and increased beef imports by 50 million pounds. The total beef, pork, and chicken production forecast was increased by 270 million pounds from February. Imports will go to grind, which is stable for beef production as price fluctuations are smaller and the cuts cheaper than many other beef cuts, making it a barometer of beef pricing. However, domestic cattle supplies that go into grind are cows, of which there are fewer for slaughter, thus the reliance on imported trim. The reduction in beef cow slaughter has pressured prices for ground beef. January beef imports increased by 3...
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.