USDA’s National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) conducts a census of U.S. production agricultural every five years. The most recent one, completed in 2017, was due to be released in February. However, the government shutdown and funding lapse at the end of 2018 forced a delay, and it was finally released last week on 11 April. This census is a treasure trove of data on virtually every aspect of American farming and production agriculture. NASS defines a farm as any place from which at least $1,000 of goods (crops of any kind and livestock) were sold or could have been sold in the survey year. This includes everything from giant farms to small berry patches, five-acre plots of wine grapes, and truck farms of all kinds. It incl...
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.