The Strategy of Licensing
Fall 2015
Companies often struggle when contemplating licensing deals. This is especially true of small companies with new technology. The decision to license, when to license, and the overall licensing approach are crucial factors when considering how to generate new income from newly developed or even existing products. – Context Partner, James Mann Although not typically done, … Continue reading The Strategy of Licensing
Read MoreVolatility in the Animal Ag Sector
Summer 2015
As in other agriculture pursuits, volatility has become a constant in the animal agriculture and poultry industries. From weather volatility that whipsaws grain/feed costs to the volatility caused by disease outbreaks, and including the volatility of the marketplace, these conditions are imposing production and business adaptation along the animal agriculture value chain. Gradual adaptation is … Continue reading Volatility in the Animal Ag Sector
Read MoreEquipment Manufacturers Feel the Pain of “Doing the Splits”
Summer 2015
Over the past 25 years, the majority of land farmed in the Corn Belt has flipped from operations with less than 500 acres to those with over 1000 acres. The implication of this trend towards the larger farm operation managing a greater portion of production area is simultaneously being matched by the signification of smaller … Continue reading Equipment Manufacturers Feel the Pain of “Doing the Splits”
Read MoreIssues in Animal Ag: A Strategic Approach
Summer 2015
People: the planet has more of them every day. More of them are eating better. Global consumption of protein is increasing. In 15 years projections show there will be a 35 percent increase in demand for vegetable oils, meat and milk. Forecasts for future food demand offer many opportunities for higher farm incomes and post-harvest additions. … Continue reading Issues in Animal Ag: A Strategic Approach
Read MoreContext on Continued Investment in Ag Tech
Spring 2015
Throughout 2014 and the first quarter of 2015, the agriculture sector continued to see significant interest from institutional investors with increases in activity from both growth and venture capital providers. One of the most active areas for investment was in the agriculture technology (AgTech) segment, which, according to AgFunder, saw $2.36 billion in investments across … Continue reading Context on Continued Investment in Ag Tech
Read MoreUnderstanding the Produce Value Chain
Spring 2015
Think back several decades and walk into your favorite grocery store. What did you see? Was produce the first department you entered? Did you see a vast array of fruits and vegetables including fresh cut, a dozen or more different types of apples and tomatoes, and fresh berries every day? (Hint: the market for small … Continue reading Understanding the Produce Value Chain
Read MoreAchieving Scale and Sustainability of Market-based Development: Two Perspectives
Spring 2015
In July of 2014 the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced a plan to create 20 agro-industrial parks. These parks will represent a key pillar of their $6 billion Agricultural Investment National Plan running through 2020. Included in these agro-industrial parks will be the formation of commercial anchor farms, training and financial … Continue reading Achieving Scale and Sustainability of Market-based Development: Two Perspectives
Read MoreDefining Price: A Critical Component in the Market Mix
Spring 2014
Market researchers have several different techniques for helping manufacturers set prices. Some lead to valuable insights, while others provide only confusion. Carefully designed and professionally implemented quantitative research and data analysis together provide details that have a significant impact on outcomes. Pricing is one of the most critical elements of a product in the marketing … Continue reading Defining Price: A Critical Component in the Market Mix
Read MoreThe Power of Benchmarking
Winter 2013
Each year since 2007, Context has conducted benchmarking studies for the crop protection manufacturers in North America. Individual, customer reports are made available to subscribers, providing them with both a “big picture” and a “close up” view of their industry, and more importantly, a keen perspective as to where and how they measure up. This … Continue reading The Power of Benchmarking
Read MoreLeading Strategic Change – A Key to Change: Deep Organizational Engagement & Involvement
Winter 2013
We have the most educated workforce in human history. Younger generations of workers desire an opportunity to use their intellect to create and innovate. Many from the younger generations have grown up in more inclusive and team oriented environments, hence top down decision making and “marching orders” are less warmly received today than in the … Continue reading Leading Strategic Change – A Key to Change: Deep Organizational Engagement & Involvement
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