Biden Trade Policy Some of Washington’s top trade policy wonks opined last week on what they think should be the policy approach of President-Elect Joe Biden. Chad Bown of the Peterson Institute for International Economics yearns for trade policy to return to low visibility. He conceded that in the past, the adjustment costs to free trade were largely ignored, whereas under Trump that erroneously became the sole focus. Dartmouth University economist Doug Irwin characterized Trump trade policy as instinct and reactions that lacked an underlying and thoughtful strategy. He argues for a constructive approach that aligns objectives with the proper policy instruments. Claude Barfield of the American Enterprise Institute notes the c...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...