R Realignment with Labor Organized labor has historically aligned with the Democratic Party while Republicans were associated with management. Donald Trump changed that formula in 2016 when he opposed trade agreements and argued on behalf of workers. Union leaders still backed the Democrat for president, Hillary Clinton, but union members voted for Trump at record levels. That situation may repeat itself as Mr. Trump has remained faithful to workers and skeptical of trade. The latest example being his Administration’s direct work with the AFL-CIO in crafting the first labor challenge under the USMCA. More Republicans may support Joe Biden in this year’s election, but labor union members that backed Trump in 2016 are unlikely to...
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...
From WPI Consulting
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.