U.S. presidential candidates racing for the Democratic Party nomination are proposing major electoral reforms to strengthen outcomes in their favor. The idea of ending the Electoral College would dilute the influence of the middle of the country, which makes it surprising that the idea is being pushed by Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Donald Trump won more votes in the Heartland because these citizens already felt at a disadvantage to elites in the coastal urban centers. To formally disenfranchise them will likely worsen the national divide. Some of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, West Virginia, etc.) have the highest rates of gun ownership in the nation...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
From WPI Consulting
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.