Political scientists and theoreticians have long debated the shape of the political spectrum; is it a straight line from left to right? Or is it a curve where the edges of the left and the edges of the right come together? Some of the recent debates in ag policy would seem to be evidence of the latter. Consider the group Freedom Works. It is a conservative, market-oriented organization, self-described as “the nation’s premier grassroots advocacy group dedicated to freedom and small government.” And it holds sway with conservative Republicans in Congress. Freedom Works has increasingly become involved in various ag policy debates, most recently staking out support of California’s Proposition 12, and opposing commodi...
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: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...