World Perspectives

Data versus Rhetoric

Politico reports that President Biden wants to attack the U.S. food industry in his 7 March State of the Union address to Congress. He believes his Super Bowl attack on food companies for “shrinkflation” struck a chord with voters for its deceptive nature. Rather than raise prices, food processors put less food in the package. President Biden condemned companies for putting “fewer chips” in the bag. That alone is awkward since shrinkflation mostly occurs in highly processed foods, the kind that Biden’s own health officials want people to consume less. Republicans like U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) blames the President by saying, "Unless you were homeschooled by a day drinker, you can see that shrinkfl...

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The CBOT markets were surprisingly insulated from a jump in crude oil that started the week. Crude oil futures rallied to $115/brl - their highest levels since the earliest days of the U.S.-Iran war - on rhetoric from the White House that signaled an escalation in the conflict. While the oil he...

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May 26 Corn closed at $4.54/bushel, up $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Wheat closed at $5.9525/bushel, down $0.03 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.6675/bushel, up $0.0325 from yesterday's close.  May 26 Soymeal closed at $316.6/short ton, up $1.4 fro...

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WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 6 April)

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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