World Perspectives

Food Wins; Stating the Obvious

Food Wins Commercial food workers hate fast line speeds at meat processors because it makes them work harder and reduces the required number of workers. Animal rights activists hate faster line speeds at meat packers because more animals get slaughtered. The Biden Administration is certainly supportive of labor, and even sympathetic to animal welfare. However, meat processors lack workers, and slower live speeds mean less meat and thus more inflation. USDA extended for 90 days a trial faster swine processing pace, and says it will extend waivers for faster line speeds at poultry processors. In short, consumers outnumber labor activists in an election year.  Stating the Obvious The President’s Export Council is appointed by the...

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Market Commentary: Corrections Lower, and Maybe Yet Lower

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Livestock Roundup: U.S. and Global Beef Markets

USDA confirmed last Friday, 31 October, that despite the shutdown several key reports will be issued, including the November Cattle on Feed report, scheduled for 21 November.  There will be no data from the October report, but that information could be available through the month-to-month...

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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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