Packing Plant Hot Spots As Matt Herrington reported last night, meat packing plants are the new COVID-19 hotspots. The CDC is expected to issue its report from its investigation of the Smithfield Sioux Falls pork plant in South Dakota very soon. Reportedly it calls for improved social distancing, expanded use of face shields and other protective equipment, and better communication between the company and workers. It will be the model of other states which are also dealing with the outbreaks. The State of Kansas has received additional personal protective equipment (PPE) from the national stockpile, and active planning is in place in Iowa and Minnesota. The goal is to keep the plants as operational as possible. As of last week, fed cattle...
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.
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...