Wednesday, February 11 2026 — 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Jacob Shapiro is the Director of Research at Bespoke Group, which protects, grows, and compounds wealth and meaning for successful entrepreneurs and families. He hosts “The Jacob Shapiro Podcast”, which features interviews with subject matter experts in geopolitics, technology, agriculture, and other fields. He holds a master’s degree with distinction from Oxford University and a bachelor’s degree in Near Eastern studies from Cornell University.
Jacob lives in New Orleans with his wife and two daughters. When he’s not tweeting at 4 a.m. about the latest international developments or commodities prices, you might find him doing his best Larry Bird impersonation at a pickup basketball game.
Geopolitical Trends The Manitoban Agricultural Community Needs to Watch
In a world defined by rapid change and increasing complexity, crop producers and agricultural leaders must navigate not only shifting markets but also evolving geopolitical landscapes, supply chain pressures, and environmental uncertainty. Jacob Shapiro brings a fresh, unconventional perspective to these challenges—delivering tailored, deeply researched insights that resonate across the agricultural value chain. With expertise spanning global politics, economics, and market forecasting, Jacob’s keynote will explore the key forces shaping agriculture today—from trade disruptions and technological change to food security and energy dynamics. Known for his engaging style, sharp analysis, and grounded optimism, Jacob offers the crop sector a rare opportunity to step back, think differently, and gain strategic clarity in an unpredictable world. This session will set the tone for two days of meaningful dialogue, offering valuable takeaways for every stakeholder attending the CropConnect Conference.