SUGAR LAND--December 6, 2012--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Despite severe drought conditions that have affected most states west of the Mississippi River and caused commodity prices to skyrocket, the Food and Beverage Industry , particularly in the Midwest market region, is showing optimism on capital expenditures. Industrial Info is currently tracking more than $2.3 billion in industry project expenditures in the Midwest, which includes North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas and Missouri. There are 181 major capital and maintenance projects that are being developed or under construction throughout the region. Other companies featured: Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM) , ConAgra Foods (NYSE:CAG) , General Mills Incorporated (NYSE:GIS)