Hacking away at 2007 (Iraqi) farm bill
On May 8, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns took the Bush administration's first formal step toward the 2007 farm bill.
Bye to Harvard’s only ag economist
The news of John Kenneth Galbraith's April 29 passing brought but a moment's sadness before it swept me back to the book-lined study of his home where, in mid-June 1986, he availed himself to a lengthy interview so I could prepare a profile of him for Farm Journal's Top Producer magazine.
Your mother raised such an idiot!
The e-mailer was hotter than a $3 pistol. "What part of illegal don't you understand?" the opening salvo of the angry note asked after a column on immigration reform - and the lack thereof - a month ago.
Hmm, how about a tasty catburger?
While the nation's farmers leap into spring planting, this office is reluctantly digging through the winter drifts of stories gone undone.
USDA: Defenders of the corrupt
During Australia's inquiry of the $215 million in kickbacks paid to the Saddam Hussein regime, documents have been made public that show American-based Australian diplomats working hand-in glove with U.
Ethanol boom continues to advance
In his opening address to the 11th National Ethanol Conference Feb. 21, Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen declared loudly and proudly that "ethanol has arrived.
Animal ID compelling, not convincing
When the USDA announced the discovery of the nation's first mad cow in late December 2003, consumers and ranchers were met by a government search-and-destroy blitz worthy of war.
A knucklehead trade strategy
Lawyers are fond of noting there are only three courtroom strategies to pursue in any legal case. First, if the facts favor your client, argue the facts.
More food labeling, not less, is needed
Given the sad state of affairs in today's affairs of state - record federal budget deficits, record trade deficits, illegal domestic eavesdropping, the sale of key U.
Numbers predict an up-and-down year
When March arrives like a lamb, the old saying goes, it roars out like a lion. How then will the 2006 growing season finish if current numbers, courtesy of the USDA, show it hobbling out of the gate on weak knees and a bent back? Six months, of course, will tell the tale, but February USDA figures begin it with some opening lines that are grim - Brothers Grimm grim.
