Budget’s math, politics don’t add up
Presidential budget proposals usually are about two things, politics and mathematics. Both elements carry equal weight.
Agbiz’s sweet deal on EPA air regs
For generations, U.S. meat and egg producers joked about the earthy aromas emanating from their farms.
Wise words from outgoing secretary
By tradition, an outgoing president leaves just one item - a letter to the incoming president - on the Oval Office desk when departing the White House for the final time.
The most to lose: Social Security ‘reform’ to hit rural America hardest
No American group has more to lose in Social Security reform than farmers, ranchers and other rural dwellers, according to USDA demographic and income data.
USDA’s mad cow circus: Act II
After spending the last four years marrying the U.S. cattle market to Canada's cattle market - the new family's name is "the integrated North American beef market" - the USDA is now saddled with its handiwork.
USDA’s ‘mad cow’ circus act
The only thing worse than the USDA's timing in the announcement of new rules to permit Canadian live cattle and cow beef imports into the U.
Cork the bubbly: 2005 won’t be 2004
When bidding my first, large freelance writing job decades ago, I telephoned an experienced friend for guidance.
More dollars and less conservation
There is no shortage of American grain; current cash prices prove it.
Corn is marking time at $2, wheat hangs just above $3 and soybeans, at $5.
A life of simple living and giving
(Author's note: The following column was first published the week of Christmas 1994. Now, by tradition, it returns.
Johanns’ confirmation is easy; it’s everything else that will be hard
A few days after his presidential nomination to replace Ann Veneman as secretary of agriculture, Nebraska Gov.
