Archived Features
- Production without plowshares
Farmers from around the world explore methods of growing crops without disturbing the soil.
- Hindenburg disaster for the hog industry
Hog farmers huddled in Minneapolis to talk about
how to win a game many of
them lost in 1998.
- Battle over biotechnology
U.S. agriculture has quickly embraced the production of crops genetically modified by new biotechnology. The rest of the world isn't so sure about "tampering" with the basic stuff of life. An upcoming meeting in Colombia could determine international policy on this issue for years to come.
- Singing the big iron blues
A slowdown in farm equipment sales forced major U.S. manufacturers to lay off workers in 1998, but you would never know it from the excitement at the the nation's largest indoor equipment exhibition.
- Wheat growers look to the future
Farmers who grow one of the most basic grains face increasing international competition.
- Light on irradiation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes it as using radiant energy to ensure food safety. But how will consumers react to buying meat and poultry products marked with a radiation symbol?
- Silicon chips and satellites
New ways of gathering, organizing and sharing information will transform farm management.
- A look at classic crops
One is a native American crop and the other is an Asian immigrant. Together, corn and soybeans dominate U.S. agriculture. So much so that growers constantly seek new markets and new uses.
- Game of concentration
Will merger mania within the agricultural industry eliminate the independent family farmer? Or do agribusinesses, even farmer-owned cooperatives, need to get big to compete in a competitive global environment?
- Congress restores rural viewers' rights
The end of a long struggle for rural television access rights is in sight as the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to allow direct-broadcast satellite signal carriers to retransmit local network programming.
- Cloudy future for world's climate
Farmers, scientists, business leaders, educators and government officials gathered in Ames, IA, March 1 and 2 to discuss global climate change and its implications fo agriculture and energy.
- Food fight in the UK
While consumers in the United States and Canada have accepted genetically modified crops with relative equanimity, something like a brush fire continues to rage across Europe. The fire is particularly hot in the United Kingdom.
- Walking the tightrope without a net
Economists and even a climatologist gathered at the University of Minnesota's Hubert H. Humphrey Center for Public Affairs to discuss what has happened to the U.S. farm economy, as well as those of Asia and eastern Europe, and the implications for future agricultural trade policy.
- Citrus industry under siege
Growers of orange trees in the United States and Brazil have been beset with disease and weather problems.
- More women work the land
Changing world demographics mean the weathered hand upon the plow is more likely to be a woman's.
- Planting more despite low prices
Despite low prices and abundant world supplies, U.S. soybean and cotton producers intend to plant even more acres than last year. It may be a case of choosing the least of money-losers for many growers.
- Biotechnology battle continues
As rays of hope for global economic recovery appear on the horizon, will concern over genetically modified crops continue to cloud prospects for international trade?
- New crops vault in value
A variety of new crops promise farmers greater return on investment because consumer demand justifies a premium price.
- Yes, we have no bananas
There aren't many bananas grown in either the United States or Europe, but the tropical fruit has become the point of contention in a dispute between the two superpowers which could have implications for all agricultural exports.
- U.S. beef barred from Europe
In addition to disputes over bananas and genetically modified corn and soybeans, Europe also disdains imports of U.S. beef because of the use of growth-promoting drugs by American livestock producers.
- Livestock that live underwater
Consumption of aquaculture products in the United States has increased over the last five years, supplies have been tight, feed costs have been down. Put two and two together and that equals profitability.
- Rethinking risk management
Since passage of the "Freedom to Farm" Act in 1996, the government has touted an expanded Federal Crop Insurance program as the primary tool for farmers to manage the risks of crop loss. Now a report from within the U.S. Department of Agriculture says the privatized program is rife with abuse and distorts the market.
- U.S. farmers speak with one voice
Historically, U.S. farm organizations haven't always seen eye to eye. Farmers have their differences of opinion and interests, but leaders representing the gamut of viewpoints reached some common conclusions at a National Agricultural Summit in St. Louis.
- Will the WTO rule on biotechnology?
The European Union may bring the issue of genetically modified crops and food products before the World Trade Organization (WTO) when WTO ministers meet Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, 1999, in Seattle. Agriculture will be one of the main topics of discussion. Just what is the WTO and what impact would its decision have?
- Technology drives down production costs
When the prospects of higher crop prices seem really poor, farmers turn to crop production technology that promises more yields for the same or less cost per acre.
- End-of-the-century outlook
At the end of 20th century and the beginning a new millennium, there are clouds and rays of hope on the horizon for farmers.
- Trade talk turns to biotechnology
Genetic modification of crops and livestock continues to be a topic of debate in international negotiations.
- Realignment is the rage
Restructuring of global agribusiness continues apace with mergers proposed among farm equipment companies and farmer-owned cooperatives and the transformation of two chemical companies into one life-science conglomerate.
- Free trade offers hope to hungry
The easing of international economic sanctions promises to alleviate the sufferings of poor people victimized by war and natural disasters.
- Good-bye, Bt?
The development of insect resistance and environmental concerns may jeopardize the future of Bt crops.
- Antibiotics anxiety
The long-standing practice of feeding antibiotics to livestock and poultry to promote healthy growth is coming under some intense scrutiny.
- Biotech breakthroughs
Although genetically engineered crops have yet to win full acceptance throughout the world, signs are that it's coming.
- Toxic time bombs
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, dangerous, obsolete pesticides are stockpiled in Africa, the Near East and eastern Europe. Safely removing them will cost millions.
- Action on ethanol and biodiesel
Recent moves by federal officials may renew interest in renewable fuels.
- Hope for the hog industry
Speakers at the 1999 World Pork Expo forecast a brighter day for U.S. hog farmers as the world population and demand for pork products continues to grow.
- Raising pharm animals
Transgenic livestock are bioreactors on the hoof, producing large quantities of materials for the treatment of human disease.
- Love of labels
Consumer pressure is building in Europe, Japan and even in the United States for labeling of food products made from genetically modified crops.
- Peril of potato blight
Virulent new strains of a plant disease that caused one of the worst famines in history have appeared in the world's potato-growing regions.
- Channelling the flow of trade
Weather patterns and changing consumer tastes affect the balance of international trade in crops and livestock.
- Painting the big picture
More than 2,000 people from about 50 countries gathered in St. Paul, MN, for a Global Agricultural Summit July 7 to 8, 1999. An international slate of speakers outlined how information technology, biotechnology, world trade and other factors are changing agriculture around the world.
- Green invaders creep across the country
More people are on the move worldwide these days and they carry with them the plants, fungi and insects that threaten both cropland, waterways and native wildlife habitat. Without natural enemies to control, nonnative species raise the cost of weed management for farmers and others who manage natural resources.
- Revving up rural business
Exciting opportunities are opening up for rural business development.
- Opportunities and obstacles to world trade
As the world undergoes rapid change, doors to overseas markets open and close quickly. Because of U.S. agriculture's dependence on international trade, events in faraway lands have a direct impact on the American economy.
- Worry over water pollution
No one is more concerned about the impact of agriculture on water supplies than rural Americans.
- New niches for old crops
Time-tested crops gain added value as new applications and new markets are discovered.
- Rewriting pesticide rules
Protecting crops from insects, weeds and fungal disease is critical to high-yield agriculture. But the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act mandates the reassessment of risks that some of the most effective crop protection products pose to human health and the environment.
- Bullish on big birds
Some farmers and ranchers see the future of animal agriculture in ratites, large flightless birds like the ostrich and emu.
- Freedom to Farm under fire
The 1996 Farm Bill, widely known as the "Freedom to Farm Act," was supposed to give farmers the flexibility of choosing the most profitable crops and relieve taxpayers of the burden of costly commodity price support programs. But U.S. farmers planted more corn and soybeans than ever and are now faced with rock-bottom prices that may force many out of business. Is a short-term bailout or a long-term revision of farm policy in order?
- Dealing with drought
In the summer of 1999, the mid-Atlantic region of the United States was gripped by a drought that the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed as the worst on record. The devastating impact on the area's farm economy moved singer-songwriter Willie Nelson to bring his annual Farm Aid concert to Prince William County, VA.
- Sugar market needs shaking
World Trade Organization talks in Seattle should address reform of sugar trade, according to industry leaders at the 16th International Sweetener Symposium.
- Pieces of the population puzzle
It's most likely that the world's total population will continue to grow well into the middle of the next century, so the demand for food will not diminish. But some regions will actually lose population and the geography of crop and livestock production may shift in unforeseen ways.
- Tough weeds get tougher
Crops engineered to resist herbicides have expanded the range of weed control programs available to farmers. But, on the other side of the coin, the appearance of herbicide-resistant weed species raises the cost of crop production.
- Intellectual property rights: Who owns what?
In these days of designer genes and easily replicated computer software, questions of intellectual property rights have become paramount. Where the legal lines are drawn will affect the way farms of the future are operated.
- Emerging equipment markets
As worldwide sales of high-horsepower tractors and combines dwindle, farm equipment manufacturers are stepping up sales of smaller-ticket items.
- New frontiers in livestock management
Changing times are forcing farmers to look at new ways of raising livestock.
- Biotech backlash blossoms
After rapid acceptance of genetically modified crops in the United States, the rest of the world -- and agribusiness -- begins to have second thoughts.
- Talk about trade wars
Agribusiness leaders gathered in Washington, DC, to discuss how to respond to continuing trade conflicts.
- Trouble in tobacco country
Heavily dependent on tobacco production, North Carolina may find it harder to weather lawsuits against the tobacco industry than Hurricane Floyd.
- AIDS and agriculture
Most of the world's AIDS victims live in Africa and Asia, the regions regarded as the best prospects for U.S. farm exports. The economic and social impacts of this terrible disease are far-reaching and may affect the future of U.S. agriculture more than some farmers realize.
- Setting the stage for Seattle
As a new round of international trade negotiations is set to begin in Seattle November 30, 1999, world leaders begin to outline the issues to be addressed.
- Maintaining genetic diversity
As the world rushes to embrace crops and livestock with novel traits, some are concerned about preserving valuable genetic resources from the past.
- Soybeans are good for you!
U.S. government approval of claims that soybeans in the diet reduce the risk of heart disease could stimulate demand for soy-based food products.
- Bringing biotechnology to the table
The University of Missouri's 1999 Research Expo provided insights into how biotechnology will shape the future of food production. The consensus of an international slate of speakers: Scientists must do a better job of communicating with the public.
- Upping the agricultural ante
As the world crosses the threshold of a new era, U.S. farmers are torn between hope for new profit opportunities from biotechnology and anger at being taken advantage of in a high-stakes international power play.
- FDA opens forums on biotech crops
Proponents and opponents of biotech crops will have their day in court at three public hearings on the issue of genetically modified crops and food products.
- To GMO or not to GMO?
Growing genetically modified crops lowers production costs, but some international buyers are offering premiums for nonmodified varieties. Either way, farmers may have to verify that their products are one or the other.
- Daring to dream
Keen observers take a look ahead at what genetic engineering and information technology may mean for the future of agriculture.
- Sizing up Seattle
So, what went wrong at the World Trade Organization's 1999 conference? Protesters dressed up as sea-turtles may have been the least of the problems.
- Promoting high-protein foods
Livestock producers face opportunities as well as challenges to promoting meat and dairy consumption.
- Iowa Pork Congress 2000
Pork producers in the primary hog-raising state met to discuss a rapidly changing industry.
- Dedicated to plant disease prevention
With the help of biotechnology, scientists continue the fight to stop loss of crop production to fungal infections and parasites.
- Gentlemen's agreement on Bt corn
An Ohio farmer and U.S. Department of Agriculture research entomologist discussed the implications of the Environmental Protection Agency's new Bt corn rules in a January 21, 2000 teleconference.
- World's woodlands fading
Under pressure from a growing human population, demand for crop production and industrialization, forestlands face an uncertain future.
- Helping disabled farmers
Farming ranks at the top of the list of dangerous occupations because people of varying ages and levels of skill deal with powerful machinery and livestock. And farmers can be stricken by disabilities unrelated to their occupation. There are resources to help disabled farmers and members of farm families continue leading productive lives.
- Reclaiming soil with crops
Phytoremediation is the process of plants absorbing soil contaminants. In some cases, the plants can simply metabolize the material. In any
case, the plants can be harvested and the contaminants disposed of more easily than other methods of purifying the soil.
- The challenge of China
Still the world's most populous nation, access to China remains critical to long-term agricultural export prospect. But the road east may not be a smooth one.
- Establishing organic standards
Organic farming has grown into a $6 billion business, thanks to consumer who believe certain alternative practices result in healthier food and a cleaner environment. But what is "organic" food? The U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to establish a nationwide standard.
- Combatting climate change
As evidence of global warming continues to mount, new proposals to lessen the effects are being brought forward.
- Declaring dietary guidelines
Farmers raise questions as the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks to establish national guidelines for healthy eating.
- The world needs water
One of the biggest issues of the 21st Century will be balancing the needs of humans, livestock and crops for good old H2O.
- High-tech help for developing countries
Cutting-edge advances in crop production and resources management can help poorer nations enter the global agricultural market.
- Weather woes around the world
No matter where they are situated, farmers must contend with natural disasters. And the consequences could affect the future of world trade.
- Investing in infrastructure
International marketing of agricultural products depends on reliable roads, rails and waterways.
- Avenues of e-commerce
Agribusinesses explore distribution of goods and services via the Internet.
- Starving in the midst of plenty
Despite advances in crop production technology and economic growth, people (many of them children) go to bed hungry around the world. But governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) respond to the need for a variety of motives.
- The world of wine
France and California are not the only places where growers seek to grow grapes that please international palates.
- Beekeepers bedeviled
Domestic honeybees play an important role in pollinating major crops, but commercial beekeepers are threatened by varroa mites and Africanized bees.
- Anticipating a new millenium of maize
Nearly 600 corn industry leaders took a long hard look into the future of corn processing at the Corn Utilization and Technology Conference, June 5 to 7, 2000, in St. Paul, MN. Jointly hosted by the National Corn Growers Association and the Corn Refiners Association and themed "Y2Korn," the conference gave corn growers, corn refiners, researchers and industry and government representatives the opportunity to explore new uses for corn, share technological techniques and discuss new ideas and methods for corn processing. Conference attendees represented 17 nations, including Argentina, United Kingdom, Austria, France, Israel, China,
Japan, and South Korea.
- March of agricultural technology continues
Scientists find new uses for agricultural biotechnology as debates over its merits echo around the world.
- Biodiversity in the barnyard
Because modern agriculture favors the use of a few highly specialized breeds selected for maximum output in a controlled environment, many traditional, multipurpose breeds are in danger of disappearing and taking important traits out of their species' gene pool.
- Opponents of biotechnology try new tactics
Environmental activists renew efforts to impose restrictions on new crop production technology.
- Animal genetics adversaries rally in Minneapolis
The 27th annual conference of the International Society for Animal Genetics - a group of scientists concerned with genetic improvements for better animal health and performance - was targeted for protests by anti-biotechnology activists.
- Presidential candidates and pundits share views
It's an election year and time to rethink farm policy, say presidential hopefuls and agricultural policy-makers.
- Imported lemons - sweet or sour?
On one side are U.S. growers who say the U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened up new opportunities for international trade. On the other are those who say the USDA has opened the door to citrus diseases.
- Revolution in rice production
A barrage of breakthroughs could transform the grain that feeds half the world.
- Trouble with taco shells
An environmental coalition issued a report claiming to have found evidence of genetically modified corn not approved for human consumption in Taco Bell brand taco shells.
- Livestock diseases go global
Increased migration of people and animals across national boundaries means illnesses affecting both appearing where they have never been found before.
- Milestones in conservation
Over the years, technological innovations in farming have helped prevent the loss of soil and water.
- A game plan for global warming
How international strategies to manage climate change affect agriculture.
- BSE is back!
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or "mad cow disease," which brought down former British Prime Minister John Major's government and paved the way for anti-biotech activism in Europe, is still with us and once again is causing a furor.
- Cultivating oysters may save coral reefs
Farming of black-pearl oysters may offer hundreds of poor, coastal communities throughout the Solomon Islands a viable and sustainable alternative to overfishing and reduce the threat to the world's remaining coral reefs.
- Grasslands lose ground
Grasslands cover 40 percent of the world's land surface. These ecosystems provide livelihoods for nearly 800 million people, along with forage for livestock, wildlife habitat, carbon and water storage, renewable energy, recreation and tourism. But the world's grasslands have declined in their extent and condition, as well as their ability to support human, plant and animal life.
- Much ado about Arabidopsis
The mapping of the 25,000 genes in a tiny member of the mustard family could unlock the secrets of important traits in agricultural crops.
- Natural gas prices tighten cost/price squeeze
A mid-winter surge in natural gas prices affected agriculture from California to the heartland.
- Pork checkoff imperiled
Somewhat like the 2000 presidential election, the results of a referendum on the industry's program of promotion and education are hotly contested.
- Cooperatives chart a course for the future
Farmer-owned cooperatives face big decisions in a time of global competition and consolidation.
- Governing GMOs
Developing policy in the fact of scientific and public debate was the focus of a University of Minnesota conference on genetically modified organisms. The intensity of the debate was dramatized by unscheduled protests by a group called Upper Midwest Resistance Against Genetic Engineering (RAGE)
- Future directions in farm policy
As a new millennium begins, the framers of U.S. farm policy stand at a crossroads.
- Soybean and corn growers meet in San Antonio
The sun-drenched Texas city hosted the sixth annual convention and trade show of the American Soybean Association and National Corn Growers Association.
- Conserving cropland
The loss of productive land to urban sprawl may affect global food security.
- Trials of raising tropical crops
Farmers who raise exotic crops in the world's equatorial region face familiar problems, like low commodity prices.
- Harnessing sun and wind
As fuel prices climb and concern over global warming intensifies, farmers and ranchers look to alternative sources of energy.
- Fighting crime in the country
The changing landscape of rural America opens new opportunities for the lawless. But there are ways to stop rural crime.
- Agriculture out of this world
Research on growing crops somewhere besides planet Earth is underway.
- Forecasts for first crops of 21st Century
As in ages past, weather and government policy heavily influence planting decisions.
- The legacy of NAFTA
How free trade is reshaping agriculture in the Americas and beyond.
- War of words over biotechnology wears on
While the number of acres planted to genetically modified crops continues to increase, bureaucrats and activists continue to wrangle over regulations.
- The misfortunes of war
Violent conflict and its aftermath threaten food security around the world.
- Lines drawn over land rights
Is the federal government gearing up for a "land grab" which will force private property owners off their homes, farms and ranches? Or is a matter of preserving natural resourcs for the common good? Nearly 20 years after the "Sagebrush Rebellion" of the early 1980s, another battle may be brewing.
- Changing landscape of Canadian agriculture
A nation highly dependent on agricultural trade is swiftly adopting new crops to meet world market needs.
- Developing countries, developing technology
Outside of the United States and Europe, nations seek a middle ground on biotechnology.
- More demand for meat
A rising standard of living means more emphasis on protein in the human diet. Worldwide economic growth will open new markets for U.S. meat products and grain needed for livestock production.
- How weather works
Kevin Marcus, agricultural weather analyst, explains how current weather patterns affect crop outlooks.
- Aftermath of an attack
How the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, DC, affect agriculture around the world.
- Advances in aquaculture
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], aquaculture has become the fastest-growing food-producing sector over the last 30 years and is becoming an
increasingly important factor in regional economic development.
- Trade talks begin in eye of storm
Despite the September 11 terrorist attacks and U.S. military action in Afghanistan, the World Trade Organization will begin a new round of trade negotiations in the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, November 9 to 13, 2001. Many hope the new round of negotiations will end barriers to agricultural trade.
- Cracking open a door to Cuba
Thanks to a natural disaster named Michelle, the United States is easing its 40-year-old trade embargo against the island nation. What will it mean to the U.S. farmer?
- World events shape new millennium
As the world begins the second year of the Third Millennium, U.S. agriculture continues to feel the impact of global events.
- Poultry producers persevere
Faced with a wide range of simmering issues, poultry producers find ways to adapt.
- Pests pose worldwide problem
Out-of-control insects threaten crops and food security.
- Free trade suffers setbacks
Political pressures threaten the opening of export markets.
- Where agriculture and medicine meet
National leaders in medicine, biotechnology, agriculture and business gathered in Minneapolis May 19 to 21, 2002 for a conference on foods genetically engineered to be more nutritious and maybe even medicinal.
- Marketing for the new millennium
Farmers find new ways of marketing their crops.
- Cattle win $1.28 billion
After eight years, a federal jury awarded cattle producers $1.28 billion in a case accusing Tyson Foods Inc. of manipulating the cattle market.
The jury verdict came in Montgomery, Alabama, where the case had been tried in it’s final stages, after being started against IBP Inc., which is now a Tyson Foods unit. The verdict hinged on proving that IBP had used large contract supplies of cattle to manipulate the prices and suppress free-market prices, such as auctions, the traditional way cattle are bought and sold. The legal term is “captive supply”. Up to 30,000 cattlemen who sold fed cattle to IBP from 1994 to 2002 could be the beneficiaries of the award.
Cattlemen claimed that every cattlemen who sold cattle of this class during this period in question was paid less than their fair value. Cargill, Tyson and Swift are three companies who control some 80% of cattle slaughtered, according to Reuters report filed on Tuesday, February 17, 2004, the day the award was entered.
Tyson has vowed to ask for the verdict to be set aside and the company has stated that it’s ongoing operations and stability are not greatly affected by the verdict.
Randy Beard, plaintiffs’ attorney, was the main source of details of the Reuters news release, and claimed it was a great day for U.S. cattle producers.
- Monsanto Monoculture?
Statistics show a vastly shrinking innovation in biotech submissions and doubling of time to approval by USDA. Agriculture is in danger of losing its innovation due to single trait crop development many experts think. Roundup Ready herbicide resistance has so dominated the World's commodity corn and soybean growing areas that few even bother to submit alternative trials. Studies by three major watchdog groups shows innovative biotech plant submissions drying up. We will watch this developing story and report details as it unfolds. (CountryRoads Network)
- Mad Cow Found
An American beef cow has tested positive for mad cow disease starting out the first week of June. More tests will have to be done at a British laboratory to confirm the results,according to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, emphasizing that the meat did not get into the nation's food chain. "There is no risk whatsoever," he told reporters Friday night June 10.
This could be the nation's second confirmed case of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The first case was confirmed in December 2003 in Washington State in a dairy cow that had been fed in Canada.
The new case could be a blow for the Agriculture Department case to reopen the border to live cattle from Canada and win back export markets in Japan and Korea. After discovery in 2003, some 50 countries banned American cattle. About one-third of exports have resumed. But Japan has not lifted its ban, which is more than half of all exports.
Beef has soared to record prices in American grocery stores mostly due to loss of Canadian cattle due to the continued injunction in place.
- Chicago Board of Trade Updates
- Saab Corn Convertible
April's Stockholm Sweden auto show saw the world's first 100% ethanol convertible introduced. While GM and others has flex-fuel E-85 ethanol haulers, this is opening new doors to burning pure "fossil free" fuels made from renewable agri-crops, like corn, wheat, sunflowers or Canola for example. Biodiesel ready machines are showing up in European countries, and most new generation diesels in this country are able to burn it from blended to pure.
- Alternative Energy In Your Backyard
You have a glut of alternative energy to mine in your own backyard. Geothermal has many advantages including faster payback than many other forms. Using heat pumps to remove heat or reversing for cooling your home is a long used and perfected system. Low maintenance, low cost and high efficiency sounds like an ideal formula. It just may be for you. More and more contractors are available for turn-key results, or you can simply "DIY" with great success, and save thousands on a typical install.
- Biofuels Expansion May Be Paid At Meat Counter
Massive ramping of biofuel plant expansion today suggests if drought and global demands kick up a few surprises our meat supply complex will be facing some serious choices. The fundamentals are lining up for markets shifts and "food basket" shifts, and more severe consumer choices in our driveways. Get ready for some strong debates and new leverage plays hitting agriculture, starting right now.
- Oil Might Be Our Alternative Energy
We might find America's alternative to Middle East oil might be our own oil under Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. Long known as "Oil Shale" or "Tar Sands", many attempts have been made to make economic sense of this giant reserve. Many estimate it is larger than all known Arabian reserves, but remains largely locked up from use. Read about this major oil "vault" an how price controls its future use. When we say "oil" and "energy" we usually mean "cheap gas" and "cheap heat and electricity". Tomorrow may find us rethinking this equation of entitlement.
- Ag Sector Seizing Biofuels Opportunity
Call it a wave, or a landslide, but biofuels is heating up the agribusiness sector in every corner. Who are the "players" in this world-changing arena? Farmer-member commodity groups are hopping all over the idea they can command a "new energy" regime by turning their commodities into real value-added biofuels, and they are the early the early movers. Seed and chemical companies are endowing brands of ag products as "biofuel" ingredients. You'll see every kind of ag player trying to find some hook in this territory ahead. Follow this revolution as it happens here on the Country Roads Network's Ag Journal.
- Corn Burning Cuts Bills Half
When it comes to finding money laying in your backyard, corn might be the ultimate pot of gold. Corn-burning furnaces are no joke. When combined with a small amount of wood pellets they have high BTU output, clean burning, and can beat home heating oil for fast payback of conversion.
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