Chinese pressure on petroleum prices worldwide will continue to be an issue even as more and more alternative fuels become available. Their energy consumption is outpacing the growth of their economy. As more affluence trickles through their economy, demand for once-considered-luxury items such as automobiles will grow.
10/31/2007 16:27
CHINA
Petrol crises hits Chinese boom
While the price of petrol per barrel continues to climb the government orders a price freeze to block inflation. Hunger for energy is weak point of Chinese economy.
Beijing (AsiaNews) – The price of petrol and the government’s attempts to stop inflation are at the roots of the drastic petrol and kerosene rationing at petrol pumps. Even in the capital many stations of the state Sinopec are rationing their supplies.
The rations have been in vigour for some time now in the rich coastal areas: Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. But it has now spread to poorer regions such as Anhui, Henan, and Hubei.
The problem is caused by the government’s reluctance to allow the selling price of petrol and diesel rise; for fear that an increase will result in a new wave of inflation hitting the poorest most. The last increase...(complete article here).
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Contra-Opinion on Oil Prices
It's always good to note the contra-opinions. This one makes sense.
Slippery Slope
Daniel Fisher 11.12.07, 12:00 AM ET
Oil at $100 a barrel? No way, says one defiant expert. Expect $60 crude--soon.
War in Iraq, destabilization from Turkey, unquenchable thirst for energy in Asia, millions of fuel-slurping SUVs still cruising American highways. No wonder oil prices have jumped above $90 a barrel on the new York Mercantile Exchange, on their way to $100.
Not so fast. According to some longtime observers, we will soon see $60 oil. Their argument is that the main driver of price spikes is something hardly mentioned these days: a miscalculation by the world's most important supplier, Saudi Arabia. And within the next two...(complete article here).
Slippery Slope
Daniel Fisher 11.12.07, 12:00 AM ET
Oil at $100 a barrel? No way, says one defiant expert. Expect $60 crude--soon.
War in Iraq, destabilization from Turkey, unquenchable thirst for energy in Asia, millions of fuel-slurping SUVs still cruising American highways. No wonder oil prices have jumped above $90 a barrel on the new York Mercantile Exchange, on their way to $100.
Not so fast. According to some longtime observers, we will soon see $60 oil. Their argument is that the main driver of price spikes is something hardly mentioned these days: a miscalculation by the world's most important supplier, Saudi Arabia. And within the next two...(complete article here).
Federal/Private Energy Initiative
This is an interesting twist on federal/private partnerships.
October 31, 2007
DOE Seeks Clean Energy Entrepreneurs to Work at Three National Labs
Researchers at DOE's national laboratories may be experts in their field, but they may not be the ideal people to identify the business opportunities in their midst. With that in mind, DOE launched its new Entrepreneur in Residence Program on October 24th, calling for business people with start-up experience to spend up to one year working directly with technical management and staff at one of three national laboratories: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, or Sandia National Laboratories. The main intent is to commercialize energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, so each entrepreneur must be sponsored by an established venture capital firm that has at least $10 million in funds available for energy efficiency and renewable energy technology investment and has an overall fund size of at least $100 million. DOE plans to...(complete article here).
October 31, 2007
DOE Seeks Clean Energy Entrepreneurs to Work at Three National Labs
Researchers at DOE's national laboratories may be experts in their field, but they may not be the ideal people to identify the business opportunities in their midst. With that in mind, DOE launched its new Entrepreneur in Residence Program on October 24th, calling for business people with start-up experience to spend up to one year working directly with technical management and staff at one of three national laboratories: the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, or Sandia National Laboratories. The main intent is to commercialize energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, so each entrepreneur must be sponsored by an established venture capital firm that has at least $10 million in funds available for energy efficiency and renewable energy technology investment and has an overall fund size of at least $100 million. DOE plans to...(complete article here).
Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook
The USDA has released the new
Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook
It includes important information for the fruit and nuts industry.
Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook
It includes important information for the fruit and nuts industry.
Chicken Litter
There have been several articles recently concerning a shortage of phosphate fertilizers -- especially in certain parts of the world. Maybe, rather than research to reduce the amount of phosphorous in chicken litter, we should be researching ways to increase the output and concentration of phosphorous in the litter, then focus on ways to extract that concentrated phosphorous as a phosphate for export to China which seems to be one of the areas suffering a shortage. Brazil, which already imports large amounts of phosphate from the U.S. would be another potential customer.
CSREES Research Results
Modified Diet Reduces Chickens' Impact on Environment
Media Contact:Jennifer Martin (202) 720-8188
October 30 , 2007 By Stacy Kish
Chickens, like millions of Americans, are beginning a new diet. But instead of reducing their waists, this diet is intended to cut out excess waste, which creates a major pollution problem for waterways. Scientists at the University of Delaware devised a new poultry feed that limits the impact of animals on the environment.
William Saylor and colleagues at the University of Delaware evaluated a natural enzyme, called phytase, which helps animals digest more phosphorus. The addition of the enzyme to animal feed resulted in a 23 percent reduction in the phosphorus content of chicken manure.
Phosphorus is an integral component in any animal's diet, but scientists have known for some time that animals do not digest much of the phosphorus in most animal feed. Poultry are...(complete article here).
CSREES Research Results
Modified Diet Reduces Chickens' Impact on Environment
Media Contact:Jennifer Martin (202) 720-8188
October 30 , 2007 By Stacy Kish
Chickens, like millions of Americans, are beginning a new diet. But instead of reducing their waists, this diet is intended to cut out excess waste, which creates a major pollution problem for waterways. Scientists at the University of Delaware devised a new poultry feed that limits the impact of animals on the environment.
William Saylor and colleagues at the University of Delaware evaluated a natural enzyme, called phytase, which helps animals digest more phosphorus. The addition of the enzyme to animal feed resulted in a 23 percent reduction in the phosphorus content of chicken manure.
Phosphorus is an integral component in any animal's diet, but scientists have known for some time that animals do not digest much of the phosphorus in most animal feed. Poultry are...(complete article here).
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
DOE Statement on Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy must be part of the solution.
October 29, 2007
Statement by DOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon
Response to the National Research Council’s Review of DOE’s Nuclear Energy Research and Development Program
“The National Research Council’s report released today affirms the majority of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) priorities for research and development for nuclear energy. I am especially pleased that the Committee agrees with...(complete article here).
October 29, 2007
Statement by DOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon
Response to the National Research Council’s Review of DOE’s Nuclear Energy Research and Development Program
“The National Research Council’s report released today affirms the majority of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) priorities for research and development for nuclear energy. I am especially pleased that the Committee agrees with...(complete article here).
Farm Program Balancing Act
Policy makers face a daunting task in their need to balance food security/cheap food programs with efforts at environmentally conscious conservation programs that will assure sustainability. This lengthy report discusses the issue and possible approaches to a solution.
Integrating Commodity and Conservation Programs: Design Options and Outcomes
By Roger Claassen, Marcel Aillery, and Cynthia Nickerson
Economic Research Report No. (ERR-44) 61 pp, October 2007
Can a single program support farm income and encourage producers to adopt environmentally sound farming practices? While simple in concept, attempting to roll the farm income support features of existing commodity programs and conservation payments into a single program raises questions. Exactly how would farm commodity and conservation payments be combined? What difference would it make for environmental gain and farm income support? This report approaches the questions in two ways. First, spending patterns in existing commodity and conservation programs are analyzed to determine the extent to which producers who are currently receiving commodity payments also receive conservation payments. Then, a number of hypothetical program scenarios are devised and analyzed to estimate how emphasis on current income support recipients would differ from a combined program that focuses on achieving...(complete article here with links).
Integrating Commodity and Conservation Programs: Design Options and Outcomes
By Roger Claassen, Marcel Aillery, and Cynthia Nickerson
Economic Research Report No. (ERR-44) 61 pp, October 2007
Can a single program support farm income and encourage producers to adopt environmentally sound farming practices? While simple in concept, attempting to roll the farm income support features of existing commodity programs and conservation payments into a single program raises questions. Exactly how would farm commodity and conservation payments be combined? What difference would it make for environmental gain and farm income support? This report approaches the questions in two ways. First, spending patterns in existing commodity and conservation programs are analyzed to determine the extent to which producers who are currently receiving commodity payments also receive conservation payments. Then, a number of hypothetical program scenarios are devised and analyzed to estimate how emphasis on current income support recipients would differ from a combined program that focuses on achieving...(complete article here with links).
Controlling Ripening
This article about controlling the chemical processes of ripening fruits is lengthy but interesting. Consumer perceptions heavily influence plant breeders. We have selected for varieties with longer shelf-life rather than better flavor or better nutrition. Gaining control of the ripening process can help to reverse that trend.
Reining In Ripening
Researchers are learning to control key biochemical processes that affect the quality of fruits and vegetables
Sarah Everts
FAST-FORWARD to a dreary winter day. The gorgeous red tomato that you've just bitten into may not taste as good as it looks. Or maybe its consistency is wrong. It's simply not as good as the tomatoes you've grown in your garden in past summers or bought fresh at farmers' markets. Ditto for apples, strawberries, and peaches.
In your frustration, you might blame the growers or distributors. After all, the global multi-billion-dollar fruit industry wants to disarm the reality of the seasons to make ripe fruit available anywhere, anytime. To achieve this goal, most produce has been bred for shelf life, yield, and shipping durability—so that jet-lagged fruit looks good to the buyer even after extensive travel. While trying to optimize a fruit's suitability for ...(complete article here).
Reining In Ripening
Researchers are learning to control key biochemical processes that affect the quality of fruits and vegetables
Sarah Everts
FAST-FORWARD to a dreary winter day. The gorgeous red tomato that you've just bitten into may not taste as good as it looks. Or maybe its consistency is wrong. It's simply not as good as the tomatoes you've grown in your garden in past summers or bought fresh at farmers' markets. Ditto for apples, strawberries, and peaches.
In your frustration, you might blame the growers or distributors. After all, the global multi-billion-dollar fruit industry wants to disarm the reality of the seasons to make ripe fruit available anywhere, anytime. To achieve this goal, most produce has been bred for shelf life, yield, and shipping durability—so that jet-lagged fruit looks good to the buyer even after extensive travel. While trying to optimize a fruit's suitability for ...(complete article here).
Equine Cloning
This story features a couple of things close to my heart: Texas A&M and horses. It is a good article.
Cloning may be horse racing's next horizon
Industry won't embrace it, but some experts say it's key to sport's future
By: Mike Brunker
Horse racing editor
MSNBC
Updated: 10:37 a.m. CT Oct 26, 2007
A small group of researchers, entrepreneurs and horse owners is moving ahead with the cloning of horses, ignoring prohibitions against the practice instituted by the horse racing industry.
The retirement of racing’s stars — horses who have achieved a lot in a very short time — hurts the sport by removing the best-known competitors just as they're becoming household names. It’s as if Brett Favre or Roger Clemens were packed off to the breeding shed after one or two good seasons. But it's simple math: A horse is...(complete story here).
I don't see breed or other industry associations embracing cloning any time soon, but there is something to be said for propogating certain genetics. However, caution must be exercised to not narrow the genetic diversity. Just as in breeding, selecting for a single trait leads to a dead end.
Cloning may be horse racing's next horizon
Industry won't embrace it, but some experts say it's key to sport's future
By: Mike Brunker
Horse racing editor
MSNBC
Updated: 10:37 a.m. CT Oct 26, 2007
A small group of researchers, entrepreneurs and horse owners is moving ahead with the cloning of horses, ignoring prohibitions against the practice instituted by the horse racing industry.
The retirement of racing’s stars — horses who have achieved a lot in a very short time — hurts the sport by removing the best-known competitors just as they're becoming household names. It’s as if Brett Favre or Roger Clemens were packed off to the breeding shed after one or two good seasons. But it's simple math: A horse is...(complete story here).
I don't see breed or other industry associations embracing cloning any time soon, but there is something to be said for propogating certain genetics. However, caution must be exercised to not narrow the genetic diversity. Just as in breeding, selecting for a single trait leads to a dead end.
Monday, October 29, 2007
New Forest Service Strategic Plan
You've got to have a plan to know where you're going!
USDA FOREST SERVICE RELEASES FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
WASHINGTON, October 29, 2007—U.S. Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell announced today the release of the agency’s strategic plan for fiscal years 2007 – 2012.
The plan includes Kimbell’s emphasis areas of climate change, water and involving youngsters in forest activities.
"Forests play a unique role in meeting our Nation’s future challenges associated with climate change, renewable energy, and sustaining abundant flows of fresh water to the American people," said Kimbell. "Because issues related to climate...(complete article and link here).
USDA FOREST SERVICE RELEASES FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
WASHINGTON, October 29, 2007—U.S. Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell announced today the release of the agency’s strategic plan for fiscal years 2007 – 2012.
The plan includes Kimbell’s emphasis areas of climate change, water and involving youngsters in forest activities.
"Forests play a unique role in meeting our Nation’s future challenges associated with climate change, renewable energy, and sustaining abundant flows of fresh water to the American people," said Kimbell. "Because issues related to climate...(complete article and link here).
New Interior Committe on Wind Turbines
Layers upon layers of bureaucracy for everything.
Interior Secretary Kempthorne Names Members for Committee to Address Wildlife Impacts of Wind Turbines
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today named 22 individuals to serve on a special Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, formed under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The members will advise the Secretary and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on measures to avoid or minimize impacts to wildlife and their habitats from land-based wind energy facilities.
“By some estimates, wind power could provide clean and renewable electricity to meet up to 20 percent of the nation’s energy needs,” said Secretary Kempthorne. “This committee will help examine...(complete article here).
The committee seems to balance competing interests. Let's hope they use common sense in their suggested guidelines.
Interior Secretary Kempthorne Names Members for Committee to Address Wildlife Impacts of Wind Turbines
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today named 22 individuals to serve on a special Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, formed under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The members will advise the Secretary and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on measures to avoid or minimize impacts to wildlife and their habitats from land-based wind energy facilities.
“By some estimates, wind power could provide clean and renewable electricity to meet up to 20 percent of the nation’s energy needs,” said Secretary Kempthorne. “This committee will help examine...(complete article here).
The committee seems to balance competing interests. Let's hope they use common sense in their suggested guidelines.
Habitat Funds for Long Island Sound
Restoration of riparian and estuarine environments is critical to the health of aquatic species.
Nearly $1 Million for Projects to Improve the Health of Long Island Sound; Funding for Habitat Restoration, Sound Stewardship and More Fish Among Initiatives
Release date: 10/29/2007
Contact Information:
Elias Rodriguez (212) 637-3664, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov
or David Deegan (617) 918-1017, deegan.dave@epa.gov
(Mystic, Conn.) Gathering together in Mystic, Conn., one of Long Island Sound’s most environmentally significant coastal areas, top federal and state environmental officials announced 24 grants to local governments and community groups under the Long Island Sound Futures Fund. The $917,650 will be leveraged by $1.68 million raised by the recipients themselves towards the projects, providing a total of nearly $2.8 million towards on-the-ground conservation in Connecticut and New York.
"The Long Island Sound Futures Fund exemplifies how we can protect and improve the environment through...(complete article here).
Proximity to concentrated human populations makes this critically important to the demonstration of sound environmental management practices under extreme pressure.
Nearly $1 Million for Projects to Improve the Health of Long Island Sound; Funding for Habitat Restoration, Sound Stewardship and More Fish Among Initiatives
Release date: 10/29/2007
Contact Information:
Elias Rodriguez (212) 637-3664, rodriguez.elias@epa.gov
or David Deegan (617) 918-1017, deegan.dave@epa.gov
(Mystic, Conn.) Gathering together in Mystic, Conn., one of Long Island Sound’s most environmentally significant coastal areas, top federal and state environmental officials announced 24 grants to local governments and community groups under the Long Island Sound Futures Fund. The $917,650 will be leveraged by $1.68 million raised by the recipients themselves towards the projects, providing a total of nearly $2.8 million towards on-the-ground conservation in Connecticut and New York.
"The Long Island Sound Futures Fund exemplifies how we can protect and improve the environment through...(complete article here).
Proximity to concentrated human populations makes this critically important to the demonstration of sound environmental management practices under extreme pressure.
International Plant Gene Pool
Genetic diversity is essential to future food production.
International plant gene pool becomes operational
Multilateral system boosts the exchange of plant genetic material
29 October 2007, Rome – A new multilateral system for the fair and equitable sharing of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture has become operational, FAO announced today.
Over the past seven months, the system has accelerated the exchange of genetic material, with more than 90 000 transfers of plant genetic material within the system.
The Multilateral System is part of the legally-binding International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture that entered into force in 2004 and has been ratified by 115 countries. Through the International Treaty, countries have agreed to make their genetic diversity and related information about the crops stored in their gene banks available to...(complete article here).
Four crops, rice, wheat, maize (corn) and potatoes account for almost 60% of the world's food. Around 150 crops feed the entire world population. A devastating event to any one of those critical crops could have profound impact on our food supply. We must protect the genetic diversity of plant species to not only have a reservoir of potential for overcoming such a disaster, but to provide the opportunity of breeding even more productive varieties to feed the growing world population.
International plant gene pool becomes operational
Multilateral system boosts the exchange of plant genetic material
29 October 2007, Rome – A new multilateral system for the fair and equitable sharing of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture has become operational, FAO announced today.
Over the past seven months, the system has accelerated the exchange of genetic material, with more than 90 000 transfers of plant genetic material within the system.
The Multilateral System is part of the legally-binding International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture that entered into force in 2004 and has been ratified by 115 countries. Through the International Treaty, countries have agreed to make their genetic diversity and related information about the crops stored in their gene banks available to...(complete article here).
Four crops, rice, wheat, maize (corn) and potatoes account for almost 60% of the world's food. Around 150 crops feed the entire world population. A devastating event to any one of those critical crops could have profound impact on our food supply. We must protect the genetic diversity of plant species to not only have a reservoir of potential for overcoming such a disaster, but to provide the opportunity of breeding even more productive varieties to feed the growing world population.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The Diversity of Agriculture
I had the opportunity week before last to attend the Sunbelt Exposition in Moultrie, Georgia. The Sunbelt Expo is billed as the largest farm show in the country. You certainly couldn’t disprove that by me. It was enormous.
The thing that impressed me most about the farm show was the diversity of agricultural enterprises that were represented. It was eye-opening to this West Texas native to see the wide variety of production practices. Some of them might hold promise for our area.
One of the first things that I noticed was the forestry section of the show. Lumber is an important agricultural crop in the Southeast. There were many equipment dealers and nurseries represented whose focus was on that industry. I don’t think trees are likely to become an important cash crop for our area in the near future. However, it would be nice to have a few around to slow down the wind occasionally.
Another area that received a significant amount of attention was poultry. It takes a lot of specialized equipment for large-scale broiler houses to function. One of the most interesting pieces of equipment for that industry was called a “bio-vator.” It’s purpose is not the most pleasant, but it is necessary. It is designed to turn carcasses into mulch. It consists of a long tube that looks somewhat like an exhaust pipe. It was about 4 feet in diameter and about 40 feet long. The carcasses went in one end where sawdust was added. When they came out the other end 14 days later, they were mulch. Supposedly there was virtually no odor. It could handle around 500 lbs of carcasses per day.
The Aquaculture section was also interesting. They had dug shallow ponds in the Expo grounds, lined them, and installed an aerator. One was full of catfish and one was full of shrimp. There were daily demonstrations on techniques for raising each. They also served some tasty lunches made right on the spot from freshly harvested shrimp and catfish.
Of course there were sections of the Expo related to crops that are more familiar to our area. These included corn, cotton and soybeans. Along with these crops though were sections for tobacco cultivation. Peanuts also is an important crop that was represented.
Another important crop for that area is pecans. Most of the river bottoms contained magnificent pecan trees. There were instructional seminars on proper pruning and care of the trees as well as equipment for harvesting the pecans. The scale was geared from a push-type gatherer for one or two trees up to mechanical harvest equipment for large orchards.
Because of the large amount of fruit production in the area, there were sections devoted to fruit trees and berries. That section held seminars on beekeeping which is necessary for consistent fruit production.
Livestock practices represented ranged from the poultry which I’ve already mentioned, to alpacas, swine, goats, sheep, and cattle. Most of the cattle related booths were focused on cow-calf production. The cattle breeds were the most interesting thing to me. There is a high percentage of Brahman influence in many of the breeds. Heat tolerance is definitely an issue.
The diversity of agriculture represented could be a lesson to us here on the High Plains of Texas. Many of the crops are not suitable to our climate, but some of them are. Diversifying to multiple crops can help to reduce risk from year to year. In years when some crops perform poorly, other crops may do well. We have tended to limit our production to only a handful of crops in this area. It may become increasingly important to look at alternative crops as a way of spreading market and weather risk.
The thing that impressed me most about the farm show was the diversity of agricultural enterprises that were represented. It was eye-opening to this West Texas native to see the wide variety of production practices. Some of them might hold promise for our area.
One of the first things that I noticed was the forestry section of the show. Lumber is an important agricultural crop in the Southeast. There were many equipment dealers and nurseries represented whose focus was on that industry. I don’t think trees are likely to become an important cash crop for our area in the near future. However, it would be nice to have a few around to slow down the wind occasionally.
Another area that received a significant amount of attention was poultry. It takes a lot of specialized equipment for large-scale broiler houses to function. One of the most interesting pieces of equipment for that industry was called a “bio-vator.” It’s purpose is not the most pleasant, but it is necessary. It is designed to turn carcasses into mulch. It consists of a long tube that looks somewhat like an exhaust pipe. It was about 4 feet in diameter and about 40 feet long. The carcasses went in one end where sawdust was added. When they came out the other end 14 days later, they were mulch. Supposedly there was virtually no odor. It could handle around 500 lbs of carcasses per day.
The Aquaculture section was also interesting. They had dug shallow ponds in the Expo grounds, lined them, and installed an aerator. One was full of catfish and one was full of shrimp. There were daily demonstrations on techniques for raising each. They also served some tasty lunches made right on the spot from freshly harvested shrimp and catfish.
Of course there were sections of the Expo related to crops that are more familiar to our area. These included corn, cotton and soybeans. Along with these crops though were sections for tobacco cultivation. Peanuts also is an important crop that was represented.
Another important crop for that area is pecans. Most of the river bottoms contained magnificent pecan trees. There were instructional seminars on proper pruning and care of the trees as well as equipment for harvesting the pecans. The scale was geared from a push-type gatherer for one or two trees up to mechanical harvest equipment for large orchards.
Because of the large amount of fruit production in the area, there were sections devoted to fruit trees and berries. That section held seminars on beekeeping which is necessary for consistent fruit production.
Livestock practices represented ranged from the poultry which I’ve already mentioned, to alpacas, swine, goats, sheep, and cattle. Most of the cattle related booths were focused on cow-calf production. The cattle breeds were the most interesting thing to me. There is a high percentage of Brahman influence in many of the breeds. Heat tolerance is definitely an issue.
The diversity of agriculture represented could be a lesson to us here on the High Plains of Texas. Many of the crops are not suitable to our climate, but some of them are. Diversifying to multiple crops can help to reduce risk from year to year. In years when some crops perform poorly, other crops may do well. We have tended to limit our production to only a handful of crops in this area. It may become increasingly important to look at alternative crops as a way of spreading market and weather risk.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Microbes for Hydrogen Production?
Microbes have long been the focus of ethanol production. If they can be utilized to produce hydrogen it will eliminate the use of costly (and pollutant) chemicals as well as aid in creating a non-polluting fuel.
Microbes Plus Sugars Equals Hydrogen Fuel?
By Jan Suszkiw
October 25, 2007
Wanted: Bacterium that can eat sugar or sludge; must be team player or electrochemically active; ability to survive without oxygen, a plus. Thus might read the bacterial "job description" posted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Washington University (WU) scientists, who are collaborating on ways to make microbial fuel cells more efficient and practical.
According to Mike Cotta, who leads the ARS Fermentation Biotechnology Research Unit, Peoria, Ill., the project with WU arose from a mutual interest in developing...(complete article here).
I would much rather see research focused on hydrogen fuel than on ethanol.
Microbes Plus Sugars Equals Hydrogen Fuel?
By Jan Suszkiw
October 25, 2007
Wanted: Bacterium that can eat sugar or sludge; must be team player or electrochemically active; ability to survive without oxygen, a plus. Thus might read the bacterial "job description" posted by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Washington University (WU) scientists, who are collaborating on ways to make microbial fuel cells more efficient and practical.
According to Mike Cotta, who leads the ARS Fermentation Biotechnology Research Unit, Peoria, Ill., the project with WU arose from a mutual interest in developing...(complete article here).
I would much rather see research focused on hydrogen fuel than on ethanol.
Caribbean Food Security
Trade liberalization has led to turmoil for agricultural interests in the Caribbean.
Food security and trade in the Caribbean
FAO/Italy project helps CARICOM profit from liberalization
26 October 2007, Rome - Special assistance to Caribbean countries to promote food security and take advantage of trade liberalization while reaping the benefits of new trading opportunities is provided under an innovative FAO project funded by the Government of Italy.
Trade liberalization can harm small vulnerable economies such as the Caribbean (CARICOM/CARIFORUM) group of 15 countries which, with a population of 23 million, risk losing their traditional, protected markets and are generally ill-equipped to compete in...(complete article here).
Food security is a necessary component of political stability.
Food security and trade in the Caribbean
FAO/Italy project helps CARICOM profit from liberalization
26 October 2007, Rome - Special assistance to Caribbean countries to promote food security and take advantage of trade liberalization while reaping the benefits of new trading opportunities is provided under an innovative FAO project funded by the Government of Italy.
Trade liberalization can harm small vulnerable economies such as the Caribbean (CARICOM/CARIFORUM) group of 15 countries which, with a population of 23 million, risk losing their traditional, protected markets and are generally ill-equipped to compete in...(complete article here).
Food security is a necessary component of political stability.
Burundi: Hope for Recovery
Agriculture is the basis of civilization. A healthy people with a healthy economy is the basis for peace.
Burundi, back to the fields
A war-ravaged country returns to farming, with EU/FAO assistance
Bujumbura, Burundi – Burundi is making crucial steps towards restoring its single most important source of living, agriculture, although sporadic upsurges of violence, crop disease and climatic adversity are still threatening the country’s return to peace.
Spared for now from the floods affecting neighbouring countries, Burundi is struggling to overcome...(complete article here).
When assistance can move from direct support to prevent starvation to rebuilding an economy, success becomes possible.
Burundi, back to the fields
A war-ravaged country returns to farming, with EU/FAO assistance
Bujumbura, Burundi – Burundi is making crucial steps towards restoring its single most important source of living, agriculture, although sporadic upsurges of violence, crop disease and climatic adversity are still threatening the country’s return to peace.
Spared for now from the floods affecting neighbouring countries, Burundi is struggling to overcome...(complete article here).
When assistance can move from direct support to prevent starvation to rebuilding an economy, success becomes possible.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Space-based Solar Power
World power demands will only increase as economies in lesser developed countries gain traction. China and India alone will increase world power demands significantly.
China, the US, and space solar power
by Taylor Dinerman
Monday, October 22, 2007
Now that the National Security Space Office’s (NSSO) space solar power study has been released and shows that the technology is well within America’s grasp, a set of decisions have to be made concerning how the US government should proceed. The idea that the government should fund a series of demonstration projects, as the study recommends, is a good place to start. Another aspect should be to study the impact that this technology will have on the political and economic future of the world.
The biggest factor in world affairs in the next twenty or so years is the rise of China to true great power status. Leaving aside the political vulnerabilities inherent in any communist regime, the greatest danger to China’s future prosperity is its huge need for energy, especially electricity. According to...(complete article here).
Space is the only source of reliable solar power. Availability of land-based solar is dependent on cloudless days. That isn't an issue in space.
China, the US, and space solar power
by Taylor Dinerman
Monday, October 22, 2007
Now that the National Security Space Office’s (NSSO) space solar power study has been released and shows that the technology is well within America’s grasp, a set of decisions have to be made concerning how the US government should proceed. The idea that the government should fund a series of demonstration projects, as the study recommends, is a good place to start. Another aspect should be to study the impact that this technology will have on the political and economic future of the world.
The biggest factor in world affairs in the next twenty or so years is the rise of China to true great power status. Leaving aside the political vulnerabilities inherent in any communist regime, the greatest danger to China’s future prosperity is its huge need for energy, especially electricity. According to...(complete article here).
Space is the only source of reliable solar power. Availability of land-based solar is dependent on cloudless days. That isn't an issue in space.
EU Approval on Corn Traits
Genetically modified corn goes to the EU...
EU OKs Three More Corn Biotechnology Traits for Food, Feed Use, NCGA Notes (10-25-07)
Corn and corn products produced from hybrids containing Herculex RW and two stacked traits, YieldGard Plus with Roundup Ready 2 and Herculex I with Roundup Ready 2, can now be exported to the European Union (EU), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) notes. The three biotech corn traits have received positive safety assessments from the European Food Safety Authority and are now approved for food and feed export into the 27 countries of the European Union.
"We're pleased to see the European Union's regulatory system make this move," said Martin Barbre, chairman of the NCGA's Biotechnology Working Group and a corn grower from Carmi, Ill. "These corn traits have already been approved in the...(complete article here).
EU OKs Three More Corn Biotechnology Traits for Food, Feed Use, NCGA Notes (10-25-07)
Corn and corn products produced from hybrids containing Herculex RW and two stacked traits, YieldGard Plus with Roundup Ready 2 and Herculex I with Roundup Ready 2, can now be exported to the European Union (EU), the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) notes. The three biotech corn traits have received positive safety assessments from the European Food Safety Authority and are now approved for food and feed export into the 27 countries of the European Union.
"We're pleased to see the European Union's regulatory system make this move," said Martin Barbre, chairman of the NCGA's Biotechnology Working Group and a corn grower from Carmi, Ill. "These corn traits have already been approved in the...(complete article here).
Drought in the Southeast U.S.
I recently returned from a trip to Georgia. Everywhere that I went the drought was the number one topic. I did not travel into the worst areas.
Drought
The parched country
Oct 25th 2007 COLUMBIA
From The Economist print edition
America's south-east has been wracked by more than a year without much rain
AFTER 18 months of sunny skies and scorching heat, crops are shrivelling, lawns are crisping and lakes are drying up. This is not scorched California or America's arid south-west, but its normally lush south-east. The Department of Agriculture's “drought monitor” says that 32% of the region is in “exceptional drought,” the most severe designation and one expected on this scale only once or twice a century. The problem is exacerbated by the south-east's inexperience with lack of rain, and by the area's booming population.
In Atlanta, the largest metropolitan area in the south-east, 3m residents will lose their main source of drinking water by January if the level of...(complete article here).
One of the biggest problems is that the Southeastern U.S. doesn't know how to cope with drought. Let's hope that reservoirs can be replenished before this truly becomes a disaster -- not just for agriculture, but for the city dwellers who will have little or no water.
Drought
The parched country
Oct 25th 2007 COLUMBIA
From The Economist print edition
America's south-east has been wracked by more than a year without much rain
AFTER 18 months of sunny skies and scorching heat, crops are shrivelling, lawns are crisping and lakes are drying up. This is not scorched California or America's arid south-west, but its normally lush south-east. The Department of Agriculture's “drought monitor” says that 32% of the region is in “exceptional drought,” the most severe designation and one expected on this scale only once or twice a century. The problem is exacerbated by the south-east's inexperience with lack of rain, and by the area's booming population.
In Atlanta, the largest metropolitan area in the south-east, 3m residents will lose their main source of drinking water by January if the level of...(complete article here).
One of the biggest problems is that the Southeastern U.S. doesn't know how to cope with drought. Let's hope that reservoirs can be replenished before this truly becomes a disaster -- not just for agriculture, but for the city dwellers who will have little or no water.
More Data Sets
Some useful data sets from the USDA.
Commodity Costs and Returns: U.S. and Regional Cost and Return Data
Commodity Costs and Returns: U.S. and Regional Cost and Return Data
New Pecan Variety
I love trees. I've always had an affinity for Pecan trees -- I think I inherited it from my father.
New High-Yielding Pecan is Right for Many Regions
By Alfredo Flores
October 24, 2007
A new pecan called "Lakota" is now available to nurserymen, thanks to scientists in the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Crop Germplasm Research Unit at College Station, Texas, and a collaborator at Kansas State University (KSU). Lakota is notable for its high yield potential, the early maturity and quality of its nuts, and excellent tree strength.
At the helm of this research effort were geneticist Tommy Thompson and horticulturalist L.J. Grauke, who conduct the ARS national pecan breeding program. Working with them was William Reid, a horticulturist at KSU at Chetopa.
Lakota kernels are cream to golden in color, and...(complete article here).
I would like to try a few of these. I think I will try and find a nursery and order a few.
New High-Yielding Pecan is Right for Many Regions
By Alfredo Flores
October 24, 2007
A new pecan called "Lakota" is now available to nurserymen, thanks to scientists in the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Crop Germplasm Research Unit at College Station, Texas, and a collaborator at Kansas State University (KSU). Lakota is notable for its high yield potential, the early maturity and quality of its nuts, and excellent tree strength.
At the helm of this research effort were geneticist Tommy Thompson and horticulturalist L.J. Grauke, who conduct the ARS national pecan breeding program. Working with them was William Reid, a horticulturist at KSU at Chetopa.
Lakota kernels are cream to golden in color, and...(complete article here).
I would like to try a few of these. I think I will try and find a nursery and order a few.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
2008 Fuel Economy Guide
The Hybrids lead the way...
October 24, 2007
DOE and EPA Release the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide
DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide, which provides listings of the 2008 model year vehicles that are fuel economy leaders, both overall and by vehicle class. Hybrid vehicles lead the way for overall fuel economy with the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid topping the list, followed by...(complete article here).
October 24, 2007
DOE and EPA Release the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide
DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide, which provides listings of the 2008 model year vehicles that are fuel economy leaders, both overall and by vehicle class. Hybrid vehicles lead the way for overall fuel economy with the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid topping the list, followed by...(complete article here).
Spreadsheet Tools for U.S. Farmers
If these tools will ease some of the paperwork, they will be greatly appreciated.
iFARM: Two High-Tech Tools Aid Farm Management
By Laura McGinnis
October 23, 2007
Raising a crop is hard enough without worrying about paperwork. Now, a new record-keeping tool developed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) allows farmers to quickly enter information about their land, crops and management methods.
The "iFARM Record Keeper" can manipulate farm management information into multiple formats without requiring producers to enter data more than once, leading to improved efficiency, accuracy and organization.
As a farmer enters management information...(complete article here).
iFARM: Two High-Tech Tools Aid Farm Management
By Laura McGinnis
October 23, 2007
Raising a crop is hard enough without worrying about paperwork. Now, a new record-keeping tool developed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) allows farmers to quickly enter information about their land, crops and management methods.
The "iFARM Record Keeper" can manipulate farm management information into multiple formats without requiring producers to enter data more than once, leading to improved efficiency, accuracy and organization.
As a farmer enters management information...(complete article here).
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
OECD Report on Farm Price Supports
Rising commodity prices offset price supports in some countries.
Government support to farmers falls slightly amid higher world food prices
23/10/2007 - Government support to farmers in OECD countries represented 27 % of total farm receipts in 2006, a slight fall from the 29% share the previous year, according to a new OECD report. The drop was due mainly to rising world food prices rather than changes in policies, as less support was provided to prop up domestic prices.
The OECD’s latest Agricultural Policies in OECD Countries: Monitoring and Evaluation says farm support remains high. Nearly US $268 billion were provided to farmers across OECD countries last year, although levels of support varied widely – from 1% of farm receipts in New Zealand to more than 60% in Iceland, Norway, Korea and Switzerland. Crop and livestock prices in OECD countries were on average 21% higher than world market prices.
But some progress is being made in the way support is being provided...(complete article here).
Government support to farmers falls slightly amid higher world food prices
23/10/2007 - Government support to farmers in OECD countries represented 27 % of total farm receipts in 2006, a slight fall from the 29% share the previous year, according to a new OECD report. The drop was due mainly to rising world food prices rather than changes in policies, as less support was provided to prop up domestic prices.
The OECD’s latest Agricultural Policies in OECD Countries: Monitoring and Evaluation says farm support remains high. Nearly US $268 billion were provided to farmers across OECD countries last year, although levels of support varied widely – from 1% of farm receipts in New Zealand to more than 60% in Iceland, Norway, Korea and Switzerland. Crop and livestock prices in OECD countries were on average 21% higher than world market prices.
But some progress is being made in the way support is being provided...(complete article here).
Outlook for Australian Wheat
The wheat outlook for Australia is dismal.
Dried up, washed out, fed up
Oct 4th 2007 GULARGAMBONE
From The Economist print edition
An inaccurate weather forecast brings disaster for many
WHEN rains fell in May after 11 dry years in a row, Bruce Crafter borrowed from his bank to sow a wheat crop on the family farm where he grew up in western Victoria. Like thousands of Australian farmers who have watched their livelihoods wither away under the country's worst drought in a century, Mr Crafter was encouraged by forecasts of follow-up spring rains in September. He sold one-third of his expected bumper crop on the futures market. But the rains never arrived, and the crops that promised salvation have failed. With no intended irony, Mr Crafter says: “We've been washed out.”
“Wash-out” is the term farmers are using to describe the contracts they can no longer fulfil. Australia is one of the world's biggest wheat exporters. The crop underpins the country's outback farming belt. After recent glitches to wheat supplies in North America...(complete article here).
The pressure on global wheat stocks remains high and prices will remain high as well.
Dried up, washed out, fed up
Oct 4th 2007 GULARGAMBONE
From The Economist print edition
An inaccurate weather forecast brings disaster for many
WHEN rains fell in May after 11 dry years in a row, Bruce Crafter borrowed from his bank to sow a wheat crop on the family farm where he grew up in western Victoria. Like thousands of Australian farmers who have watched their livelihoods wither away under the country's worst drought in a century, Mr Crafter was encouraged by forecasts of follow-up spring rains in September. He sold one-third of his expected bumper crop on the futures market. But the rains never arrived, and the crops that promised salvation have failed. With no intended irony, Mr Crafter says: “We've been washed out.”
“Wash-out” is the term farmers are using to describe the contracts they can no longer fulfil. Australia is one of the world's biggest wheat exporters. The crop underpins the country's outback farming belt. After recent glitches to wheat supplies in North America...(complete article here).
The pressure on global wheat stocks remains high and prices will remain high as well.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Benefits of Conservation Buffers
High-yield agriculture involves intensive production practices that incorporate substantial levels of fertilizer and pesticide application. Because most farming enterprises apply uniform amounts across the entire field, there are areas within the field where the products are underutilized and therefore subject to runoff in irrigation or rain water. Such runoff presents a potential hazard to waterways, streams and ponds that may collect the runoff.
Conservation buffers, such as filter strips and riparian forest buffers are widely prescribed to improve and protect water quality in agricultural landscapes. The filters are typically a strip of uniform width along the margin of a field on the down-slope side that is designed to catch and filter any pesticides, fertilizers, certain pathogens, heavy metals, or sediment that may run off of the field. Common buffers include riparian buffers, filter strips, grassed waterways, shelterbelts, windbreaks, living snow fences, contour grass strips, cross-wind trap strips, shallow water areas for wildlife, field borders, alley cropping, herbaceous wind barriers, and vegetative barriers.
Buffer strips may catch snow, cut down on blowing soil, provide cover for wildlife populations and shelter for livestock during inclement weather conditions. Grassy waterways may also provide periodic grazing. Buffer strips may provide food and nesting areas for wildlife as well as to provide corridors for safe movement. They will often reduce noise and odor. Such benefits make them especially attractive when the agricultural land is near population centers.
Studies have recently been completed that suggest that variable width buffers are more effective in controlling potentially hazardous runoff. Frequently there are certain areas of a given field that produce a greater volume of water runoff than other areas. Such an area might be at the foot of a slope or in the path of a former waterway that has been filled. In such cases, a wider buffer may be necessary to provide adequate capture of sediment and hazardous materials.
Conservation buffers around confined livestock facilities may help to meet legal requirements of runoff control. Grassed waterways and buffer zones can prevent undesirable escape of nutrients into streams and other natural bodies of water. Tree rows can help to reduce dust, odor and noise from feeding operations as well as to capture nutrients and prevent their escape into surrounding areas. Tree rows help to provide a screen that will create a more positive image for casual observers of the operation.
In certain areas, conservation buffers can contribute to the revenue of the farming operation. Such revenue can be derived from hunting leases because of the improved wildlife habitat on the farm. Careful planning of the conservation buffers to provide food and shelter to pheasant and quail populations helps to maintain their health – particularly during seasons when field crops are unavailable. In locations with deer populations, shelter belts can provide bedding areas and cover.
Livestock water is another issue that must be considered. If field runoff is unchecked, farm ponds can become unusable due to silting. They also can become hazardous to the health of livestock due to pesticide and heavy metals concentrating in them. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, adequate buffer strips have been shown to remove up to 50% or more of pesticides, 60% or more of certain pathogens, and 75% or more of sediment. Such considerations, along with the various programs available through the NRCS, make buffer strips an economical control method that enhances the value of a farm and provides a visually pleasing and healthy environment.
Farming often comes under fire from citizens concerned about the environment and from those who are bothered by the odor and noise that may be created. Conservation buffers are one method to help allay such concerns and to create a positive image for the farming community.
Conservation buffers, such as filter strips and riparian forest buffers are widely prescribed to improve and protect water quality in agricultural landscapes. The filters are typically a strip of uniform width along the margin of a field on the down-slope side that is designed to catch and filter any pesticides, fertilizers, certain pathogens, heavy metals, or sediment that may run off of the field. Common buffers include riparian buffers, filter strips, grassed waterways, shelterbelts, windbreaks, living snow fences, contour grass strips, cross-wind trap strips, shallow water areas for wildlife, field borders, alley cropping, herbaceous wind barriers, and vegetative barriers.
Buffer strips may catch snow, cut down on blowing soil, provide cover for wildlife populations and shelter for livestock during inclement weather conditions. Grassy waterways may also provide periodic grazing. Buffer strips may provide food and nesting areas for wildlife as well as to provide corridors for safe movement. They will often reduce noise and odor. Such benefits make them especially attractive when the agricultural land is near population centers.
Studies have recently been completed that suggest that variable width buffers are more effective in controlling potentially hazardous runoff. Frequently there are certain areas of a given field that produce a greater volume of water runoff than other areas. Such an area might be at the foot of a slope or in the path of a former waterway that has been filled. In such cases, a wider buffer may be necessary to provide adequate capture of sediment and hazardous materials.
Conservation buffers around confined livestock facilities may help to meet legal requirements of runoff control. Grassed waterways and buffer zones can prevent undesirable escape of nutrients into streams and other natural bodies of water. Tree rows can help to reduce dust, odor and noise from feeding operations as well as to capture nutrients and prevent their escape into surrounding areas. Tree rows help to provide a screen that will create a more positive image for casual observers of the operation.
In certain areas, conservation buffers can contribute to the revenue of the farming operation. Such revenue can be derived from hunting leases because of the improved wildlife habitat on the farm. Careful planning of the conservation buffers to provide food and shelter to pheasant and quail populations helps to maintain their health – particularly during seasons when field crops are unavailable. In locations with deer populations, shelter belts can provide bedding areas and cover.
Livestock water is another issue that must be considered. If field runoff is unchecked, farm ponds can become unusable due to silting. They also can become hazardous to the health of livestock due to pesticide and heavy metals concentrating in them. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, adequate buffer strips have been shown to remove up to 50% or more of pesticides, 60% or more of certain pathogens, and 75% or more of sediment. Such considerations, along with the various programs available through the NRCS, make buffer strips an economical control method that enhances the value of a farm and provides a visually pleasing and healthy environment.
Farming often comes under fire from citizens concerned about the environment and from those who are bothered by the odor and noise that may be created. Conservation buffers are one method to help allay such concerns and to create a positive image for the farming community.
Wind Power Variability
Variability of power production is a major issue in wind generated electricity.
Methods for Regulating Wind Power's VariabilityUnder Development by Electrical Engineer
October 16, 2007
AUSTIN, Texas—As Texas' electric grid operator prepares to add power lines for carrying future wind-generated energy, an electrical engineer at The University of Texas at Austin is developing improved methods for determining the extent to which power from a wind farm can displace a conventional power plant, and how best to regulate varying wind power.
"The cost of wind energy has become competitive with that of energy from fossil fuels because of technology improvements," said Assistant Professor Surya Santoso. "Unfortunately, electric power generated from wind energy is intermittent and variable. That means we need to have better measurements of wind power plants' output as we integrate wind energy into existing power systems. We also need to develop a way of managing wind power so it can be more readily called upon when needed."
Texas has outstripped California since 2006 as...(complete article here).
Methods for Regulating Wind Power's VariabilityUnder Development by Electrical Engineer
October 16, 2007
AUSTIN, Texas—As Texas' electric grid operator prepares to add power lines for carrying future wind-generated energy, an electrical engineer at The University of Texas at Austin is developing improved methods for determining the extent to which power from a wind farm can displace a conventional power plant, and how best to regulate varying wind power.
"The cost of wind energy has become competitive with that of energy from fossil fuels because of technology improvements," said Assistant Professor Surya Santoso. "Unfortunately, electric power generated from wind energy is intermittent and variable. That means we need to have better measurements of wind power plants' output as we integrate wind energy into existing power systems. We also need to develop a way of managing wind power so it can be more readily called upon when needed."
Texas has outstripped California since 2006 as...(complete article here).
Hope for the Cod Fisheries
A success story is nice to see.
Glimmer of hope for North sea cod
By Charles Clover, Environment Editor
Last Updated: 6:01pm BST 15/10/2007
A glimmer of hope for the North Sea cod will be delivered by scientists later this week.
After six years of calling for a total ban on the catching of cod to prevent stocks collapsing altogether, international scientists say that the number of young fish has increased.
In their annual assessment of stocks, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which advises EU ministers, says...(complete article here).
Careful management of our ocean fisheries can create a resurgence of stocks just as hunting seasons and management plans for wildlife have helped in the resurgence of many game species. The biggest problem is the necessity of International cooperation.
Glimmer of hope for North sea cod
By Charles Clover, Environment Editor
Last Updated: 6:01pm BST 15/10/2007
A glimmer of hope for the North Sea cod will be delivered by scientists later this week.
After six years of calling for a total ban on the catching of cod to prevent stocks collapsing altogether, international scientists say that the number of young fish has increased.
In their annual assessment of stocks, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which advises EU ministers, says...(complete article here).
Careful management of our ocean fisheries can create a resurgence of stocks just as hunting seasons and management plans for wildlife have helped in the resurgence of many game species. The biggest problem is the necessity of International cooperation.
Ladybugs in New York
Out here in "flyover" country we've known for years that Ladybugs were beneficial insects. It's nice to know that our city cousins are figuring it out.
Ladybugs used in place of insecticides
NEW YORK, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Groundskeepers at New York City apartment complexes are using ladybugs as an alternative to chemical-based insecticides to manage their landscaped grounds.
Groundskeepers released 720,000 ladybugs over an 18-block area in an effort to control aphids, mites, and other unwanted pests, The New York Times reports.
The supplier of the ladybugs told the apartment buildings' owners the ladybugs would consume nearly 4.6 billion aphids per day.
Carl Keil, grounds manager at one of the facilities, said he was not concerned over upsetting the ecological balance.
“I think they’ll just help them control the population,” Keil told the Times, referring to the aphid population.
New York City park officials echoed Keil.“Besides being beautiful, ladybugs are also quite benign," said Warner Johnson, spokesman for the parks department.
Ladybugs used in place of insecticides
NEW YORK, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Groundskeepers at New York City apartment complexes are using ladybugs as an alternative to chemical-based insecticides to manage their landscaped grounds.
Groundskeepers released 720,000 ladybugs over an 18-block area in an effort to control aphids, mites, and other unwanted pests, The New York Times reports.
The supplier of the ladybugs told the apartment buildings' owners the ladybugs would consume nearly 4.6 billion aphids per day.
Carl Keil, grounds manager at one of the facilities, said he was not concerned over upsetting the ecological balance.
“I think they’ll just help them control the population,” Keil told the Times, referring to the aphid population.
New York City park officials echoed Keil.“Besides being beautiful, ladybugs are also quite benign," said Warner Johnson, spokesman for the parks department.
Malaria Control
It's good to see someone other than the U.S. contributing to malaria control. However, it seems like during the "Cold War" the contibutions from Russia (U.S.S.R. at the time) always came with strings attached.
Russia Contributes US$20 Million to Malaria Control in Africa
Contacts: In Washington:
Marina Vasilieva (7 985) 920 7785 (mobile)e-mail mvasilieva@worldbank.org
Miriam Van Dyck (1 202) 458 2931e-mail mvandyck@worldbank.org
WASHINGTON, October 19, 2007— The Government of Russia signed an agreement with the World Bank Group and the World Health Organization (WHO) that will see the country commit US$20 million for malaria control in Africa. The contribution marks Russia’s growing role as a donor and active partner in international development efforts.
“Russia is expanding its contributions to development aid, particularly in infectious disease control, education and access to energy,” said Russian...(complete article here).
Russia Contributes US$20 Million to Malaria Control in Africa
Contacts: In Washington:
Marina Vasilieva (7 985) 920 7785 (mobile)e-mail mvasilieva@worldbank.org
Miriam Van Dyck (1 202) 458 2931e-mail mvandyck@worldbank.org
WASHINGTON, October 19, 2007— The Government of Russia signed an agreement with the World Bank Group and the World Health Organization (WHO) that will see the country commit US$20 million for malaria control in Africa. The contribution marks Russia’s growing role as a donor and active partner in international development efforts.
“Russia is expanding its contributions to development aid, particularly in infectious disease control, education and access to energy,” said Russian...(complete article here).
Polluted Precipitation
Identifying the source of pollutants can be difficult. Often airborne pollutants are carried many miles from their source.
USGS Study Identifies Major Source of Nitrate in Precipitation
Released: 10/19/2007 2:55:35 PM
Contact Information:
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological SurveyOffice of Communication119 National CenterReston, VA 20192
Emily Elliott Phone: 412-624-8882
Denver Makle Phone: 703-648-4732
Nitrate found in precipitation occurring in rural areas of the Northeastern and Midwestern United States is primarily caused by emissions from stationary sources located hundreds of miles away, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study.
Stationary sources include coal-burning power plants and other industrial facilities. Although vehicles are the single largest emission source of nitrogen oxides in this region, distant stationary sources may have a greater impact on nitrate found in rain and snow.
"These results demonstrate that we have a new chemical analysis tool for tracing the influence of emissions from stationary sources. This could be a powerful method for monitoring the effects of stationary source emission reductions slated for this region over the next 8 years," says Emily Elliott, former USGS scientist and current assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, presents the first large-scale investigation of nitrogen isotopes in precipitation. The authors analyzed stable nitrogen isotopes at 33 long-term...(complete article here).
USGS Study Identifies Major Source of Nitrate in Precipitation
Released: 10/19/2007 2:55:35 PM
Contact Information:
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological SurveyOffice of Communication119 National CenterReston, VA 20192
Emily Elliott Phone: 412-624-8882
Denver Makle Phone: 703-648-4732
Nitrate found in precipitation occurring in rural areas of the Northeastern and Midwestern United States is primarily caused by emissions from stationary sources located hundreds of miles away, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study.
Stationary sources include coal-burning power plants and other industrial facilities. Although vehicles are the single largest emission source of nitrogen oxides in this region, distant stationary sources may have a greater impact on nitrate found in rain and snow.
"These results demonstrate that we have a new chemical analysis tool for tracing the influence of emissions from stationary sources. This could be a powerful method for monitoring the effects of stationary source emission reductions slated for this region over the next 8 years," says Emily Elliott, former USGS scientist and current assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, presents the first large-scale investigation of nitrogen isotopes in precipitation. The authors analyzed stable nitrogen isotopes at 33 long-term...(complete article here).
World Bank Rediscovers Agriculture
Agriculture is the foundation of civilization. You can't have much of an economy without a sound foundation.
World Bank gives farming renewed role
By Andrew Walker Economics Correspondent, BBC World Service
The World Bank has rediscovered agriculture.
Perhaps that's an exaggeration, but clearly the farming sector is gaining a renewed significance in the Bank's work.
Last week its own assessors produced a report criticising the Bank for not taking the sector seriously enough. The Bank duly accepted some - though not all - of the strictures.
And now the new edition of its annual World Development Report is all about agriculture, a kind of...
...The Bank's chief economist Francois Bourguignon says that for the poorest countries, most of which are in Africa, growth in agriculture is four times as effective in reducing poverty as growth in other areas of the economy...(complete article here).
I'm happy to see the World Bank is waking up.
World Bank gives farming renewed role
By Andrew Walker Economics Correspondent, BBC World Service
The World Bank has rediscovered agriculture.
Perhaps that's an exaggeration, but clearly the farming sector is gaining a renewed significance in the Bank's work.
Last week its own assessors produced a report criticising the Bank for not taking the sector seriously enough. The Bank duly accepted some - though not all - of the strictures.
And now the new edition of its annual World Development Report is all about agriculture, a kind of...
...The Bank's chief economist Francois Bourguignon says that for the poorest countries, most of which are in Africa, growth in agriculture is four times as effective in reducing poverty as growth in other areas of the economy...(complete article here).
I'm happy to see the World Bank is waking up.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Swine Virus and Genes
It's all in the genes.
Genetic Clue for Fighting Swine Virus
By Ann PerryOctober 18, 2007
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are part of a team that has found a vital clue for battling a disease called porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which costs U.S. swine producers about $560 million annually.
PRRSV-infected pigs are susceptible to pneumonia and reproductive losses, and infected sows give birth to weak piglets. It can take weeks or even months for them to recover from the virus, which evolves and adapts quickly to environmental challenges like vaccines and medications.
Scientists Joan Lunney, Patricia Boyd and Daniel Kuhar conduct research at the ARS Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. Working with animal scientist Rodger Johnson and graduate student Derek Petry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, they evaluated two lines of swine for genetic resistance to PRRSV. The Nebraska Index line (I) was chosen because of its improved reproductive traits, and the Hampshire by Duroc cross (HD) was selected for its high growth rates.
All pigs in both groups became infected after exposure to PRRSV. However, I pigs generally recovered more quickly, maintained higher levels of weight gain during...(complete article here).
One of the key things that I noticed in this article is that genetic lines that exhibited rapid growth were most susceptible disease. The supposition is that more energy is devoted to growth and less to immune response. By selecting for growth characteristics, we may be sacrificing disease resistance.
Genetic Clue for Fighting Swine Virus
By Ann PerryOctober 18, 2007
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are part of a team that has found a vital clue for battling a disease called porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which costs U.S. swine producers about $560 million annually.
PRRSV-infected pigs are susceptible to pneumonia and reproductive losses, and infected sows give birth to weak piglets. It can take weeks or even months for them to recover from the virus, which evolves and adapts quickly to environmental challenges like vaccines and medications.
Scientists Joan Lunney, Patricia Boyd and Daniel Kuhar conduct research at the ARS Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. Working with animal scientist Rodger Johnson and graduate student Derek Petry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, they evaluated two lines of swine for genetic resistance to PRRSV. The Nebraska Index line (I) was chosen because of its improved reproductive traits, and the Hampshire by Duroc cross (HD) was selected for its high growth rates.
All pigs in both groups became infected after exposure to PRRSV. However, I pigs generally recovered more quickly, maintained higher levels of weight gain during...(complete article here).
One of the key things that I noticed in this article is that genetic lines that exhibited rapid growth were most susceptible disease. The supposition is that more energy is devoted to growth and less to immune response. By selecting for growth characteristics, we may be sacrificing disease resistance.
Market Information
We take our market information system and level of communications for granted. This story from Afghanistan helps to put into perspective the value of that flow of information to the marketplace.
FAO helps Afghan farmers tune in to better incomes
Herat, Afghanistan – Two evenings a week, village farmer Ghulam Mostafa crouches next to his small transistor radio and listens carefully. Over the next few minutes he learns where he can get the best prices for his wheat, chickpeas and onions.
“If I don’t listen to the radio, I don’t know the prices in neighbouring provinces," he says. "One time I heard that each kilogram of onions was worth five to six Afghanis in Herat market but twelve to fifteen Afghanis in Kandahar; so five friends and I rented a truck and went to Kandahar to get a higher price.
"This simple success story is being...(complete story here).
FAO helps Afghan farmers tune in to better incomes
Herat, Afghanistan – Two evenings a week, village farmer Ghulam Mostafa crouches next to his small transistor radio and listens carefully. Over the next few minutes he learns where he can get the best prices for his wheat, chickpeas and onions.
“If I don’t listen to the radio, I don’t know the prices in neighbouring provinces," he says. "One time I heard that each kilogram of onions was worth five to six Afghanis in Herat market but twelve to fifteen Afghanis in Kandahar; so five friends and I rented a truck and went to Kandahar to get a higher price.
"This simple success story is being...(complete story here).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
British Foot-and-Mouth Restrictions Eased
Good news for the British livestock industry.
Foot-and-mouth restrictions eased
Bans on livestock movement in low-risk foot-and-mouth areas across Britain have now been lifted.
Officials have also ended the disease protection zone in Surrey after no further cases of the disease emerged.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the decision was made after "extensive surveillance".
Surrey's wider 10km surveillance...(complete article here).
Foot-and-mouth restrictions eased
Bans on livestock movement in low-risk foot-and-mouth areas across Britain have now been lifted.
Officials have also ended the disease protection zone in Surrey after no further cases of the disease emerged.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the decision was made after "extensive surveillance".
Surrey's wider 10km surveillance...(complete article here).
$100 Oil??
OK, let's all say "demand and supply."
What is driving oil prices so high?
Oil prices have surged to record highs above $88 a barrel.
Prices have more than quadrupled since 2002 and are currently 40% higher than at the start of the year.
What factors are causing this unremitting increase and what are the likely consequences for consumers and the global economy?
Why is causing the latest price spike?
This has been triggered by simmering tensions between Turkey and Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq.
Analysts are worried about the consequences of possible incursions by Turkish troops...(complete article here).
What is driving oil prices so high?
Oil prices have surged to record highs above $88 a barrel.
Prices have more than quadrupled since 2002 and are currently 40% higher than at the start of the year.
What factors are causing this unremitting increase and what are the likely consequences for consumers and the global economy?
Why is causing the latest price spike?
This has been triggered by simmering tensions between Turkey and Kurdish separatists in northern Iraq.
Analysts are worried about the consequences of possible incursions by Turkish troops...(complete article here).
Is There a Phosphate Shortage??
This is the first that I've heard of a phosphate shortage. Any other information out there??
Farming Faces Phosphate Shortfall
By Mario Osava*
Global reserves of phosphorous, essential for agriculture, could run out in 60 to 100 years, warn experts.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 15 (Tierramérica).- Scarcity of phosphate, an indispensable fertilizer for farming, is worrying soil experts, given the voracious plans of Brazil and many other countries in the race for biofuel leadership.
A salt of phosphoric acid salt, phosphate is a chemical compound made up of a central phosphorous atom and four oxygen atoms.Phosphorous is a "finite and irreplaceable" mineral, whose known reserves that are economically viable for exploitation could run out in 60 to 100 years if the current pace of global consumption...(complete article here).
Farming Faces Phosphate Shortfall
By Mario Osava*
Global reserves of phosphorous, essential for agriculture, could run out in 60 to 100 years, warn experts.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct 15 (Tierramérica).- Scarcity of phosphate, an indispensable fertilizer for farming, is worrying soil experts, given the voracious plans of Brazil and many other countries in the race for biofuel leadership.
A salt of phosphoric acid salt, phosphate is a chemical compound made up of a central phosphorous atom and four oxygen atoms.Phosphorous is a "finite and irreplaceable" mineral, whose known reserves that are economically viable for exploitation could run out in 60 to 100 years if the current pace of global consumption...(complete article here).
EPA Agricultural Advisory Committee
It would be nice if the EPA truly would get input from the agricultural community.
EPA Announces First-Ever Agricultural Advisory Committee
Release date: 10/17/2007
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 17, 2007) Continuing efforts to strengthen relations with the agriculture community, EPA today announced the establishment of the first-ever Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. The committee is being formed under the guidelines of the National Strategy for Agriculture, and it will advise the administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches and rural communities and operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
"We at EPA appreciate that agriculture isn't just the producer of the food, agriculture is the producer of environmental and economic solutions," said Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
"This committee provides an opportunity to improve dialogue between EPA and the farming community. By sitting...(complete article here).
Agriculture is so diverse that it is impossible for all interested parties to be properly represented on such a committee. Let's hope that the appointees to the committee will work in the best interests of the diversity that they must represent and not just focus on their own self-interests.
EPA Announces First-Ever Agricultural Advisory Committee
Release date: 10/17/2007
Contact Information: Dave Ryan, (202) 564-4355 / ryan.dave@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 17, 2007) Continuing efforts to strengthen relations with the agriculture community, EPA today announced the establishment of the first-ever Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee. The committee is being formed under the guidelines of the National Strategy for Agriculture, and it will advise the administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches and rural communities and operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
"We at EPA appreciate that agriculture isn't just the producer of the food, agriculture is the producer of environmental and economic solutions," said Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
"This committee provides an opportunity to improve dialogue between EPA and the farming community. By sitting...(complete article here).
Agriculture is so diverse that it is impossible for all interested parties to be properly represented on such a committee. Let's hope that the appointees to the committee will work in the best interests of the diversity that they must represent and not just focus on their own self-interests.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Pollution Busters
Who ya gonna call??
Pollution-Busting Plants
Transgenic trees and plants may break down the pollutants left behind at sites ranging from former factories to firing ranges
By David Biello
A French hybrid of an aspen tree may one day rid water supplies of the industrial degreaser—and human carcinogen—trichloroethylene (TCE), one of the most common contaminants at toxic waste sites in the U.S. And the tiny, but tractable, Arabidopsis plant may mop up the residue of RDX, a military explosive blasted into the soils at firing ranges.
"Plants are a good method for remediating soil and water," says Stuart Strand, an environmental engineer at the University of Washington who has worked on creating the genetically modified pollution-gobbling aspen tree. Even in their natural state...(complete article here).
Genetic engineering is definitely here to stay. I have mixed feelings about it because scientists don't know where to draw the line. But, I do believe there are worthy applications.
Questions: If human conducted genetic engineering creates a new creature/plant/organism for a specific purpose, is that saying that scientists are smarter than God? Or, is it saying that we don't yet know the consequences of our God-playing? Or, is it the desired result of the cumulative knowlege of our God-inspired species and is part of His plan? No wonder few scientists believe in God. They think they are one.
Pollution-Busting Plants
Transgenic trees and plants may break down the pollutants left behind at sites ranging from former factories to firing ranges
By David Biello
A French hybrid of an aspen tree may one day rid water supplies of the industrial degreaser—and human carcinogen—trichloroethylene (TCE), one of the most common contaminants at toxic waste sites in the U.S. And the tiny, but tractable, Arabidopsis plant may mop up the residue of RDX, a military explosive blasted into the soils at firing ranges.
"Plants are a good method for remediating soil and water," says Stuart Strand, an environmental engineer at the University of Washington who has worked on creating the genetically modified pollution-gobbling aspen tree. Even in their natural state...(complete article here).
Genetic engineering is definitely here to stay. I have mixed feelings about it because scientists don't know where to draw the line. But, I do believe there are worthy applications.
Questions: If human conducted genetic engineering creates a new creature/plant/organism for a specific purpose, is that saying that scientists are smarter than God? Or, is it saying that we don't yet know the consequences of our God-playing? Or, is it the desired result of the cumulative knowlege of our God-inspired species and is part of His plan? No wonder few scientists believe in God. They think they are one.
Rural Living and Asthma
One of the many advantages of farm life.
Farm Kids Have Lower Risk Of Asthma, Study Shows
Science Daily — Farm children appear to have a lower risk of asthma than their urban counterparts or even those living in a non-agricultural rural environment, according to a University of Alberta study.
Analysis of two surveys involving 13,524 asthma--free children aged less than 12 years in the ongoing Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) showed that children living in a farming environment had a lower risk of developing asthma than their counterparts who resided in either non-farming rural environments, such as...(complete article here).
I guess that heavy exposure at a young age causes the development of a higher immuno-tolerance for the pollens and dust that cause asthma.
Farm Kids Have Lower Risk Of Asthma, Study Shows
Science Daily — Farm children appear to have a lower risk of asthma than their urban counterparts or even those living in a non-agricultural rural environment, according to a University of Alberta study.
Analysis of two surveys involving 13,524 asthma--free children aged less than 12 years in the ongoing Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY) showed that children living in a farming environment had a lower risk of developing asthma than their counterparts who resided in either non-farming rural environments, such as...(complete article here).
I guess that heavy exposure at a young age causes the development of a higher immuno-tolerance for the pollens and dust that cause asthma.
ERS Outlook Reports
New reports from the ERS.
Feed Outlook
Wheat Outlook
Cotton and Wool Outlook
Oil Crops Outlook
Rice Outlook
Feed Outlook
Wheat Outlook
Cotton and Wool Outlook
Oil Crops Outlook
Rice Outlook
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Bluetongue Jumps to Sheep
The news for British livestock producers just gets worse.
Bluetongue jumps from cattle to sheep
Published: 14, 2007 at 12:52 PM
LONDON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Britain's bluetongue outbreak has jumped species, having been found in sheep after first infecting cattle this summer.
The virus has infected 60 sheep and cattle, spreading to 36 farms in Suffolk and neighboring Essex, The Telegraph reported Sunday.
Disease experts fear the insects that carried the virus from mainland Europe will survive the winter in sheds and barns, and may continue spreading the virus into December, which could decimate nation's sheep...(complete article here).
Bluetongue jumps from cattle to sheep
Published: 14, 2007 at 12:52 PM
LONDON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Britain's bluetongue outbreak has jumped species, having been found in sheep after first infecting cattle this summer.
The virus has infected 60 sheep and cattle, spreading to 36 farms in Suffolk and neighboring Essex, The Telegraph reported Sunday.
Disease experts fear the insects that carried the virus from mainland Europe will survive the winter in sheds and barns, and may continue spreading the virus into December, which could decimate nation's sheep...(complete article here).
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Blog Action Day for the Environment
October 15 is Blog Action Day for the Environment. There is a button with link in my sidebar. I would encourage everyone to join in this particular Action Day. Most of you who read this blog are very conservative. So am I. Al Gore receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his fiction film on Global Warming doesn't sit too well with me. I think it devalues the Nobel. Although, I guess that Jimmy Carter receiving it some years back pretty much soured me on its value anyway.
On this Blog Action Day there will be thousands of posts by liberal environmental activists crying "doom and gloom" about the environment. We need to make certain that more conservative views are represented. Don't misunderstand me, I do believe that we need to care for the environment. Water, air and other pollution are health hazards. We are commanded by God to be good stewards of the resources that he places in our care -- which is the earth and all that is in it. However, stewardship implies Conservation -- not Preservation. There is a big difference.
Preservationists want to depopulate the earth. They also desire to see those few who are left living in a "natural" state -- being one with nature. It's interesting to me that the only ones they feel deserve to live on this planet are members of their small but very vocal clique. It is a very elitist position. If most of them were placed in nature without their gadgets and gizmos they would starve to death. Many of them are totally dependent on the technology that they condemn. Al Gore is a prime example. What would he do without his jet to travel around the world?
Conservationists on the other hand are focused on sustainability. It is a concept that makes sense. Conservation is caring for resources in a manner that will provide maximum benefit for now and future use. Conservationists are in favor of sustainable hunting and fishing. They believe in the utilization of natural resources such as land for farming and forests for lumber. The idea of conservation walks a fine line just short of Preservation. Conservationists wish to maintain bio-diversity. The demise of species is potentially detrimental to human populations. Therefore they are proponents of natural reservoirs to maintain viable populations of plants and animals. Their view is that such reservoirs provide a research laboratory that may yield future miracle drugs. They also understand the interlocking web of dependence between each and every plant and animal community. I consider myself to be in the Conservation camp -- sounds a lot like Conservative doesn't it?
We all should be sensitive to environmental issues. I'm sure that none of you would choose to live in a cesspool. That is why I believe it is important to get a Common Sense view posted on this Blog Action Day.
On this Blog Action Day there will be thousands of posts by liberal environmental activists crying "doom and gloom" about the environment. We need to make certain that more conservative views are represented. Don't misunderstand me, I do believe that we need to care for the environment. Water, air and other pollution are health hazards. We are commanded by God to be good stewards of the resources that he places in our care -- which is the earth and all that is in it. However, stewardship implies Conservation -- not Preservation. There is a big difference.
Preservationists want to depopulate the earth. They also desire to see those few who are left living in a "natural" state -- being one with nature. It's interesting to me that the only ones they feel deserve to live on this planet are members of their small but very vocal clique. It is a very elitist position. If most of them were placed in nature without their gadgets and gizmos they would starve to death. Many of them are totally dependent on the technology that they condemn. Al Gore is a prime example. What would he do without his jet to travel around the world?
Conservationists on the other hand are focused on sustainability. It is a concept that makes sense. Conservation is caring for resources in a manner that will provide maximum benefit for now and future use. Conservationists are in favor of sustainable hunting and fishing. They believe in the utilization of natural resources such as land for farming and forests for lumber. The idea of conservation walks a fine line just short of Preservation. Conservationists wish to maintain bio-diversity. The demise of species is potentially detrimental to human populations. Therefore they are proponents of natural reservoirs to maintain viable populations of plants and animals. Their view is that such reservoirs provide a research laboratory that may yield future miracle drugs. They also understand the interlocking web of dependence between each and every plant and animal community. I consider myself to be in the Conservation camp -- sounds a lot like Conservative doesn't it?
We all should be sensitive to environmental issues. I'm sure that none of you would choose to live in a cesspool. That is why I believe it is important to get a Common Sense view posted on this Blog Action Day.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Space-based Solar Power
Space-based solar power is an idea that science fiction writers have used for years. It makes sense.
Power from space? Pentagon likes the idea
Frontline soldiers could use energy beamed from orbit, study says
By Alan Boyle
Science editor
MSNBC
A new Pentagon study lays out the roadmap for a multibillion-dollar push to the final frontier of energy: a satellite system that collects gigawatts’ worth of solar power and beams it down to Earth.
The military itself could become the “anchor tenant” for such a power source, due to the current high cost of fueling combat operations abroad, the study says.
The 75-page report, released Wednesday, says new economic incentives would...(complete article here).
I would rather see it in the hands of private industry.
Power from space? Pentagon likes the idea
Frontline soldiers could use energy beamed from orbit, study says
By Alan Boyle
Science editor
MSNBC
A new Pentagon study lays out the roadmap for a multibillion-dollar push to the final frontier of energy: a satellite system that collects gigawatts’ worth of solar power and beams it down to Earth.
The military itself could become the “anchor tenant” for such a power source, due to the current high cost of fueling combat operations abroad, the study says.
The 75-page report, released Wednesday, says new economic incentives would...(complete article here).
I would rather see it in the hands of private industry.
Fuel Efficiency Ratings for 2008
New fuel efficiency ratings released.
EPA-DOE Release Fuel Economy Lists for 2008 Models - Numbers reflect new fuel economy testing methods
Release date: 10/12/2007
Contact Information:
(EPA) Margot Perez-Sullivan, (202) 564-4355 / perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov
(DOE) Tom Welch, (202) 586-5806 / thomas.welch@hq.doe.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 12, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing new vehicles.
"Today's consumers expect the biggest bang for their buck. By fueling them with information on this year's fleet of vehicles, we are putting Americans in the driver's seat to save money at the pump and protect our environment," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
"As we see in the wide range of fuel efficient leaders, 'going green' can fit the needs of any lifestyle."
"Greater fuel efficiency is something we must approach more aggressively,...(article and links here).
EPA-DOE Release Fuel Economy Lists for 2008 Models - Numbers reflect new fuel economy testing methods
Release date: 10/12/2007
Contact Information:
(EPA) Margot Perez-Sullivan, (202) 564-4355 / perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov
(DOE) Tom Welch, (202) 586-5806 / thomas.welch@hq.doe.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 12, 2007) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released the 2008 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing new vehicles.
"Today's consumers expect the biggest bang for their buck. By fueling them with information on this year's fleet of vehicles, we are putting Americans in the driver's seat to save money at the pump and protect our environment," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
"As we see in the wide range of fuel efficient leaders, 'going green' can fit the needs of any lifestyle."
"Greater fuel efficiency is something we must approach more aggressively,...(article and links here).
New Ag Data Sets Released
New data sets released by the ERS.
Livestock and Meat Trade
World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates
Livestock and Meat Trade
World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates
Tree Research for Urban Environments
I have always been a big proponent of planting trees. Growing up in the Texas Panhandle you learn to appreciate a tree. We have planted trees at every house where we have lived. I have planted over 60 trees at our current home.
Wanted: Trees for Urban Landscapes
By Ann Perry
October 11, 2007
Imagine this "wanted" ad: Horticulturalists in search of small- to medium-sized, pest-resistant, low-maintenance trees that thrive in the face of environmental extremes. Must be able to tolerate foot traffic, storms, drought, car exhaust, insects and dogs. Good looks—springtime blossoms, shapely crowns, brilliant fall foliage—a plus.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist John Hammond set out to make a lifelong match: trees that can survive years of service shading city sidewalks or traffic median strips. Hammond, who heads the ARS Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit in Beltsville, Md., is in charge of the "Power Trees Project."
For four years, Hammond has worked with federal, state and local partners to find trees that can keep their good looks and hold their own against urban stresses. Pick the...(complete article here).
Trees help control wind and water erosion. They provide habitat for wildlife. And they are visually attractive. If you are interested in inexpensive trees for planting, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website. You can receive 10 free trees just for joining.
Wanted: Trees for Urban Landscapes
By Ann Perry
October 11, 2007
Imagine this "wanted" ad: Horticulturalists in search of small- to medium-sized, pest-resistant, low-maintenance trees that thrive in the face of environmental extremes. Must be able to tolerate foot traffic, storms, drought, car exhaust, insects and dogs. Good looks—springtime blossoms, shapely crowns, brilliant fall foliage—a plus.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist John Hammond set out to make a lifelong match: trees that can survive years of service shading city sidewalks or traffic median strips. Hammond, who heads the ARS Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit in Beltsville, Md., is in charge of the "Power Trees Project."
For four years, Hammond has worked with federal, state and local partners to find trees that can keep their good looks and hold their own against urban stresses. Pick the...(complete article here).
Trees help control wind and water erosion. They provide habitat for wildlife. And they are visually attractive. If you are interested in inexpensive trees for planting, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website. You can receive 10 free trees just for joining.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
CO2 Sequestration Regulations
Needed regulation.
EPA To Develop Regulations for Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide
Release date: 10/11/2007
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 11, 2007) Today EPA announced plans to develop regulations to establish a clear path for geologic sequestration, a process of injecting captured carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in deep rock formations for long-term storage. Once completed, the regulations will ensure there is a consistent and effective permit system under the Safe Drinking Water Act for commercial-scale geologic sequestration programs to help reduce the effects of climate change.
"Addressing global climate change will require fundamental changes in the way the world generates and uses energy," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By harnessing the power of geologic sequestration technology, we are entering a new age of clean energy – where we can be both good stewards of the Earth, and good stewards of the American economy.
"EPA is working with the Department of Energy as it carries out its carbon sequestration research and development program and is also coordinating efforts to evaluate potential impacts on health, safety and the environment.
The Safe Drinking Water Act established the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program to allow the safe injection of fluids into the subsurface in a manner that does not endanger current or future underground sources of drinking water.
EPA plans to propose regulatory changes to the UIC program in the summer of 2008 and will invite the public and stakeholders to provide input throughout the rule development process.
More information about geologic sequestration activities under the UIC program: epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_sequestration.html
EPA To Develop Regulations for Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide
Release date: 10/11/2007
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 11, 2007) Today EPA announced plans to develop regulations to establish a clear path for geologic sequestration, a process of injecting captured carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, in deep rock formations for long-term storage. Once completed, the regulations will ensure there is a consistent and effective permit system under the Safe Drinking Water Act for commercial-scale geologic sequestration programs to help reduce the effects of climate change.
"Addressing global climate change will require fundamental changes in the way the world generates and uses energy," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By harnessing the power of geologic sequestration technology, we are entering a new age of clean energy – where we can be both good stewards of the Earth, and good stewards of the American economy.
"EPA is working with the Department of Energy as it carries out its carbon sequestration research and development program and is also coordinating efforts to evaluate potential impacts on health, safety and the environment.
The Safe Drinking Water Act established the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program to allow the safe injection of fluids into the subsurface in a manner that does not endanger current or future underground sources of drinking water.
EPA plans to propose regulatory changes to the UIC program in the summer of 2008 and will invite the public and stakeholders to provide input throughout the rule development process.
More information about geologic sequestration activities under the UIC program: epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_sequestration.html
Cultural Environmental Issues
Cultural differences sometimes become an issue in ways that are surprising. Attitudes about the environment, pollution, garbage, sanitation, and other health-affecting behaviors sometimes vary between cultures -- even beyond education. The heavy influx of illegal immigrants across our southern border has an impact on quality of life issues.
Beyond Translation Forum in Houston, Texas
Release date: 10/11/2007
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov
(Dallas, Texas – October 11, 2007)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, the City of Houston’s Department of Health, and the National Organization of Mexican American Rights, will host its second Beyond Translation Forum October 11-12, 2007, at the Hobby Marriot Hotel in Houston, Texas.
At the meeting with Hispanic community leaders, EPA and its partners will explore ways to further engage Hispanic communities as environmental stewards. EPA has been working closely on this effort with a broad range of Hispanic leaders in the region, from business and civic groups, health agencies and academic institutions, as well as local, state and federal agencies.
“With our partners, we’re finding better ways to meet the needs of our communities,” EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said. “Working together, we’re bringing healthier air and cleaner water to all of our communities.”
Federal, state and local agencies as well as private organizations supporting this year’s forum include the Department of Health and Human Services, the City of Houston Health Department, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston Health Museum, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, National Organization for Mexican American Rights, University of Texas Medical Branch and School of Public Health, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
EPA and its partners hosted a student forum on October 10 prior to the Beyond Translation Forum. Over 200 students from Stephen F. Austin and Charles H. Milby High Schools in Houston attended. These schools are located in areas with a large Hispanic population. The forum supported the Houston Independent School District’s efforts to create a “college-bound culture” in its schools.
More information is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/beyondtranslation
Beyond Translation Forum in Houston, Texas
Release date: 10/11/2007
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov
(Dallas, Texas – October 11, 2007)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services, the City of Houston’s Department of Health, and the National Organization of Mexican American Rights, will host its second Beyond Translation Forum October 11-12, 2007, at the Hobby Marriot Hotel in Houston, Texas.
At the meeting with Hispanic community leaders, EPA and its partners will explore ways to further engage Hispanic communities as environmental stewards. EPA has been working closely on this effort with a broad range of Hispanic leaders in the region, from business and civic groups, health agencies and academic institutions, as well as local, state and federal agencies.
“With our partners, we’re finding better ways to meet the needs of our communities,” EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene said. “Working together, we’re bringing healthier air and cleaner water to all of our communities.”
Federal, state and local agencies as well as private organizations supporting this year’s forum include the Department of Health and Human Services, the City of Houston Health Department, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston Health Museum, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services, National Organization for Mexican American Rights, University of Texas Medical Branch and School of Public Health, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
EPA and its partners hosted a student forum on October 10 prior to the Beyond Translation Forum. Over 200 students from Stephen F. Austin and Charles H. Milby High Schools in Houston attended. These schools are located in areas with a large Hispanic population. The forum supported the Houston Independent School District’s efforts to create a “college-bound culture” in its schools.
More information is available at http://www.epa.gov/region6/beyondtranslation
Chinese Steel Factories Pollute
The world likes to point its finger at the U.S. on pollution issues. They need to be looking elsewhere.
10/11/2007 16:43
CHINA
Chinese steel factories pollute more than the rest of the world combined
China is responsible for 51 per cent of all steelmaking carbon emissions. Chinese plants emit on average about two tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of steel produced. This year their expected output is 500 million tonnes. Experts warn the situation will get worse.
Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – China alone is responsible for about 51 per cent of all carbon emissions from steelmakers worldwide, making it the world’s worst polluter among steel-making nations, this according to a statement released on Tuesday in Berlin by the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) during its annual meeting. The industry group is funded by the world's biggest steel producers.
“There are inefficient sites in China,” said Corus Group Plc Chief Executive Officer Philippe Varin. “The newly industrialized countries must make sure they use the best technologies available,'' he added.
China emits more greenhouse gases than other nations because...(complete article here).
Other countries could benefit greatly from U.S. developed technology for minimizing pollutants in the environment. Instead, they continue to point jealous fingers at our economy with accusations that they need to "catch up" and then they might implement the pollution control safeguards that we are using.
10/11/2007 16:43
CHINA
Chinese steel factories pollute more than the rest of the world combined
China is responsible for 51 per cent of all steelmaking carbon emissions. Chinese plants emit on average about two tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of steel produced. This year their expected output is 500 million tonnes. Experts warn the situation will get worse.
Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – China alone is responsible for about 51 per cent of all carbon emissions from steelmakers worldwide, making it the world’s worst polluter among steel-making nations, this according to a statement released on Tuesday in Berlin by the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) during its annual meeting. The industry group is funded by the world's biggest steel producers.
“There are inefficient sites in China,” said Corus Group Plc Chief Executive Officer Philippe Varin. “The newly industrialized countries must make sure they use the best technologies available,'' he added.
China emits more greenhouse gases than other nations because...(complete article here).
Other countries could benefit greatly from U.S. developed technology for minimizing pollutants in the environment. Instead, they continue to point jealous fingers at our economy with accusations that they need to "catch up" and then they might implement the pollution control safeguards that we are using.
Bugs Create Natural Gas from Oil
This is intersting. From Forbes:
Innovations: Organic Fuels
Gassy Bugs
Kerry A. Dolan 10.11.07, 6:00 AM ET
BURLINGAME, CALIF. -
Who knew that tiny bugs deep underground are burping out natural gas, even at this very moment?
Three years ago, Luca Technologies, a start-up in Golden, Colo., discovered that microorganisms in U.S. coal fields are converting--in real time--large hydrocarbon molecules into methane, a natural gas. The obvious entrepreneurial reaction? Harness those "bugs" and put them to work producing natural gas in underutilized oil and coal fields, decided Luca Technologies Chief Executive Robert Pfeiffer.
Now some big backers are betting that Luca’s technology will pay off. In late...(complete article here).
Think of the possibilities: Recover fuel in the form of methane from old "played-out" fields, convert used oil, convert inaccessible oil to natural gas, etc. Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fuels available.
Innovations: Organic Fuels
Gassy Bugs
Kerry A. Dolan 10.11.07, 6:00 AM ET
BURLINGAME, CALIF. -
Who knew that tiny bugs deep underground are burping out natural gas, even at this very moment?
Three years ago, Luca Technologies, a start-up in Golden, Colo., discovered that microorganisms in U.S. coal fields are converting--in real time--large hydrocarbon molecules into methane, a natural gas. The obvious entrepreneurial reaction? Harness those "bugs" and put them to work producing natural gas in underutilized oil and coal fields, decided Luca Technologies Chief Executive Robert Pfeiffer.
Now some big backers are betting that Luca’s technology will pay off. In late...(complete article here).
Think of the possibilities: Recover fuel in the form of methane from old "played-out" fields, convert used oil, convert inaccessible oil to natural gas, etc. Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fuels available.
Power Grid Overhaul?
This article from the Herald Sun in Australia:
Power grid overhaul wanted by wind energy industry
Olga Galacho
October 11, 2007 12:00am
THE wind energy industry has called for the overhaul of the electricity grid to favour renewable energy.
It also welcomes a debate on zoning to make some areas, such as pristine coastlines, off-limits to wind farms.
"Rather than demand that renewable energy work within existing regulations under the National Electricity Market, perhaps the grid rules could be altered to more effectively deal with wind energy," Roaring 40s managing director Mark Kelleher said.
Mr Kelleher was speaking at this week's Auswind 2007 conference, which brought delegates to Melbourne to hear energy experts discuss the expansion of wind energy generation.
Roaring 40s operates windfarms in Australia and is also building them in China and India.
Mr Kelleher said renewable energy was now...(complete article here).
This debate is only beginning. The U.S. is facing a similar dilemma. How do we restructure the power grid to take advantage of new energy sources without compromising security and the economy due to the issues of intermittent power generation from such sources as wind and solar?
Power grid overhaul wanted by wind energy industry
Olga Galacho
October 11, 2007 12:00am
THE wind energy industry has called for the overhaul of the electricity grid to favour renewable energy.
It also welcomes a debate on zoning to make some areas, such as pristine coastlines, off-limits to wind farms.
"Rather than demand that renewable energy work within existing regulations under the National Electricity Market, perhaps the grid rules could be altered to more effectively deal with wind energy," Roaring 40s managing director Mark Kelleher said.
Mr Kelleher was speaking at this week's Auswind 2007 conference, which brought delegates to Melbourne to hear energy experts discuss the expansion of wind energy generation.
Roaring 40s operates windfarms in Australia and is also building them in China and India.
Mr Kelleher said renewable energy was now...(complete article here).
This debate is only beginning. The U.S. is facing a similar dilemma. How do we restructure the power grid to take advantage of new energy sources without compromising security and the economy due to the issues of intermittent power generation from such sources as wind and solar?
South Texas Hunting Prospects
Hunting has long been a significant contributor to the South Texas economy. This year's rains have boosted the potential through abundant browse for the deer and excellent food sources for game birds.
Oct. 11, 2007
Extension Economist: South Texas Hunting Prospects Best in Years
Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: Jose Pena, 830-278-9151,jg-pena@tamu.edu
UVALDE – Though crop losses from record rainfall earlier this year reached $200 million, hunting prospects across South Texas are excellent and the money spent on related activities throughout the region will be welcomed, according to a Texas Cooperative Extension economist.
"This is one of the most important economic activities of the year," said Jose Pena, Extension economist at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Uvalde.
"When you factor in dove hunting with the upcoming deer and quail season, these activities can boost cattle ranching activities during the year. A lot of ranchers have been taking advantage of hunting lease opportunities or have gone exclusively to hunting operations in lieu of cattle production the past decade."
In the early 1990s, cattle production was the predominant use of range resources, Pena said. However, for the past several years, change has been taking place as more Texans have taken interest in outdoor activities, such hunting, fishing and bird watching.
"Wildlife is now the primary resource on most South Texas ranges," he said. "You're seeing $10-$20 (per acre) gross revenue...(complete article here).
For years hunting has been a bigger source of revenue for many of the ranches than is livestock. Fee income from hunting leases is huge.
Management of the land for hunting has significantly boosted wildlife in the region. In spite of the introduction of exotic species, native game has flourished.
Oct. 11, 2007
Extension Economist: South Texas Hunting Prospects Best in Years
Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact: Jose Pena, 830-278-9151,jg-pena@tamu.edu
UVALDE – Though crop losses from record rainfall earlier this year reached $200 million, hunting prospects across South Texas are excellent and the money spent on related activities throughout the region will be welcomed, according to a Texas Cooperative Extension economist.
"This is one of the most important economic activities of the year," said Jose Pena, Extension economist at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Uvalde.
"When you factor in dove hunting with the upcoming deer and quail season, these activities can boost cattle ranching activities during the year. A lot of ranchers have been taking advantage of hunting lease opportunities or have gone exclusively to hunting operations in lieu of cattle production the past decade."
In the early 1990s, cattle production was the predominant use of range resources, Pena said. However, for the past several years, change has been taking place as more Texans have taken interest in outdoor activities, such hunting, fishing and bird watching.
"Wildlife is now the primary resource on most South Texas ranges," he said. "You're seeing $10-$20 (per acre) gross revenue...(complete article here).
For years hunting has been a bigger source of revenue for many of the ranches than is livestock. Fee income from hunting leases is huge.
Management of the land for hunting has significantly boosted wildlife in the region. In spite of the introduction of exotic species, native game has flourished.
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