UK Foot-and-mouth Controls Ending

The UK livestock industry has certainly struggled with exotic diseases.

Last foot-and-mouth controls end

Animals from all parts of the UK can be exported live to EU countries, after the last foot-and-mouth controls ended.

The EU restrictions, affecting parts of Surrey and London, were lifted after three months without the disease.

The move came as the National Farmers' Union called for a "sea change" in government attitudes.

It said confidence was...(complete article here).

Missouri Ethanol Mandates

Should vendors be required to label pumps dispensing ethanol blends?


Dec 31, 5:08 AM EST

Missouri Mandates Ethanol in Gasoline

By DAVID A. LIEB
Associated Press Writer

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Pushing the button for regular 87-grade octane, Steve Smith said he thought he was filling his SUV with ethanol-free gasoline.

"I don't buy super unleaded, knowing that it's ethanol," Smith said, citing concerns about how ethanol could affect his vehicle.

But Smith was buying ethanol-blended gasoline, just as he had done several times before. Although many pumps don't announce it, almost all...(complete article here).

I personally prefer to see the label. I like to know what I'm putting in my vehicle. Usually I will choose an ethanol blend because typically the price is the same as regular unleaded but with a higher octane. Years ago, while traveling in Nebraska, I had some problems with ethanol blended gasoline stopping up fuel filters. That problem has been resolved now. I don't know if it's due to how the ethanol is blended or to changes in the newer model vehicles.

A Look Back And A Look Forward

The big news in agriculture for 2007 was the “tsunami” impact of ethanol. It affected everything from planting decisions to fuel prices to the cost of feeding livestock to food prices in the supermarket. It shook commodity markets from China to the United States – and so far, we’ve only seen the leading edge.

What will we see in 2008? I think we will see farmers continuing to shift acreage toward corn. It will be increasingly difficult to hold CRP acreage in the program and many contracts will not be renewed. The competition for corn will continue to create problems for the livestock feeding industry. The demand for bio-fuel crops will affect reserve stocks and planted acreages of all grain crops.

The high cost of feeding cattle is affecting the timing of when those cattle come to the feed lots and therefore to the packer. Where possible, the calf crop will be held on grass to put as much gain on them as is practical before shifting them to the higher cost finishing rations. Wheat pasture will be scarce again. World wheat supplies are low and the competition for acres is high. High wheat prices will mean that fewer acres are available for grazing.

There will likely be a greater regional disparity in cattle prices. This price disparity will be a function of availability of grazing, proximity to feedlots with ethanol co-products to feed, and transportation costs. Such things have always affected cattle prices, but the ethanol co-products is a fairly new factor and transportation prices are an even bigger factor than they have been historically.

Whether you believe that “global warming” is caused by human activity or by natural cyclical phenomena doesn’t matter, weather patterns seem to be shifting. Drought, flood, hurricanes and other weather-related factors will likely be in the headlines on a more frequent basis. Weather is always a factor in agricultural production. If indeed the weather patterns are shifting, the impact to agriculture could be devastating in some areas and beneficial in others.

Related to weather is water. Water will become the number one global issue in the coming years. Drought affects water availability. In the Southeast and on the West Coast, 2007 has been a year for drought. The snowpack in the Rockies is low which means less water in the rivers and streams that feed many reservoirs. In the irrigated areas of the country such as the High Plains, corn production, the influx of dairies, ethanol plants and growing population centers will put increasing pressure on the Ogallala Aquifer, further depleting our underground water resource. Add to that the increasing demand of population centers such as Dallas for new water supplies and the initiative of some individuals and groups to supply that demand from the Ogallala and you have even greater pressure on water for irrigation.

The growing world population – especially in China and India – will further impact the world agriculture situation. Not only are the populations of those countries growing, but their economies are growing even more quickly. It will mean more dollars available for expenditure by the people of those countries. Some of that money will be spent on higher quality foods such as protein rather than rice. The growing economies will also increase demand for fuel which will place further pressure on global fuel prices. Fuel prices impact ethanol which impacts U.S. agriculture. Hopefully, it will also favorably impact our agriculture export markets.

It is certain that 2008 will be a year of excitement and turmoil for agriculture. We must respond to a changing role in the world economy. Continuing to do business the same way we have historically is a sure formula for failure. Agriculture is quickly moving to the center of focus for the world. We must respond as the leaders that we are and prepare for that new role.

Energy Bill Impact on Agriculture

This is an article from Purdue University about the impact of the new Energy Bill on agriculture. In the article it compares the impact to that of a boulder dropped in a pond.

Agriculture to see huge impacts from the 2007 Energy Bill

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - President Bush signed into law on Wednesday (Dec. 19) an energy bill that will have a larger long-term impact on U.S. agriculture than the pending farm bill, said a Purdue University expert.

By increasing the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to 36 billion gallons by 2022, the bill provides a...(complete article here).

One thing that I believe was missed in the article is that the addition of cellulosic capacity to existing corn starch based ethanol plant will not only be used for converting corn stalks and other plant stover to ethanol, it will also be used to convert the bi-products of corn ethanol to ethanol. Where, oh, where will the cattle feeding industry get the feedstuffs necessary to finish cattle?

USDA Reports on Hog Production

Two new reports from the USDA related to U.S. hog production.

The Changing Economics of U.S. Hog Production

Characteristics and Production Costs of U.S. Hog Farms, 2004

Beavers for Scotland

Beavers have recovered nicely here in the U.S. The do wonders for trout fishing on some of the smaller streams. The pools created by their dams are a great place to catch fish.

Beavers could be released in 2009

Plans are in the pipeline for beavers to be released into the Scottish wild for the first time in 500 years.

Wildlife bodies have asked the Scottish Government for a licence to allow about 20 beavers to be set free in Argyll in 2009.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland believe the animals will...(complete article here).

Organic Dairy Feed Supply Issues

I am not a big fan of "organic" foods. There is no way we will feed the world's population on "organically" grown products. However, it is a growing portion of food production. There is a misperception among certain segments of the population that it is healthier. I'm not so sure of that.

Organic dairies test supply of feed


By SHANNON DININNY, Associated Press Writer
Fri Dec 21, 5:20 AM ET

YAKIMA, Wash. - It comes as no surprise to anyone that the number of organic farms is booming to meet consumer demand for healthy food. In Washington, a state known more for its apples than any other crop, there are 45 organic dairies. Five years ago, there were just two.

The challenge has been feeding all of those cows.

Acreage of organic forage, such as hay and alfalfa, has grown 40 percent in the past two years, yet isn't keeping pace with demand. In particular, high-protein crops like soybeans that are necessary feed for dairy cows are in short supply in some regions, forcing some companies to import them from as far away as China.

Given the recent problems with food and ingredient imports from...(complete article here).

China Water Problems

Drought seems to be an increasingly common headline. Water is now and will continue to be the #1 issue. Period. Worldwide.

China reels from worst drought in a decade

BEIJING (Reuters) - China is suffering its worst drought in a decade, which has left millions of people short of drinking water and has shrunk reservoirs and rivers, state media said on Friday.

Hardest hit are large swathes of the usually humid south, where water levels on several major rivers have plunged to historic lows in recent months.

"The drought is the most serious...(complete article here).

New Approach to Mosquitoes

Anything to help control mosquitoes is good. This might be a great tool to control malaria carrying mosquitoes in Africa and other tropical regions. Since the ban on DDT, attempts to stem malaria have been ineffective. This might be the answer.

New Nonchemical Approach to Curbing Mosquitoes

By Sharon Durham
December 20, 2007

Most pesticides are toxic to insects and humans alike, but a molecular pesticide developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists may provide a new way to deal with mosquito pests without causing a risk to human health.

The molecular pesticide technology would...(complete article here).

USDA's Chuck Conner on 2008 Outlook

The market works if we let it.

USDA's Conner: Crop supplies "dicey" in 2008

By Charles Abbott

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. farmers will win the race to grow enough corn, wheat and soybeans to satisfy food, feed and biofuel needs although 2008 will be "very dicey," said acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner on Thursday.

"I would never bet against our farmers on this issue," Conner said in looking ahead to 2008 crops. For the second year in a row, zooming demand for U.S. crops will require...(complete article here).

Cattle feeders are facing a tough year in 2008. Because of the limited fall and winter grazing, calves went to the feed lots earlier and lighter than normal. It will create a wall of beef going to the packer next summer and a hole in feeder cattle supplies. The market will go crazy.

New Plan for Animal Disease Traceability in the U.S.

It is inevitable that it will become mandatory. Given the fragmented nature of much of the livestock production in this country, it will be difficult.


USDA TAKES ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS ADVANCING ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES

Fact sheet: The Facts About Traceability
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2007--The U.S. Department of Agriculture today released its draft of a Business Plan for Advancing Animal Disease Traceability. The business plan supports the 48-hour traceback long-term goal of the National Animal Identification System as well as provides benchmarks to guide the program as it moves towards optimum traceability. Animal diseases like tuberculosis, brucellosis or low pathogenic avian influenza are common threats to U.S. livestock and a reality for many producers. While disease events in...(complete news release here).

UK Marine Sanctuaries Proposed

From the BBC...

Marine protection plan unveiled

Public consultation has begun on proposals to extend protection for marine life around Britain.
Seven areas, totalling 10,000sq km (4,000sq miles) of sea, have been earmarked as sites for the UK's first offshore Special Areas of Conservation.

They include habitats of important sea life, such as sandbanks, sand volcanoes and cold water coral reefs, found in the seas surrounding the UK.

Currently, only...(complete article here).

Marine protected areas are important for the revitalization and health of fish stocks. Seafood will continue to be a critical source of protein for the world as long as we protect and regulate wisely.

Christmas Trees for the Panhandle

I’ve always been fascinated with Christmas trees. I prefer a fresh cut tree rather than an artificial one, but because of allergies, it is artificial at our house. To be able to go out and cut a tree in the woods and bring it home for Christmas is something that would be a wonderful family outing. In the plains of West Texas it is something that is highly unlikely.

My fascination with Christmas trees has led to an interest in Christmas tree farming. It is not something that you typically see in the Texas Panhandle, but there are tree farms even in this part of the world. Large-scale farms in our area are unlikely because of the necessary expense of irrigating the trees and the low-density population base within a short distance. The trees would need to be transported to large population centers for sale. We have a decided economic disadvantage to areas of the country with higher levels of precipitation.

I do believe that small-scale tree farms geared to individuals who want the experience of cutting their own tree could be profitable. They would need to be located within a short driving distance of the larger cities in the area. It also would be desirable to enhance the experience by providing hay rides or special events during the tree cutting season prior to Christmas.

Many species of pine that make beautiful Christmas trees grow well in our area. Both Afghan and Austrian pines can be sheared and tipped to provide the classic shape most desired by those who prefer a fresh-cut tree. They do require significant amounts of water in order to grow fairly quickly.

When provided with sufficient water and proper soil nutrients, a 2-year old seedling can reach heights of 5 to 6 feet within a 4 to 5 year period. This means that there would be significant capital investment as well as time and labor before a sellable crop could be available. With careful planning, a portion of the available acreage could be planted each year so that by the end of the third or fourth year, a few trees would be of sufficient size to cut. As trees are harvested, new seedlings could be planted in their place so that a sustainable number of trees eventually would become available each year.

Trees should be planted at a spacing that fits the equipment available for maintaining the farm. It is necessary to keep spaces between trees mowed and also to be able to access the trees for spraying insecticides when necessary. Generally a minimum spacing of 6 foot centers is required if equipment is fairly small. Wider spacing of up to 8 foot may be necessary with larger equipment. With 8 foot centers, approximately 680 trees can be grown per acre of land.

Planting of the trees is typically done by hand on smaller tracts. A mattock or tree planting spade is usually used to plant the seedlings which are about eight to ten inches tall at two years of age. Care must be taken to make certain the roots are placed straight in the ground rather than curved at the bottom of the hole. Good straight roots are necessary to provide stability as the tree grows – especially when faced with windy conditions.

The trees are not labor intensive once they become established, however they do require attention on a daily business throughout the growing season. As the trees grow, it is necessary to monitor them continually for insect infestation and for disease. They also will need to be sheared in July or August and the terminal leader will need to be tipped. The shearing and tipping will cause the trees to branch, which creates thicker foliage. It also helps to create the desired shape. Many growers will cut back up to 1/3 of the annual growth each year.

Although not likely to become a large part of our local agricultural economy, small-scale tree farms could be a good fit to many operations as a way to diversify income. Diverting a few acres to such an enterprise might work well in marginal areas that do not fit with typical cropping or livestock operations.

City Food

Agriculture -- front and center!! Climate change, bio-fuels, food security -- suddenly, after being ignored for years, agriculture is being recognized for its critical role on the globe. Change is happening -- and fast.

Grow more food in cities, U.N. agency tells Asia

GENEVA (Reuters) - Asian nations, many at risk from climate change, must invest more in urban and indoor farming to help feed the hundreds of millions of people in their growing cities, the World Meteorological Organisation said on Wednesday.

Of the 10 countries most affected by extreme weather in 2006, seven were Asian -- Afghanistan, China, India, Indonesia, North Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam, said the WMO, the U.N. agency looking at weather, climate and water problems.

Asia needs secure food supplies for...(complete article here).

New Energy Law to Raise Meat Prices

Everywhere you look for the last few days there are articles about the new energy bill. Thankfully, some of the worst pieces of the legislation as originally proposed didn't make it to the President's desk. One piece of this bill that really bothers me is the focus on biofuels. Even a switch to cellulosic ethanol production is potentially devastating to the cattle feeding industry. Cattle are wonderful digesters of cellulose. That's what the rumen does. It is why a cow can live on grass. The corn kernel based ethanol production fortunately leaves co-products that are usable as cattle feed. They are usable because cattle can take the cellulose that is left in these co-products and convert it to beef.

If you have an ethanol plant utilizing corn kernels for ethanol production and suddenly in your hands is a way to convert the remaining co-product to ethanol, what are you going to do? Convert the co-products to ethanol. What will remain? Not much -- certainly nothing with any feed value. Cattle feeding will have little or no source of a good starch-based commodity for feed. The ethanol plants will consume virtually the entire corn crop.

Oh, by the way -- the U.S. consumer doesn't like to see yellow fat on their beef. Grass-fed beef takes longer to produce, has yellow fat, and a very different taste than what the average family desires. Look for meat prices to go through the roof.

U.S. energy law drives alternative to corn ethanol

By Timothy Gardner - Analysis

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. energy bill signed into law by President George W. Bush on Wednesday should drive a billion-dollar domestic business for a low-emissions domestic ethanol made from sources other than corn -- though it could take nearly a decade to go from the lab into car tanks.

The bill calls for...(complete article here).

USDA Updates International Macroeconomic Data

Another useful data set from USDA.

International Macroeconomic Data Set

EU Fishing Quotas

Progress? -- maybe.

EU countries strike deal on 2008 fishing quotas

By Jeremy Smith

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU countries struck a deal for 2008 catch quotas on Wednesday, watering down the European fisheries chief's proposals for the preservation of species whose stocks are floundering at precariously low levels.

After hours of haggling through the night, the bloc's 27 fisheries ministers accepted a series of concessions offered by the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.

As ever cod occupied top place on the ministerial agenda and quotas will...(complete story here).

Pesticide Regulation in China

This is a good thing...

China boosts control of sprawling pesticide market

BEIJING (Reuters) - China, reeling from a series of scandals over the safety of its food, will pull thousands of pesticides from the shelves to improve regulation of their sale and use, the Agriculture Ministry said on Wednesday.

Farmers are faced with some 23,000 products sold under 16,000 names, leaving them unclear as to what they are spraying on their crops and in what quantities.

"Right now there are more than 1,700 in...(complete article here).

Macro-Solar Solution

This is a lengthy article from Scientific American outlining a plan for solar power on a very large scale.

A Solar Grand Plan

By 2050 solar power could end U.S. dependence on foreign oil and slash greenhouse gas emissions

By Ken Zweibel, James Mason and Vasilis Fthenakis

Key Concepts:

A massive switch from coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power plants to solar power plants could supply 69 percent of the U.S.’s electricity and 35 percent of its total energy by 2050.

A vast area of photovoltaic cells would have to be erected in the Southwest. Excess daytime energy would be stored as compressed air in underground caverns to be tapped during nighttime hours.

Large solar concentrator power plants would be built as well.

A new direct-current power transmission backbone would deliver solar electricity across the country.

But $420 billion in subsidies from 2011 to 2050 would be required to fund the infrastructure and make it cost-competitive.

—The Editors

High prices for gasoline and home heating oil are here to stay. The U.S. is at war in the Middle East at least in part to protect its foreign oil interests. And as China, India and other nations rapidly increase their demand for fossil fuels, future fighting over energy looms large. In the meantime, power plants that burn coal, oil and natural gas, as well as vehicles everywhere, continue to pour millions of tons of pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere annually, threatening the planet.

Well-meaning scientists, engineers, economists and politicians have proposed various steps that could slightly reduce fossil-fuel use and emissions. These steps are not enough. The U.S. needs a bold plan to free itself from fossil fuels. Our analysis convinces us that...(complete article here).

I am a big proponent of solar power. Although lengthy, I found the article very interesting. I'm not certain that solar is the answer, but it is definitely part of the solution.

Complex Adaptive Systems

Below is a fascinating article from Scientific American. The premise is that biological evolution and economic evolution are driven by the same phenomenon of complex adaptive systems. I'm not certain it truly fits within the "purpose" for which this blog was created but I include it here for reference anyway.

Evonomics

Evolution and economics are both examples of a larger mysterious phenomenon

By Michael Shermer

Living along the Orinoco River that borders Brazil and Venezuela are the Yanomamö people, hunter-gatherers whose average annual income has been estimated at the equivalent of $90 per person per year. Living along the Hudson River that borders New York State and New Jersey are the Manhattan people, consumer-traders whose average annual income has been estimated at $36,000 per person per year. That dramatic difference of 400 times, however, pales in comparison to the differences in Stock Keeping Units (SKUs, a measure of the number of types of retail products available), which has been estimated at 300 for the Yanomamö and 10 billion for the Manhattans, a difference of 33 million times! How did this happen? According to economist Eric D. Beinhocker, who published these calculations in his revelatory work The Origin of Wealth (Harvard Business School Press, 2006), the explanation is to be found in complexity theory. Evolution and economics are not just analogous to each other, but they are actually two forms of a larger phenomenon called complex adaptive systems, in which individual elements, parts or agents interact, then process information and adapt their behavior to changing conditions. Immune systems, ecosystems, language, the law and the Internet are all examples of complex adaptive systems.

In biological evolution, nature selects from the variation produced by random genetic mutations and the mixing of parental genes. Out of that process of cumulative selection emerges complexity and diversity. In...(complete article here).

The article touches briefly on the idea of a framework of "guiding principles" within which evolution occurs. The author seems to blithely accept the appearance of such a framework arising purely as a creation of the evolutionary process itself thus dismissing "intelligent design" as a misunderstanding of the facts based on their appearance. It would certainly be plausible to accept such an idea when evaluating the system from a purely secular-- or natural -- point of view. One's predisposition toward supernaturalism will determine the acceptance or rejection of such a viewpoint. I for one am of the belief that evolution (not as commonly understood, but as a process of change within boundaries) occurs within a framework created by the "guiding hand" of God.

For an interesting discussion of "naturalism" vs "spirituality" or "supernaturalism" see this article.

Issues of Soaring Food Prices

It is a complex issue.

UN warns on soaring food prices

The soaring cost of food is threatening millions of people in poor countries, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned.

Food prices have risen an unprecedented 40% in the last year and many nations may be unable to cope, the agency says.

It is calling for...(complete article here).

Fuel prices, improving economies in many countries, natural climate issues, population growth, plant genetics, insects, plant diseases and wars all affect food availability. Even the decimating AIDS pandemic in Africa affects food availability because of its impact on the ability and stamina of those who might be in the workforce. Fuel prices may be one of the biggest issues because the food often is not produced where it is needed and must be transported. Ultimately prices globally are determined by supply and demand. Supply and demand sometimes become skewed by government policies. There is no simplistic answer.

Hydraulic Hybrid UPS Delivery Vehicle Demonstrated

I applaud the EPA for this.

U.S. EPA demonstrates hydraulic hybrid UPS delivery vehicle:

Vehicle achieves 60 – 70 percent better fuel economy, 40 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions

Release date: 12/17/2007
Contact Information: Francisco Arcaute 213-244-1815

LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today demonstrated its hydraulic hybrid UPS delivery vehicle at the South Coast Air Quality Management District in Diamond Bar, Calif. which, in laboratory tests, achieved a 60 – 70 percent improvement in fuel economy and 40 percent reduction in emissions over a conventional vehicle.

The unique UPS delivery vehicle features EPA-patented hydraulic hybrid technology. The vehicle uses hydraulic pumps and hydraulic storage tanks to store energy, similar to what is done with electric motors and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles. Fuel economy is increased in three ways: vehicle braking energy is recovered that normally is wasted; the engine is operated more efficiently; and the engine can be shut off when stopped or decelerating.

“If every drayage truck and yard hostler in the ports adopted...(complete article here).

Different energy applications require different solutions. This is a partial solution that targets an area of very high opportunity.

EU Compulsory ID Tags

Words like compulsory and mandatory bother me. I guess it's part of that independent spirit that is prevalent in rural America.

EU makes sheep and goat tags compulsory by end of '09

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU ministers agreed on Monday to introduce electronic tags for millions of sheep and goats across the European Union by the end of 2009, part of a strategy to prevent epidemics of contagious diseases like foot-and-mouth.

Back in December 2003, the bloc's farm ministers agreed new animal tagging rules to replace a system where...(complete article here).

It is only a matter of time before similar tags are compulsory in this country. Are we excited yet? -- NOT.

Iraqi Oil Production

More oil for the world...

Iraqi oil exceeds pre-war output

Iraqi oil production is above the levels seen before the US-led invasion of the country in 2003, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA said Iraqi crude production is now running at 2.3 million barrels per day, compared with 1.9 million barrels at the start of this year.

It puts the rise down to the improving security situation in Iraq, especially in the north of the country.

But the IEA warned that...(complete article here).

What Is A Carbon Offset?

This is a question that I believe many people are asking --

Probing Question: What are carbon offsets?

Thursday, December 13, 2007

By Lisa Duchene
Research Penn State

While most Americans are aware that they increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by burning fossil fuel to drive their cars and heat their homes, they tend to think less about the greenhouse impacts of other daily activities.

According to Tim Considine, professor of natural resources at Penn State, people shouldn't forget that half of the electricity they use for everything from toasting their morning bagels to running their computers is generated by coal-fired power plants.

Carbon emissions are considered to be...(complete article here).

I wonder if I could get someone to pay me to plant tree rows around my pasture?

Niger Census of Agriculture and Livestock

To determine where you are headed you must first know where you are. The FAO has aided Niger in its first census of livestock and agriculture.

Exposed

First ever agricultural and livestock census uncovers Niger’s hidden wealth

Niamey/Rome – An innovative survey has uncovered unsuspected agricultural riches in Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries. Niger’s census was in the spotlight as it used a new design developed by FAO for its World Census of Agriculture 2010.

The census, Niger’s first tally of agricultural and livestock resources revealed that...(complete article here).

Could Niger become a beef exporter?

Record Worldwide Grain Harvest

The key food grains to watch for most of the world are rice and wheat. In the developed world where meats are heavily consumed, corn prices have a greater impact. In the U.S., corn may bid acres away from soybeans but typically not from rice or wheat. High wheat prices in fact mean that much of the U.S. acreage planted to wheat will not be grazed by cattle but harvested for grain.

Grain Harvest Sets Record, But Supplies Still Tight

Worldwatch Institute – December 12, 2007 – 7:38pm

The 2007 grain harvest hit a record 2.3 billion tons, yet voracious global demand has pushed cereal stocks to 30-year lows.

Despite growing harvests, several factors are actually decreasing the amount of grain available per person as...(complete article here).

More USDA Data Updates

More updated data from the USDA.

Feed Outlook

Livestock and Meat Trade Data

Wheat Outlook

Hypothermia in Cattle

When we see cattle grazing lush wheat pastures in the fall and winter months, we typically don’t think about the effects of cold or wet weather on those cattle. They usually have a nice thick coat of hair that protects them from the elements. What we often fail to realize is that certain weather conditions or other factors can mean that luxuriant coat is inadequate to keep the animals from suffering hypothermia.

Hypothermia is defined as the lowering of body core temperature below normal values. A cow typically will have an internal body temperature as measured rectally of approximately 101° F. Mild hypothermia occurs when the body temperature is in the range of 86°-89° F. Moderate hypothermia occurs at 71°-85° and profound hypothermia under 50°. At a rectal temperature below 82° the bovine can no longer return to normal temperature without external heat and warmed fluid therapy.

The environmental temperature at which a cow will begin to experience hypothermia varies with length of hair coat, wind speed, moisture and body condition. When hypothermia occurs, the animal’s internal processes begin to slow. Blood is shunted away from the extremities in an effort to protect vital organs and frostbite of the teats and ear tips will occur. As the body temperature continues to lower, respiration and heart rate slow and blood pressure drops. Eventually the animal will lose consciousness and death will occur.

One of the worst conditions for cattle to endure is temperatures hovering slightly above freezing with a cold rain falling. The rain often soaks through the hair coat to the skin and begins to draw heat from the animal’s body. If this condition is accompanied by strong winds, the chilling effect is increased and the animal may suffer hypothermia in a very short period of time. Any time the forecast calls for wet, rainy, windy conditions, steps should be taken to provide at least some form of break from the wind. This can be accomplished by lining round bales of hay or attaching plywood to portable fence panels if better shelter is unavailable.

Light-weight cattle shipped from warmer areas often have a shorter hair coat than native or northern cattle. They also will typically have little if any fat that would act as an insulating factor in inclement weather. These light-weight stockers also may be undergoing the stress of disease exposure, long shipping distances, recent weaning, or other factors that challenge the body and require energy to overcome. When extreme cold stress is added to those factors, they become at high-risk for hypothermia.

Newborn calves also are at high risk for hypothermia. They are born with a wet hair coat which is often fairly short. If they are born in cold or wet conditions, care should be taken to provide shelter for them. Many calves born under extreme conditions lose body heat quickly and never gain enough strength to stand and nurse. If cows are calving during extreme conditions, they should be monitored closely or moved to shelter prior to calving. Preparation should be made to have warming blankets, heat lamps and clean, dry bedding in a sheltered place available to warm hypothermic calves should they be born in such conditions.

Prolonged wet, cold conditions will take a toll on all types of cattle. The body must fight to maintain sufficient core temperature to sustain itself during such conditions. It is critical that adequate feed and drinkable water be supplied. Typically feed intake will be elevated prior to onset of a storm and then somewhat depressed during the inclement weather. This suppressed appetite means that the quality of available feed must be high in order for the animal to get the greatest amount of nutrition possible during such conditions.

To minimize death loss in cattle due to hypothermia, shelter from rain and wind, adequate high-quality feed, and sufficient drinkable water are critical. If cattle become hypothermic, steps may be necessary to raise their core body temperature through therapy such as warmed fluids and moving the animal to a heated shelter. The best plan is to make preparations prior to such conditions rather than providing emergency treatment afterwards. Always seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian on any questions of animal health.

U.S. - China Biofuels Cooperation Pact

In spite of fears that they will use their economic clout to damage our economy, China is an extremely important trading partner. They also use a lot of energy. It is in our interest to aid them in utilizing current technologies to reduce their use of fossil fuels such as oil and coal. It is an economic issue, an energy security issue, and an environmental issue.

December 12, 2007

U.S. and China Increase Biofuels Cooperation Ahead of the Third U.S. – China Strategic Economic Dialogue

Marks Third U.S. –China Agreement to Advance Energy Security Reached This Year

BEIJING, CHINA – The U.S. Departments of Energy (DOE) and Agriculture (USDA) and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) agreed to strengthen and expand cooperation on biofuels production and use, ahead of the third U.S. – China Strategic Economic Dialogue set to open in Grand Epoch City on Wednesday. This MOU promotes energy security interests between the two countries with the ultimate goal of significantly reducing fossil fuel consumption by increasing the use of clean, renewable fuels such as those derived from biomass. Representing the United States at a signing ceremony in Beijing on Tuesday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell signed the MOU with NDRC Vice Chairman Zhang Xiaoqiang.

“As the two largest energy consumers and automobile markets in the world, we are eager to strengthen cooperation with China to...(complete article here).

Timing and Precision of Phosphorous Application Critical

Phosphorous is an important fertilizer and a common pollutant.

Research shows starter fertilizer phosphorus not needed for soils testing 'very high' for phosphorus

December 12, 2007

Media Contact: Dr. Deanna Osmond, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, N.C. State University, deanna_osmond@ncsu.edu or 919.515.7303 (This story, with a photo, is also available at:http://www.wen.ncsu.edu/stories/p-fertilizer.html)

Stormwater runoff from agricultural lands that have been excessively fertilized with phosphorus (P) can pollute our drinking water.

But research results by North Carolina State University soil scientists show that by applying only nitrogen (N) in the fertilizer they add when they plant their crops, farmers not only can slowly decrease the amount of...(complete article here).

It could be that we are over-fertilizing with phosphorous. Precision application technology would be a great help with correcting over fertilization.

Updates From USDA

Updated information from the USDA:

Cotton and Wool Outlook

Oil Crops Outlook

Rice Outlook

Commodity Costs and Returns

Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data

Petroleum Addiction

I guess it is too much to hope for new technology to replace oil and ethanol....

U.S. still hooked on oil in 2030, but renewables rise

Tom Doggett

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States will still rely on oil, natural gas and coal for its main energy supplies through 2030, but ethanol and other renewable energy sources will double during the period, the government's top energy forecasting agency said on Wednesday.

"The higher level of renewable energy consumption is partially a result of higher energy prices...but it also reflects a revised presentation of state renewable portfolio standards," the Energy Information Administration said in its annual long-term forecast.

U.S. ethanol consumption is...(complete article here).

Record Gasoline Prices Projected for 2008

Surprise, surprise, surprise! It looks like high gasoline prices are here to stay.

U.S. sees tight global oil supplies through 2008

By Tom Doggett

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Global oil supplies will remain tight through 2008 as demand grows "much faster" than the world's major oil producers are able, or willing, to boost their petroleum output to meet, the U.S. government's top energy forecasting agency said on Tuesday.

The collective oil inventories held by the United States and other industrialized countries will drop to just 49.3 days of...(complete article here).

Montana Wolf Control

If left unchecked, the exploding population of wolves could become a nightmare.

Advisory council recommends killing 130 wolves in Montana next year

From the Associated Press
December 11, 2007

HELENA, Mont. -- Up to 130 wolves could be shot in Montana next year through hunting and livestock damage control if the animal is taken off the endangered species list.

That recommendation from the Montana Wolf Management Advisory Council would...(complete article here).

Melting Snowpack in the Rockies

Decreasing snowpack seems to me more of a function of drought conditions than Global Warming.

Climate change drying up Western Rockies

By Amanda Beck

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - By 2040, climate change will have melted the glaciers of Glacier National Park in Montana and the spring snowpack in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, scientists said on Tuesday.

"People talk about a tipping point, but we've been there and done that," said Tim Barnett, a researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California and speaker at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union.

About 15,000 researchers have...(complete article here).

If the snowpack reduction is a result of Global Warming, where did all of the water go? It must enter the hydrologic cycle and will fall again as rain or snow. Will there be an increase in rainfall in areas that have historically been dry? Is the excessive rainfall that we saw in Texas this past summer a result of that melted snowpack? Is it just going to raise the ocean level? If temperatures increase globally, more water will evaporate from the ocean to fall again as rain. Maybe we need to be building reservoirs to catch that rainfall.

Will increased rainfall in the Plains re-charge the Ogalalla Acquifer through basins such as playa lakes? Perhaps we should focus on playa revitalization.

We are planning to spend billions of dollars to prevent climate change -- which many say is already occurring. Would it be better to spend those dollars preparing for the eventuality of that change? I'm not referring to emergency preparedness -- such as for flooding, hurricanes, etc. I'm referring to things like planning infrastructure for shifting agricultural practices, moving population centers, etc. Water will be -- and is already -- critical. It may be a situation of "water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink" -- or to irrigate crops.

Kenyan Locust Swarms

A locust swarm certainly is not needed in an area often plagued by inadequate food supplies.

Kenya battles swarms of locusts

Kenyan authorities are battling swarms of locusts, which are reported to have damaged crops.

A BBC correspondent says it is the first time such large numbers have been seen in Kenya for 45 years.

The ravenous creatures - which are capable of stripping vegetation in minutes - are laying eggs in remote areas in...(complete article here).

Prescribed Burning School

I thought this to be especially interesting since I posted about range burning just the other day.

Academy teaches use of prescribed fires


By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN,
Associated Press Writer
Sun Dec 9, 12:34 PM ET

CERRO GRANDE PEAK, N.M. - Wildland firefighters come here to the Southwest Fire Use Training Academy to learn not how to stop fires but how to start them, using prescribed burns to clean out overgrown forests and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.

The academy gets its students at a time when the wildfire season is winding down in late autumn, when many firefighters are heading home after grueling weeks on the fire lines.

"We get folks...(complete article here).

British Wind Power

I'm a big fan of wind power but I think some serious work needs to be done on coping with the variability of the supply. Let's hope Britain doesn't have many calm days.

Britain plans big move towards wind power: paper

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain is planning to boost wind power generation to produce enough electricity to power every home in the nation by 2020 in a policy shift signaling less reliance on nuclear energy, the Independent newspaper on Sunday reported.

Britain's secretary of state for business, John Hutton, will announce on Monday that he will open up the seas around Britain to wind farms in...(complet article here).

More on Wave Energy

Debate is good but lets not allow radical groups to control the tone.

Efforts to Harvest Ocean’s Energy Open New Debate Front

By WILLIAM YARDLEY
Published: December 8, 2007

NEWPORT, Ore. — Chris Martinson and his fellow fishermen catch crab and shrimp in the same big swell that one day could generate an important part of the Northwest’s energy supply. Wave farms, harvested with high-tech buoys that are being tested here on the Oregon coast, would strain clean, renewable power from the surging sea.

They might make a mess of navigational charts, too.
“I don’t want it in my fishing grounds,” said Mr. Martinson, 40, who docks his 74-foot boat, Libra, here at Yaquina Bay, about 90 miles southwest of Portland. “I don’t want to be worried about driving around someone else’s million-dollar buoy.”

The coastal Northwest is one of the few parts of the West where water is abundant, but people are still fighting over it. Amid concerns about climate change and the pollution caused by generating electricity with...(complete article here).

Agriculture's Clout

Change is something that everyone must deal with throughout their life. Currently agriculture is going through major changes -- not only in how we operate, but in how we fit into the world picture. The author of the article below makes some interesting statements about how agriculture's "clout" is waning. I don't agree. I think that agriculture's "clout" is on the ascencion. It has changed and is changing. The role is evolving. But I believe that once again, people are seeing the power of agriculture -- not only in food production but in energy use and production. The "food vs. fuel" debate is good for agriculture because it raises the level of understanding among consumers. There is much information out there, but it is our responsiblity to dispel the myths and educate the public to our true role in food and fiber production, the environment and in energy.

I Don't Get It, But I Understand It

Dec 7, 2007 11:24 AM, Troy Marshall

The headline is almost worthy of something the legendary Yogi Berra might say, but that brilliant piece of wisdom was shared with me a couple of days ago by a young Wyoming rancher. And, boy, was he right! We were talking about the fact that it was strange just how little the farm bill has to do with agriculture any more.

We were discussing the many different outside groups weighing in on the current farm-policy discussions. This includes the labor unions, and even radical groups such as the Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

I had recently read a statement from the head of HSUS commenting on his group's efforts to ally with environmental, public health and union movements to challenge...(complete article here).

Forbes Magazine Take on the Energy Bill

Let's hope it dies quickly...

The Energy Bill

Why The Energy Bill Will Die

Brian Wingfield,
12.06.07, 4:50 PM ET

Washington, D.C. -
After weeks of intense deal-making, the House of Representatives on Thursday approved a landmark energy bill boosting subsidized biofuel production and raising vehicle fuel economy standards by 40%. Now only two things that stand to prevent it from becoming law: the Senate and President Bush.

The House's energy bill, passed by a vote of 235-181, is an extremely ambitious effort to boost clean energy production and reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. That ambition may be its downfall.

“Unfortunately, the bill contains...(complete article here).

See my previous posts about this subject below.

http://agriconenergy.blogspot.com/2007/12/energy-bill-passes-house.html

http://agriconenergy.blogspot.com/2007/12/senator-hutchinson-on-new-energy-bill.html

http://agriconenergy.blogspot.com/2007/12/pelosis-plan-to-tank-us-economy.html

Energy Bill Passes House

We need an energy bill but this isn't it. Let's hope it gets stopped in the Senate. If it gets past them I believe the President will veto it. There are certainly some good ideas in the bill but there are also some extremely bad ones. I believe that if passed it will do great harm to our economy and to the average U.S. consumer.

US lawmakers approve energy bill

An energy bill that would require the first rise in vehicle fuel efficiency in more than 30 years has been passed by the US House of Representatives.

The bill, which is expected to face resistance from the Senate and White House, also imposes $13bn in taxes on big energy companies.

It would raise vehicle fuel economy by 40% by 2020 and require...(complete article here).

Here and here are a couple of related posts.

Space-Based Solar

This idea has intrigued me for a long time. I previously posted about it here.


The final frontier for solar energy

By Judith Burns
Science producer, BBC News

Scientists are assessing the possibility of embarking on a space engineering project that would eclipse the effort to construct the International Space Station.

Researchers from Europe, Japan and the US are considering the viability of building giant solar panels in a low earth orbit that would supply cheap, inexhaustible energy to industry and homes.

Building a huge array outside the Earth's atmosphere would have...(complete article here).

Economics of World Fisheries

To move the world fisheries toward sustainability we need a combination of enforcement and incentives. This study focuses on the economic reasons for sustainability.

Build up fish stocks now for big money later: study

By Deborah Zabarenko,
Environment Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Commercial fishers should cut back on their catch and allow fish stocks to grow above the levels most governments currently advise if they want to boost long-term profits, economists reported on Thursday.

Such a strategy would sustain fish populations and save fuel while opening the way to big profits in the future, the researchers reported in the journal Science.

And the more depleted a fishery has become, the better the results when stocks are built up to what the researchers call the biomass maximum economic yield. That might be...(complete article here).

USFS Open Space Strategy

A move toward nation-wide zoning?

Forest Service Announces Open Space Conservation Strategy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2007—Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell today announced the release of the Forest Service’s Open Space Conservation Strategy.

“Our vision for the 21st century is an interconnected network of open space across the landscape—one that supports healthy ecosystems, renewable resources, and a high quality of life for Americans,” said Chief Kimbell. “We plan to achieve this through...(complete announcement here).

Urban sprawl is one of my "hot" issues. I have a hard time with telling a landowner what he can or can't do with his property, however, loss of open lands is a serious problem that must be dealt with. It is important to the quality of life in our country and to agriculture.

Prescribed Burning for Rangeland

Extremely low humidity, dry conditions and an abundance of grass from excellent summer rains have created conditions of high fire risk in our area. Besides the risk to property and to life, wildfires can potentially damage pastures.

Fire was one of the principal forces that formed and maintained the Great Plains grasslands. Before European settlement of the plains, fires were generally set by lightening or by Indians. Unchecked, the fires typically burned extensive acreages before encountering natural barriers such as streams or green vegetation. Such fires helped to suppress the growth of woody plants and cacti.

In the 1960’s range managers began to examine the use of fire as a tool for manipulating plant communities. They saw prescribed burning as a way to rid pastures of invasive species and as a way to rejuvenate grasslands that had become overburdened with old growth. In studying the use of fire as a management tool, it was found that the timing of the fires was critical in achieving the desired results. Burning at the wrong time of year can in fact damage beneficial species, exacerbate erosion by wind and water, and create opportunities for invasive species to enter.

Prescribed burning has gained credence as a management tool for pastureland in recent years. It has been used extensively in the Flint Hills of Kansas since the 1880’s when it was found that steer weight gains increased on burned areas. It was not until recently however that the reasons for the increased gains were understood. Removing the old-growth overburden allowed tender new shoots to become readily available to the grazing cattle. These new shoots were both higher in nutritive value and more palatable. Other benefits included increased grass yield and suppression of woody species.

In short-grass species such as blue grama, black grama, and buffalograss that are common to our area, there is typically little benefit to burning. Such grasses do not form the heavy overburden of dried stems that are common in mid-height and tall grasses. In short-grass pastures, burning can be used to control invasive weeds such as kochia and Russian thistle. Timing of such burning is critical. Due to the typical low humidity, dry soil conditions and wind, burning at the wrong time may cause heavy erosion and general degradation of the pasture.

It has been found that prescribed burns should be conducted on entire pastures rather than spot-burning. This is because the new growth in burned areas attracts cattle and is typically overgrazed while unburned areas are underutilized. The result is damage to the grasses in the burned areas and establishment of invasive species in unburned areas. This brings us back to fire damage to pastures.

Many of the grass fires during the winter months are due to careless burning of trash or from cigarettes thrown out the windows of vehicles. They typically are suppressed before burning large areas. This results in a “patchy” burn across pasture. When the new spring growth occurs, these burned areas are typically the first areas in which the new grasses are visible and available for grazing. The shoots are tender and free of dried stems from the previous season. Cattle gravitate to such areas in the pasture and not only keep the grass cropped extremely short, their hooves damage the new shoots and destroy many plants. This causes bare areas in which invasive weed species may become established.

The best way to manage such problems is to prevent them from happening. It is a good idea to keep roadside areas free of heavy growth during seasons of high fire risk. Reducing the available fuel supply can prevent wildfires from occurring because there is no fuel to sustain them. If however, you experience accidental fire damage to your pasture, consider a controlled burn in the spring to reduce the potential damage from overgrazing of the spot-burn. Burning the entire pasture can rejuvenate the grasses, reduce many unwanted species and stimulate new growth. If you have burned areas, or use prescribed burning, make certain that you hold off grazing until sufficient growth has occurred to prevent damage by the cattle.

Prescribed burning is an excellent management tool when used properly. Wildfire is not. Prevent range fires by taking steps to reduce your risk.

OPEC Output to Remain Same

Good news for investors, but doesn't help the average consumer.

OPEC maintains oil output, hands quotas to Angola, Ecuador

ABU DHABI (AFP) - OPEC -- which supplies about 40 percent of the world's oil -- maintained its output levels at a key ministerial meeting on Wednesday and handed production quotas to new members Angola and Ecuador.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which comprises 13 nations, added that it would hold an extraordinary meeting on February 1 in Vienna after deciding against an output hike in Abu Dhabi amid sky-high oil prices.

Angola, which joined the cartel on January 1, was handed a quota of 1.9 million barrels of oil per day. Ecuador, which rejoined OPEC last month, was given a daily quota totalling 520,000 barrels.

It was not immediately clear...(complete article here).

Senator Hutchinson on the New Energy Bill

This is my Senator talking. I've been a big fan of hers since before she was elected. She would probably make an excellent President.

Capitol Comment

by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

Emphasis on Energies of Future Threatens the Supplies of Today
November 23, 2007

"The major obstacle to the development of new supplies is not geology but what happens above ground: international affairs, politics, investment and technology." —Daniel Yergin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power."

With oil prices soaring to record highs, currently over $90 per barrel, and Americans increasingly feeling the impact, Congress can choose to magnify the problem or be part of the solution.

In response to skyrocketing energy prices, caused largely by greater worldwide demand and static supply, new energy legislation passed in each house of Congress is, in fact, bereft of real energy. It would jeopardize our national security, threaten our economic stability, and indeed raise the very obstacles to which Yergin alludes.

The only way to address our national crisis is to increase the supply of energy. However, legislation proposed in Congress would actually lead to reductions in energy supply and target the oil and gas industry with $16 billion in new taxes.

The assumption is that...(complete post here).

Please refer to my post yesterday for my comments on this subject.

Urban Gardening and Water Allocation

I enjoy gardening although it seems that any more I have little time to devote to it. This article from Australia takes a common sense look at gardening in an urban setting and the impact on water usage.

Where to water

The inventor of permaculture is among those calling for backyard farmers to be freed from water restrictions. Katherine Kizilos reports.

IN A drought year, during an era of climate change, what does it mean to be a responsible gardener? Cactuses, paving and a sculpture near the barbecue? Or an old-fashioned vegie patch, fruit trees, herbs and a compost bin in the corner?

Some serious gardeners are now questioning the conventional wisdom that the best way to save water at a time of low rainfall is to put a clamp on the hose. While pushing the use of rainwater tanks and grey water, they also argue that growing fruit and vegetables at home is, in the words of David Holmgren, "the best thing you can be doing" for the environment.

Holmgren, with fellow Australian Bill Mollison, devised permaculture, a design system for sustainable living and land use. He puts his...(complete article here).

Water is becoming the number one issue for the world. The ideas espoused in this article may not fit the aesthetic sense of some, but the water and energy savings from these ideas could be significant if implemented broadly.

Trees for Uganda

Let's hope the tree planting will also provide a few jobs...

Uganda plans to boost forest cover

By Tim Cocks
KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda will plant millions of trees in the next four years at a cost of $253 million, as it tries to restore dwindling forest cover to 30 percent of its area from 22 percent, the government said on Wednesday.

Like many African countries, Uganda suffers from rampant deforestation that dries up rivers, triggers soil erosion and threatens wildlife, especially birds and primates.

But officials in the east African country also want the massive tree planting exercise to...(complete article here).

I hope they plant a diverse mix of trees rather than selecting one or two species and only planting them. An approach that approximates the normal species mix of the surrounding wild forest would be best for wildlife.

I also am not a big fan of "carbon offset credits." Plant the trees because of the benefits to your country, not as an international bargaining chip -- although you can't blame them for trying to get all they can out of the initiative.

WSMV Resistant Wheat

Scientists Set to Release New Disease-Resistant Wheat

By Jan Suszkiw
December 4, 2007

'Mace', a new winter wheat cultivar developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators, could give growers an added measure of insurance against outbreaks of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV).

According to ARS plant geneticist Robert Graybosch, Mace harbors a gene called Wsm-1 that confers resistance to the virus, which is spread by the wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichella.
Spraying pesticide to prevent the mite from feeding and transmitting WSMV isn't particularly effective, so growers typically resort to...(complete article here).

National Western Stock Show BVD Rules

BVD is the #1 cause of respiratory disease in cattle and negatively impacts reproduction as well.

New BVD-PI rule at 2008 NWSS

by Michael Fisher
CSU Area Livestock Extension Agent
December 4, 2007

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a disease that usually infects cattle, but most even-toed ungulates are capable of contracting the disease. It is estimated to cost the U.S. beef industry two billion dollars each year. Some livestock with BVD may show no signs of the disease at all. Most will present mild to moderate symptoms. The degree of severity varies greatly. Infected animals may appear depressed, have a suppressed appetite, rapid breathing, snotty nose, tearing eyes, lowered milk production, fever, and diarrhea. In extremely severe...(complete article here).

A New Blog for my Blogroll

I am adding a new link to my blogroll today. It is to the blog of Mariann Fischer Boel. She is the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. Often in the U.S. we become focused on our "micro-world" and forget that agriculture is universal. It is interesting to see the views of others around the world.

Pelosi's Plan to Tank the U.S. Economy

I fear the House Speaker is only playing politics with the non-thinking public's "gut" reaction to Big Oil's profits.

Pelosi targets oil firms in energy push

By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Defying a threat of a presidential veto, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi intends to push ahead with a $21 billion tax package, including repeal of tax breaks for major oil companies, as part of an energy bill, aides to the speaker said Tuesday.

Democratic leaders circulated a summary of the legislation that includes the new taxes as well as a requirement for a 40 percent increase in automobile fuel efficiency, a huge increase in the use of ethanol as a motor fuel, and a mandate for utilities to use renewable fuels.

Republicans earlier this year blocked Senate attempts to pass new energy taxes, contending they would hinder domestic oil and gas production. Democratic supporters of the taxes said...(complete article here).

Several issues here -- oil companies need profits in order to explore for and develop new energy sources -- including renewable sources such as ethanol. As for ethanol -- we are unable today to handle it logistically. We don't have the infrastructure in place. I think we will see numerous ethanol start-ups for sale in the coming months. Who do you think will buy them? My bet is it will be the oil companies. Taxing the oil companies more will only hurt consumers. The taxes will be passed on to the ultimate users. Taxing businesses is only a creative form of taxation on consumers. I guess that in a way that would encourage conservation because the consumers would have less money to spend on gasoline, or heating oil, or electricity, or food -- which brings us back to ethanol....

City Rank and Projected Cost Exposure to Global Warming

A lot can happen in 63 years which is the timespan of this projection.

Warming risks listed by population, costs

Report: 150 million could be affected by 2070 at cost of $35 trillion

PARIS - The number of people threatened by coastal flooding due to climate change could more than triple by 2070 and the financial impact could balloon to $35 trillion, according to a report released Tuesday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The Paris-based OECD, an international non-governmental organization that collects and studies economic statistics and social data, called for quick action on coastal defenses for cities at risk, saying it can take 30 years to build defenses for vulnerable cities.

"Climate change is already happening, and concerted action is...(complete article here).

Maybe the preparation for flooding will be an economic stimulus. Many of the cities projected to endure the greatest impact are being overwhelmed by the poor leaving the countryside for a "better" opportunity in the city. I suppose they can be put to work building levees.

Fishing International waters will always be difficult to regulate. Some type of "carrot and stick" program might have a positive impact. The "stick" must be in the hands of enforcement agencies that have power to act and the "carrot" should be a universal form of incentive such as non-taxable fuel or access to certain markets in exchange for compliance. I am not a proponent of a "one-world" government, however, I do believe this is an area in which governments must work together.

EU has no idea how much fish it catches: watchdog

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union has no real idea of how many fish its national fleets catch each year and is failing to clamp down hard on vessels that exceed national quotas, the EU financial watchdog said on Tuesday.

The Court of Auditors said unreliable data on catches, weak inspections with no proper deterrent, as well as general fleet overcapacity were threatening fish stocks. For many species including cod, stocks had been hard hit by years of heavy exploitation.

"Catch data are neither complete nor...(complete article here).

Whooping Crane Numbers

Whooping Cranes have struggled for a long time. It looks like the trend is finally moving in the right direction.

News Release
Media Contact: Tom Harvey, (512) 389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.state.tx.us
Dec. 3, 2007

Whooping Crane Numbers Break Record Fifth Year In A Row

AUSTIN, Texas — Wildlife scientists report that for the fifth year in a row a record-breaking number of whooping cranes have completed their winter migration to the Coastal Bend area of Texas. So far, 257 whoopers have reached Texas, breaking the previous count of 237 whoopers present during last year’s winter, and experts predict more are on the way.

"I estimate that more than 97 percent of the flock has completed the migration so far. We know of four birds that are still in migration, so that raises the estimated flock size to 261," said National Whooping Crane Coordinator Tom Stehn.

In addition to increasing their numbers, whoopers have also expanded their range. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is...(complete article here).

Green Alleys?

Pavement, concrete, buildings -- all seal the land surface to water. This initiative provides a way to recover some of that water before it turns into runoff.

Chicago’s Alleys Turning Green

A new initiative will help make Chicago's 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometers) of alleyways more sustainable. The miniature streets behind homes and buildings, used mainly for garbage collection and parking access, keep main roads cleaner and less congested but are prone to flooding. The city’s innovative Green Alley Program promotes improved construction techniques and materials that can improve drainage, reduce runoff, and relieve strain on the city’s aging sewer system.

Model "green" alleyways in Chicago have been re-surfaced with permeable or porous pavement, a relatively new technology that allows water to seep through asphalt, concrete, stone, or plastic. After filtering through a...(complete article here).

While we're going green, let's truly make it green with some plants. How about adding something green and growing to the alleys as well. They would help to capture carbon, improve air quality, and provide aesthetic relief to the eye. Even something as small as tub-grown tomatoes or other fruits and vegetables would be a positive.