I must admit that I have been avoiding the 2008 Farm Bill like the plague. The floor-passed Senate version is 1,876 pages long (it can be viewed on the Internet at http://agriculture.senate.gov/). The complexity of the various provisions requires a law degree to decipher. It is no wonder that it takes our representatives more than a year to come up with a bill that can be passed by both houses of Congress and that would be acceptable to signature by the President. That hasn’t happened yet, but we are finally getting close. Hopefully, there will be a Farm Bill by the end of March.
Most people think of the Farm Bill as providing for price supports to farmers. Such provisions remain a part of the bill but only a small part. The price supports are designed to influence planted acres of various crops in order to provide adequate income to farmers while maintaining “cheap” food prices to the consumer and some level of food security for our nation. Most consumers think of crop price supports as “welfare” for farmers. They usually don’t realize that they are designed to allow market forces to maintain a “cheap” food supply for our country.
Over the years many sections have been added to the farm bill. Some of these sections regulate agricultural markets. Others are oriented more toward conservation practices. Each of these sections has grown with each successive farm bill until they are now quite large. Some of the newest sections in the farm bill are related to energy.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 had a profound impact on the 2008 Farm Bill. It raised the standard for the production of renewable fuels to 9 billion gallons for this year and gradually increases the standard so that by 2022, the U.S. should be producing 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels. In 2022, the amount of renewable fuels should include advanced bio-fuels, such as cellulosic ethanol, in the amount of 21 billion gallons. The balance of that will likely remain corn-based ethanol.
Decades ago Congress created the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) within the Department of Agriculture. The CCC was created and given authority to take money directly from the U.S. Treasury for farm programs. This measure was authorized to provide security of income to farmers so that they were not dependent on annual budget appropriations for funding of mandated farm programs. This provision makes the 2008 Farm Bill attractive to legislators as a means of funding their pet bio-fuels projects without the necessity of going through the normal appropriations process. The result is that the Farm Bill has become a political football.
Further complicating the passage of a Farm Bill is the fact that this is a Presidential election year. Each of the political parties sees the bill as a way to potentially manipulate support for their party’s candidate. Because the bill has grown to include so many features and provisions, the potential political leverage has grown to include almost all interest groups. Agriculture generally, and farmers in particular, have effectively lost their ability to have much influence on the process because of the broad range of issues now included.
Some of the new provisions that are related to energy are: 1) The renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements program, 2) Biomass research and development, 3) The Bio-energy program which makes incentive payments to bio-energy producers, 4) The Biomass energy reserve program, 5) Forest bio-energy research and 6) The Sun grant program which focuses on solar power. All of these programs are designed to meet the mandates of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 through the use of the CCC as a funding mechanism so that the programs do not require line-item funding through the appropriations bill.
Hopefully, we will eventually see a Farm Bill passed that will continue to provide a safety net for our nation’s food supply system. If we are to continue to benefit as a nation from a “cheap” and abundant food supply, we must have a strong farm bill. Let your Congressmen know your feelings.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Alkylates and Gasoline Prices
This is a GREAT article about gasoline. Not only does it discuss the critical role of alkylates in gasoline production but it also provides good information on petroleum "cracking" processes and the complexity of producing various products from a barrel of oil.
Jan. 30, 2008, 3:57PM
Shortage of additive may cause gas price spike
By JOHN WILEN
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Get ready for another surge in gasoline prices.
Experts are predicting that prices, which jumped by almost a dollar a gallon in each of the last two springs in many parts of the United States, will spike again this year as refiners and gas stations switch from winter- to summer-blended fuels.
The increases, starting as early as February in southern California, could push the average national price to a record $3.50 a gallon or more by June.
That would be 17 percent higher than...(complete article here).
Jan. 30, 2008, 3:57PM
Shortage of additive may cause gas price spike
By JOHN WILEN
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Get ready for another surge in gasoline prices.
Experts are predicting that prices, which jumped by almost a dollar a gallon in each of the last two springs in many parts of the United States, will spike again this year as refiners and gas stations switch from winter- to summer-blended fuels.
The increases, starting as early as February in southern California, could push the average national price to a record $3.50 a gallon or more by June.
That would be 17 percent higher than...(complete article here).
Green Powered Texas Cities
Wind power. It's a good thing but it creates lots of headaches for the power companies. It isn't dependable. When the wind doesn't blow, they have to meet the same power demands from other sources. How do you plan plant operation time?
Dallas, Houston make list of top green power purchasers
Release date: 01/30/2008
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov
Cities recognized for leading nation in renewable energy use by EPA’s National Top 25 list
(Dallas, Texas – January 30, 2008) Wind power has propelled the cities of Dallas and Houston onto the Environmental Protection Agency’s national list of top green power purchasers.
Dallas took the...(complete article here).
Dallas, Houston make list of top green power purchasers
Release date: 01/30/2008
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov
Cities recognized for leading nation in renewable energy use by EPA’s National Top 25 list
(Dallas, Texas – January 30, 2008) Wind power has propelled the cities of Dallas and Houston onto the Environmental Protection Agency’s national list of top green power purchasers.
Dallas took the...(complete article here).
Is $4 Gasoline the Tipping Point?
Can anybody say recession???
Survey finds $4 gasoline would curb driving
By Tom Doggett
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - If U.S. gasoline prices hit $4 a gallon this year, more than half of Americans surveyed said they would reduce holiday travel and cut back on personal spending to offset the higher pump costs
Results were released Wednesday of 1,001 Americans surveyed on behalf of the Massachusetts-based Civil Society Institute think tank and its 40MPG.org project which pushes for more fuel efficient U.S. cars and trucks.
"These survey findings suggest...(complete article here).
Survey finds $4 gasoline would curb driving
By Tom Doggett
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - If U.S. gasoline prices hit $4 a gallon this year, more than half of Americans surveyed said they would reduce holiday travel and cut back on personal spending to offset the higher pump costs
Results were released Wednesday of 1,001 Americans surveyed on behalf of the Massachusetts-based Civil Society Institute think tank and its 40MPG.org project which pushes for more fuel efficient U.S. cars and trucks.
"These survey findings suggest...(complete article here).
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunshine Power Turns CO2 to Fuel
Reverse the process and let the sun provide the power. Now that's cool.
Sandia’s Sunshine to Petrol project seeks fuel from thin air
Team to chemically transform carbon dioxide into carbon-neutral liquid fuels
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —Using concentrated solar energy to reverse combustion, a research team from Sandia National Laboratories is building a prototype device intended to chemically “reenergize” carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using concentrated solar power. The carbon monoxide could then be used to make hydrogen or serve as a building block to synthesize a liquid combustible fuel, such as methanol or even gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
The prototype device, called the Counter Rotating Ring Receiver Reactor Recuperator (CR5, for short), will...(complete article here).
Sandia’s Sunshine to Petrol project seeks fuel from thin air
Team to chemically transform carbon dioxide into carbon-neutral liquid fuels
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —Using concentrated solar energy to reverse combustion, a research team from Sandia National Laboratories is building a prototype device intended to chemically “reenergize” carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using concentrated solar power. The carbon monoxide could then be used to make hydrogen or serve as a building block to synthesize a liquid combustible fuel, such as methanol or even gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
The prototype device, called the Counter Rotating Ring Receiver Reactor Recuperator (CR5, for short), will...(complete article here).
Ethanol Infrastructure Issues
It's nice to know the folks at Purdue agree with me...
Infrastructure not ready for all the ethanol to be produced in '08
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - By the end of 2008, the United States will have the capacity to produce 13 billion gallons of ethanol, but a Purdue University expert said the maximum ethanol the market can handle is 12 billion gallons, and perhaps considerably less.
"Ethanol production capacity has...(complete article here).
Infrastructure not ready for all the ethanol to be produced in '08
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - By the end of 2008, the United States will have the capacity to produce 13 billion gallons of ethanol, but a Purdue University expert said the maximum ethanol the market can handle is 12 billion gallons, and perhaps considerably less.
"Ethanol production capacity has...(complete article here).
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The First Lady's First Class Conservation Efforts
This is a great article by our First Lady about her's and the President's efforts to restore their ranch at Crawford, Texas, to native species. Along with describing their efforts, the article has great links to resources for doing the same on your own property.
First Couple Sees Progress in Effort to Reintroduce Native Plants to Texas Ranch
Friday, January 25, 2008
By Laura Bush
As part of FOX News' feature on President Bush, I spoke with Bret Baier about our ranch in Crawford, Texas. We love our home — and one of the things we're proudest of is our project to restore the Prairie Chapel Ranch to its original landscape.
• Click here to see photos from Prairie Chapel Ranch.
• Click here for video of Laura Bush talking about her conservation project.
Native plant conservation is a great pastime for anyone who loves outdoor work, and it offers many environmental benefits. Native grasses are better...(complete article here).
First Couple Sees Progress in Effort to Reintroduce Native Plants to Texas Ranch
Friday, January 25, 2008
By Laura Bush
As part of FOX News' feature on President Bush, I spoke with Bret Baier about our ranch in Crawford, Texas. We love our home — and one of the things we're proudest of is our project to restore the Prairie Chapel Ranch to its original landscape.
• Click here to see photos from Prairie Chapel Ranch.
• Click here for video of Laura Bush talking about her conservation project.
Native plant conservation is a great pastime for anyone who loves outdoor work, and it offers many environmental benefits. Native grasses are better...(complete article here).
Friday, January 25, 2008
New Eco-Friendly Patent Resource
This might be a handy resource.
Eco-Friendly Patents Up for Grabs in New High-Tech “Commons”
Alana Herro – January 23, 2008 – 5:00am
Some of the world’s biggest companies have joined together to create a public online database for sharing patents for environmentally responsible products. The new Eco-Patent Commons was created to encourage researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies to develop more eco-friendly practices and incorporate them into their work, according to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a coalition of some 200 leading companies, which helped launch the project.
The patent database was...(complete article here).
Eco-Friendly Patents Up for Grabs in New High-Tech “Commons”
Alana Herro – January 23, 2008 – 5:00am
Some of the world’s biggest companies have joined together to create a public online database for sharing patents for environmentally responsible products. The new Eco-Patent Commons was created to encourage researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies to develop more eco-friendly practices and incorporate them into their work, according to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a coalition of some 200 leading companies, which helped launch the project.
The patent database was...(complete article here).
UN Recognizes Approaching Global Water Crisis
Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink! I've been saying for a long time that water is the next (and current) crisis for the world. The problem isn't the lack of water, the problem is lack of usable water where it is needed. This applies to drinking water and to irrigation water. Irrigation is necessary to feed the ever-growing world population.
UN calls water top priority
By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer
Fri Jan 25, 1:11 AM ET
DAVOS, Switzerland - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the world on Thursday to put the looming crisis over water shortages at the top of the global agenda this year and take action to prevent conflicts over scarce supplies.
He reminded business and political leaders at the World Economic Forum that the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan was touched off by drought — and he said shortages of water contribute to poverty and social hardship in Somalia, Chad, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Colombia and Kazakhstan.
"Too often, where...(complete article here).
UN calls water top priority
By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer
Fri Jan 25, 1:11 AM ET
DAVOS, Switzerland - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the world on Thursday to put the looming crisis over water shortages at the top of the global agenda this year and take action to prevent conflicts over scarce supplies.
He reminded business and political leaders at the World Economic Forum that the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan was touched off by drought — and he said shortages of water contribute to poverty and social hardship in Somalia, Chad, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Colombia and Kazakhstan.
"Too often, where...(complete article here).
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Ethanol From Switchgrass
Ethanol: Depending upon where you fit in agriculture, ethanol is either a dirty word or the best thing that has come along in years. Livestock producers curse it because of its impact on their cost of feed, but farmers love the extra dollars that it has put into their pockets. Ideally, a way for both segments of agriculture to benefit from ethanol will be found. Perhaps the answer is Switchgrass.
Switchgrass is a perennial grass found in almost every state west of the Rocky Mountains. There are two major classifications of the grass: 1) upland varieties which favor drier, lighter soils and fare better in drier conditions and 2) lowland varieties which thrive in heavier soils and are tolerant of excess moisture such as from flooding.
Switchgrass has been neglected by researchers for many years but now, because of its promise as an energy fuel, they are scrambling all across the nation to collect samples of the various native species so that cultivars can be developed to breed for fuel production. Such efforts are occurring at experiment stations from Texas to the Dakotas and throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern U.S.
Producing ethanol from Switchgrass falls into the category of what is considered cellulosic ethanol. This category is still in the developmental stage but shows great promise of utilizing everything from waste paper pulp to wood chips and grasses. It is a more complex process than producing ethanol from corn, but shows great potential because it can utilize waste, or plant sources grown on marginal land rather than corn which requires premium land and an abundant supply of water as well as intensive use of chemical and fertilizer inputs.
Recent research indicates that corn-based ethanol produces approximately 125% more energy than is required to make it. The potential energy from Switchgrass has been estimated at 540% more than that required to produce it. In addition to the huge energy gain, the amount of inputs required to grow Switchgrass is relatively low and it is a perennial crop.
Switchgrass grows well in regions that receive between 15 and 30 inches of rainfall per year and thrives in a wide variety of soils ranging from fine to coarse in texture. Its roots produce rhizomes that spread beneath the soil surface and will cover approximately the same area below ground that the plant covers above ground. The plants can reach up to 10 feet in height if adequate moisture is available at the right time of year.
In order to produce maximum yields, Switchgrass may require some supplementation of nitrogen. It can be difficult to establish because of low germination rates due to a high percentage of dormancy, but once established, is a perennial producer. Depending on growing conditions, it may produce anywhere from one to three cuttings per year. If a single cutting per year is all that is harvested, the plant has the characteristic that most of the primary nutrients migrate back into the roots in late summer and early fall. If harvest is delayed until after frost, very little of the soil nutrients will be removed with the harvested crop.
As cellulosic ethanol technology develops, Switchgrass will become an important fuel source. Because of its low input requirements, it may hold promise as a significant cash crop for marginal land. The development of new varieties that accommodate the diverse growing conditions across the United States will create opportunities for farmers in many areas. It also appears to hold promise in some areas of the Texas Panhandle – particularly the eastern part of the area where rainfall is generally slightly higher.
Because it typically takes approximately 3 years to establish a harvestable stand of Switchgrass, the decision to produce the crop will require considerable planning. It obviously will not fit into a rotation plan but will fit best on dedicated acres. Over the coming years it is anticipated that some CRP acres may be converted to the crop. Ultimately, the price offered for baled Switchgrass will determine the planted acreage.
Switchgrass is a perennial grass found in almost every state west of the Rocky Mountains. There are two major classifications of the grass: 1) upland varieties which favor drier, lighter soils and fare better in drier conditions and 2) lowland varieties which thrive in heavier soils and are tolerant of excess moisture such as from flooding.
Switchgrass has been neglected by researchers for many years but now, because of its promise as an energy fuel, they are scrambling all across the nation to collect samples of the various native species so that cultivars can be developed to breed for fuel production. Such efforts are occurring at experiment stations from Texas to the Dakotas and throughout the Midwestern and Southeastern U.S.
Producing ethanol from Switchgrass falls into the category of what is considered cellulosic ethanol. This category is still in the developmental stage but shows great promise of utilizing everything from waste paper pulp to wood chips and grasses. It is a more complex process than producing ethanol from corn, but shows great potential because it can utilize waste, or plant sources grown on marginal land rather than corn which requires premium land and an abundant supply of water as well as intensive use of chemical and fertilizer inputs.
Recent research indicates that corn-based ethanol produces approximately 125% more energy than is required to make it. The potential energy from Switchgrass has been estimated at 540% more than that required to produce it. In addition to the huge energy gain, the amount of inputs required to grow Switchgrass is relatively low and it is a perennial crop.
Switchgrass grows well in regions that receive between 15 and 30 inches of rainfall per year and thrives in a wide variety of soils ranging from fine to coarse in texture. Its roots produce rhizomes that spread beneath the soil surface and will cover approximately the same area below ground that the plant covers above ground. The plants can reach up to 10 feet in height if adequate moisture is available at the right time of year.
In order to produce maximum yields, Switchgrass may require some supplementation of nitrogen. It can be difficult to establish because of low germination rates due to a high percentage of dormancy, but once established, is a perennial producer. Depending on growing conditions, it may produce anywhere from one to three cuttings per year. If a single cutting per year is all that is harvested, the plant has the characteristic that most of the primary nutrients migrate back into the roots in late summer and early fall. If harvest is delayed until after frost, very little of the soil nutrients will be removed with the harvested crop.
As cellulosic ethanol technology develops, Switchgrass will become an important fuel source. Because of its low input requirements, it may hold promise as a significant cash crop for marginal land. The development of new varieties that accommodate the diverse growing conditions across the United States will create opportunities for farmers in many areas. It also appears to hold promise in some areas of the Texas Panhandle – particularly the eastern part of the area where rainfall is generally slightly higher.
Because it typically takes approximately 3 years to establish a harvestable stand of Switchgrass, the decision to produce the crop will require considerable planning. It obviously will not fit into a rotation plan but will fit best on dedicated acres. Over the coming years it is anticipated that some CRP acres may be converted to the crop. Ultimately, the price offered for baled Switchgrass will determine the planted acreage.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Kenyan Unrest to Cause Food Shortages
The inconvenience of possibly higher tea and coffee prices for U.S. consumers pales against the potentially devastating food shortages that Kenyans may face.
Kenya: Food Shortage Looming
Business Daily (Nairobi)
23 January 2008
Posted to the web 23 January 2008
Morris Aron
Economists are warning that violence in Rift Valley will affect food production, supply and dampen foreign exchange earnings from tea exports if the political stalemate is not resolved soon. Maize, tea and milk production stand to suffer most resulting in inflation and reduced foreign exchange revenue.
Group Economists - the research arm of South Africa Standard Bank which has interests in Stanbic Bank - gave...(complete article here).
Kenya: Food Shortage Looming
Business Daily (Nairobi)
23 January 2008
Posted to the web 23 January 2008
Morris Aron
Economists are warning that violence in Rift Valley will affect food production, supply and dampen foreign exchange earnings from tea exports if the political stalemate is not resolved soon. Maize, tea and milk production stand to suffer most resulting in inflation and reduced foreign exchange revenue.
Group Economists - the research arm of South Africa Standard Bank which has interests in Stanbic Bank - gave...(complete article here).
West African Food Security Initiative
More news out of Africa.
West Africa: New UN Initiative Aims to Boost Food Security in Region
UN News Service (New York)
23 January 2008
Posted to the web 23 January 2008
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched projects in five West African countries, considered to be among the world's poorest, to help increase agricultural output and create new markets for products.
Launched as part of the FAO Trust Fund for Food Security, the projects are taking place in Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone, thanks to a...(complete article here).
West Africa: New UN Initiative Aims to Boost Food Security in Region
UN News Service (New York)
23 January 2008
Posted to the web 23 January 2008
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched projects in five West African countries, considered to be among the world's poorest, to help increase agricultural output and create new markets for products.
Launched as part of the FAO Trust Fund for Food Security, the projects are taking place in Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone, thanks to a...(complete article here).
Botswana FMD
I find African agriculture to be interesting because in so many ways it is different from our own. The conditions are often primitive and the battles that must be fought are often against nature as well as the economy. FMD is still found in many parts of the continent.
Botswana: Cattle Disease Ravages Ngami
Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
23 January 2008
Posted to the web 23 January 2008
Chandapiwa Baputaki
The outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the Ngami constituency has caused an outcry and hardship for residents who are most dependent on the livestock for their daily survival.
Before the outbreak they could sell their cattle at the Botswana Meat Commission in Francistown and in butcheries within the constituency.
Since the outbreak, that was confirmed in mid October last year, the department...(complete article here).
Botswana: Cattle Disease Ravages Ngami
Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
23 January 2008
Posted to the web 23 January 2008
Chandapiwa Baputaki
The outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the Ngami constituency has caused an outcry and hardship for residents who are most dependent on the livestock for their daily survival.
Before the outbreak they could sell their cattle at the Botswana Meat Commission in Francistown and in butcheries within the constituency.
Since the outbreak, that was confirmed in mid October last year, the department...(complete article here).
Criollo Cattle to New Mexico
Genetic diversity is important.
Old cattle breed offers modern solutions
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jan 23, 7:38 AM ET
JORNADA EXPERIMENTAL RANGE, N.M. - Ed Fredrickson is watching every move his cattle make by checking GPS units on their collars and using satellite imagery to see what plants they're eating.
The rangeland scientist wants to know if the herd — a variety of ancient criollo cattle he hand-picked from Mexico — has what it takes to thrive in the harsh, dry conditions of the West.
"It's going to get harder," he said. "How do we help these ranchers stay viable?"
Fredrickson hopes criollo cattle, which...(complete article here).
Old cattle breed offers modern solutions
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jan 23, 7:38 AM ET
JORNADA EXPERIMENTAL RANGE, N.M. - Ed Fredrickson is watching every move his cattle make by checking GPS units on their collars and using satellite imagery to see what plants they're eating.
The rangeland scientist wants to know if the herd — a variety of ancient criollo cattle he hand-picked from Mexico — has what it takes to thrive in the harsh, dry conditions of the West.
"It's going to get harder," he said. "How do we help these ranchers stay viable?"
Fredrickson hopes criollo cattle, which...(complete article here).
EU Biofuels Criteria
Regulate it to death....
EU sets tough criteria for green biofuels
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Biofuels used in the European Union will have to provide a real saving in greenhouse gas emissions of at least one-third compared to fossil fuels and meet other criteria, the EU's energy chief said on Wednesday.
European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs told...(complete article here).
EU sets tough criteria for green biofuels
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Biofuels used in the European Union will have to provide a real saving in greenhouse gas emissions of at least one-third compared to fossil fuels and meet other criteria, the EU's energy chief said on Wednesday.
European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs told...(complete article here).
Conservation Programs and Wildlife
Combining farm programs and initiatives aimed at conserving threatened wildlife species makes good sense.
CONNER UNVEILS FIRST WILDLIFE PLANS IN NEW CONSERVATION PRACTICE
Acting Secretary Announces 45 Conservation Projects in 18 States to Benefit Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
ST. PAUL, MINN., Jan. 19, 2008 - Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner said today USDA has approved conservation projects on more than a quarter-million acres in 18 states under a new partnership within the Conservation Reserve Program.
Conner made the announcement during a news conference today at Pheasants Forever's "Pheasant Fest" exhibition being held at the Saint Paul River Centre in St. Paul, Minn.
The projects unveiled today are...(complete article here).
CONNER UNVEILS FIRST WILDLIFE PLANS IN NEW CONSERVATION PRACTICE
Acting Secretary Announces 45 Conservation Projects in 18 States to Benefit Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
ST. PAUL, MINN., Jan. 19, 2008 - Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner said today USDA has approved conservation projects on more than a quarter-million acres in 18 states under a new partnership within the Conservation Reserve Program.
Conner made the announcement during a news conference today at Pheasants Forever's "Pheasant Fest" exhibition being held at the Saint Paul River Centre in St. Paul, Minn.
The projects unveiled today are...(complete article here).
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Thin Skin of our Planet
First observation: It's not dirt, it is soil. Dirt is what you find in the corner of your kitchen where you didn't do a good job of cleaning. Soil is one of the basic sustainers of life on this planet.
The lowdown on dirt: It's disappearing
Disappearing dirt rivals global warming as an environmental threat
By TOM PAULSONP-I REPORTER
The planet is getting skinned.
While many worry about the potential consequences of atmospheric warming, a few experts are trying to call attention to another global crisis quietly taking place under our feet.
Call it the thin brown line. Dirt. On average, the planet is covered with little more than 3 feet of topsoil -- the shallow skin of nutrient-rich matter that sustains most of our food and appears to play a critical role in supporting life on Earth.
"We're losing more and more of it every day," said...(complete article here).
The article fails to mention the tremendous advances that have been made in farming techniques since the "Dust Bowl" days of the 1930's that have reduced soil erosion dramatically. There is certainly room for improvement, but great progress has been made -- at least in the U.S. No-till and low-tillage techniques are becoming more popular, not only because of their positive impact on erosion, but because of the economics of reducing input costs for crops -- particularly fuel for fewer trips over the field. Other techniques that have reduced soil loss include conservation buffers, windbreaks, terracing, and other erosion control methods.
The lowdown on dirt: It's disappearing
Disappearing dirt rivals global warming as an environmental threat
By TOM PAULSONP-I REPORTER
The planet is getting skinned.
While many worry about the potential consequences of atmospheric warming, a few experts are trying to call attention to another global crisis quietly taking place under our feet.
Call it the thin brown line. Dirt. On average, the planet is covered with little more than 3 feet of topsoil -- the shallow skin of nutrient-rich matter that sustains most of our food and appears to play a critical role in supporting life on Earth.
"We're losing more and more of it every day," said...(complete article here).
The article fails to mention the tremendous advances that have been made in farming techniques since the "Dust Bowl" days of the 1930's that have reduced soil erosion dramatically. There is certainly room for improvement, but great progress has been made -- at least in the U.S. No-till and low-tillage techniques are becoming more popular, not only because of their positive impact on erosion, but because of the economics of reducing input costs for crops -- particularly fuel for fewer trips over the field. Other techniques that have reduced soil loss include conservation buffers, windbreaks, terracing, and other erosion control methods.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Abu Dhabi's Decisions for the Future
Using oil money to develop alternative energy is smart. Eventually the oil will run out. Plot your course while there's adequate capital to do something about it.
Abu Dhabi plots hydrogen future
By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News website
The government of Abu Dhabi has announced a $15bn (£7.5bn) initiative to develop clean energy technologies.
The Gulf state describes the five-year initiative as "the most ambitious sustainability project ever launched by a government".
Components will include the world's largest hydrogen power plant.
The government has...(complete article here).
Abu Dhabi plots hydrogen future
By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News website
The government of Abu Dhabi has announced a $15bn (£7.5bn) initiative to develop clean energy technologies.
The Gulf state describes the five-year initiative as "the most ambitious sustainability project ever launched by a government".
Components will include the world's largest hydrogen power plant.
The government has...(complete article here).
Friday, January 18, 2008
The A-corn (Vitamin A Fortified)
For less developed areas of the world corn (or maize) is an important food. Boosting vitamin A may help alleviate some chronic health issues in those areas.
Scientists find way to increase corn's vitamin A
By Will Dunham
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. scientists have developed a way to breed corn that can boost the vitamin A it gives people who eat it -- a potentially important advance for regions of the world burdened by vitamin A deficiencies.
Vitamin A deficiency is an important cause of eye disease and other health problems in developing countries.
Corn, also known as maize, is the dominant subsistence crop in much of Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 30 percent of children under age 5 are vitamin A deficient.
Scientists want to...(complete article here).
Scientists find way to increase corn's vitamin A
By Will Dunham
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. scientists have developed a way to breed corn that can boost the vitamin A it gives people who eat it -- a potentially important advance for regions of the world burdened by vitamin A deficiencies.
Vitamin A deficiency is an important cause of eye disease and other health problems in developing countries.
Corn, also known as maize, is the dominant subsistence crop in much of Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 30 percent of children under age 5 are vitamin A deficient.
Scientists want to...(complete article here).
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Record Wind Power Growth in 2007
Note in the article below that Texas produces in excess of 25% of the wind power generated electricity in the U.S. (I find this interesting coming on the heels of this article posted yesterday).
U.S. wind power grew 45 percent in 2007: AWEA
By Bernie Woodall
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - U.S. wind power grew by 45 percent in 2007, blowing away past annual growth marks, industry group American Wind Energy Association said Thursday.
Utilities seeking green alternatives, some in states requiring more renewable power, helped wind power account for $9 billion invested and 30 percent of all new U.S. power generation in 2007, the AWEA said in its annual year-end report.
In 2006, wind power grew by 20 percent. when about $4 billion was spent in the industry.
The AWEA said this year's new wind power installation will be...(complete article here).
U.S. wind power grew 45 percent in 2007: AWEA
By Bernie Woodall
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - U.S. wind power grew by 45 percent in 2007, blowing away past annual growth marks, industry group American Wind Energy Association said Thursday.
Utilities seeking green alternatives, some in states requiring more renewable power, helped wind power account for $9 billion invested and 30 percent of all new U.S. power generation in 2007, the AWEA said in its annual year-end report.
In 2006, wind power grew by 20 percent. when about $4 billion was spent in the industry.
The AWEA said this year's new wind power installation will be...(complete article here).
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Carbon: For Your Plate, Your Car, and Your Life
I love this headline:
Texas is biggest carbon polluter
By APRIL CASTRO, Associated Press Writer
28 minutes ago
AUSTIN, Texas - Everything's big in Texas — big pickup trucks, big SUVs and the state's big carbon footprint, too.
Texans' fondness for large, manly vehicles has helped make the Lone Star State the biggest carbon polluter in the nation.
The headquarters state of America's oil industry spewed 670 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in 2003, enough that Texas would rank seventh in the world if it were its own country, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The amount is more than that of California and Pennsylvania — the second- and third-ranking states — combined.
A multitude of factors contribute to the carbon output, among them...(complete article here).
The article fails to mention that Texas is #1 in wind-generated electricity, was the only state with cooler-than-average temperatures during 2007, provides a big chunk of the oil and gas (and refined gasoline as well as petroleum-derived chemicals) for the rest of the nation, and in spite of the author's contention otherwise, many of the pickup trucks and SUV's are in rural areas that need the capacity for hauling things like oilfield equipment so the rest of the country can keep using petroleum products, seed and fertilizer to plant cotton, wheat, soybeans, grain sorghum, and other crops that keep folks fed and clothed, and that pull trailers of livestock that usually provide the main course for their meals. Narrow minds with narrow agendas often fail to see the big picture.
Texas is biggest carbon polluter
By APRIL CASTRO, Associated Press Writer
28 minutes ago
AUSTIN, Texas - Everything's big in Texas — big pickup trucks, big SUVs and the state's big carbon footprint, too.
Texans' fondness for large, manly vehicles has helped make the Lone Star State the biggest carbon polluter in the nation.
The headquarters state of America's oil industry spewed 670 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in 2003, enough that Texas would rank seventh in the world if it were its own country, according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The amount is more than that of California and Pennsylvania — the second- and third-ranking states — combined.
A multitude of factors contribute to the carbon output, among them...(complete article here).
The article fails to mention that Texas is #1 in wind-generated electricity, was the only state with cooler-than-average temperatures during 2007, provides a big chunk of the oil and gas (and refined gasoline as well as petroleum-derived chemicals) for the rest of the nation, and in spite of the author's contention otherwise, many of the pickup trucks and SUV's are in rural areas that need the capacity for hauling things like oilfield equipment so the rest of the country can keep using petroleum products, seed and fertilizer to plant cotton, wheat, soybeans, grain sorghum, and other crops that keep folks fed and clothed, and that pull trailers of livestock that usually provide the main course for their meals. Narrow minds with narrow agendas often fail to see the big picture.
OPEC's View of Oil Prices
OK. Maybe it's not your fault, but you can help!
OPEC chief sees no oil shortage
16/01/2008 13h14
PARIS (AFP) - OPEC Secretary General Abdullah al-Badri told AFP on Wednesday that high oil prices were not caused by a shortage of oil supplies and that other factors were to blame.
"Let me be clear, the high prices which we are witnessing are not because of any shortage of crude oil in the market," he said in a statement emailed to AFP.
On a tour of the Middle East, US President George W. Bush raised the issue of high oil prices...(complete article here).
OPEC chief sees no oil shortage
16/01/2008 13h14
PARIS (AFP) - OPEC Secretary General Abdullah al-Badri told AFP on Wednesday that high oil prices were not caused by a shortage of oil supplies and that other factors were to blame.
"Let me be clear, the high prices which we are witnessing are not because of any shortage of crude oil in the market," he said in a statement emailed to AFP.
On a tour of the Middle East, US President George W. Bush raised the issue of high oil prices...(complete article here).
Energy vs Food Debate Continues
This article is both alarmist and misleading.
More of U.S. grain crop to be consumed by family car
By Tom Doggett
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Almost a third of the U.S. grain crop next year may be diverted from the family dinner table to the family car as fuel, putting upward pressure on food prices, a leading expert warned on Tuesday.
Grain prices are near record levels as the United States produces more ethanol, now made mostly from corn, to blend with gasoline and stretch available motor fuel supplies.
Farmers, hoping to cash in, are...(complete article here).
Yes, ethanol has an impact on food prices. So does gasoline, diesel and electricity prices. Tractors and combines run on diesel, so do the trucks and trains used to transport the products, irrigation water is usually pumped with electricity, feed/food mills are run by electricity -- everything that makes us productive requires fuel in some form.
The fact that 1/3 of the corn crop is used for ethanol production is not the only thing affecting food prices. Yes, corn is the primary feed crop that allows the U.S. to be a leading producer of meats. The co-products of ethanol production are being fed to livestock.
Does the use of ethanol in our gasoline lower the overall price of fuel? Currently it probably doesn't have a great impact. There is only a slight gain in energy from the amount of energy required to produce corn and corn ethanol to the amount of total energy gained from that production. The primary gain is in the feeding of the co-product to livestock (it is energy -- energy that is converted through biological processes into food -- which is a source of energy to humans). It is ALL about energy. The energy that we take into our bodies as a steak was once sunshine which is the result of a nuclear reaction millions of miles away!
Drought, floods, and other natural disasters, as well as the growth of many emerging economies such as China and India, are greater factors on the price of corn than is the use of corn to make ethanol in the U.S. American farmers gear up production to meet rising demand reflected in higher prices. Yes, it puts upward pressure on food prices -- but it isn't the use of corn to make ethanol that is the issue -- it is the demand for energy that is ultimately creating the upward pressure on food prices.
More of U.S. grain crop to be consumed by family car
By Tom Doggett
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Almost a third of the U.S. grain crop next year may be diverted from the family dinner table to the family car as fuel, putting upward pressure on food prices, a leading expert warned on Tuesday.
Grain prices are near record levels as the United States produces more ethanol, now made mostly from corn, to blend with gasoline and stretch available motor fuel supplies.
Farmers, hoping to cash in, are...(complete article here).
Yes, ethanol has an impact on food prices. So does gasoline, diesel and electricity prices. Tractors and combines run on diesel, so do the trucks and trains used to transport the products, irrigation water is usually pumped with electricity, feed/food mills are run by electricity -- everything that makes us productive requires fuel in some form.
The fact that 1/3 of the corn crop is used for ethanol production is not the only thing affecting food prices. Yes, corn is the primary feed crop that allows the U.S. to be a leading producer of meats. The co-products of ethanol production are being fed to livestock.
Does the use of ethanol in our gasoline lower the overall price of fuel? Currently it probably doesn't have a great impact. There is only a slight gain in energy from the amount of energy required to produce corn and corn ethanol to the amount of total energy gained from that production. The primary gain is in the feeding of the co-product to livestock (it is energy -- energy that is converted through biological processes into food -- which is a source of energy to humans). It is ALL about energy. The energy that we take into our bodies as a steak was once sunshine which is the result of a nuclear reaction millions of miles away!
Drought, floods, and other natural disasters, as well as the growth of many emerging economies such as China and India, are greater factors on the price of corn than is the use of corn to make ethanol in the U.S. American farmers gear up production to meet rising demand reflected in higher prices. Yes, it puts upward pressure on food prices -- but it isn't the use of corn to make ethanol that is the issue -- it is the demand for energy that is ultimately creating the upward pressure on food prices.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Energy Crunch for China and India
How much fuel is necessary to move a million man army from China, through India, to the Middle East in order to secure an oil supply?
China and India's pressing energy crunch
By Kumar Malhotra
BBC News
The warm welcome given by Chinese and Indian diplomats to the recent agreement by the two countries to strengthen economic, military and business links did not specifically mention one key issue - access to power supplies.
Fifteen years ago, China didn't import any oil at all.
Yet by 2030, it will be importing the same as US currently imports daily. And India's daily oil imports will have overtaken the European Union and Japan.
Those figures are from...(complete article here).
China and India's pressing energy crunch
By Kumar Malhotra
BBC News
The warm welcome given by Chinese and Indian diplomats to the recent agreement by the two countries to strengthen economic, military and business links did not specifically mention one key issue - access to power supplies.
Fifteen years ago, China didn't import any oil at all.
Yet by 2030, it will be importing the same as US currently imports daily. And India's daily oil imports will have overtaken the European Union and Japan.
Those figures are from...(complete article here).
FDA Release on Food From Cloned Animals
I would have been surprised had they ruled any other way. Genetically modified animals is a different story.
FDA Issues Documents on the Safety of Food from Animal Clones
Agency Concludes that Meat and Milk from Clones of Cattle, Swine, and Goats, and the Offspring of All Clones, are as Safe to Eat as Food from Conventionally Bred Animals
After years of detailed study and analysis, the Food and Drug Administration has concluded that...(complete News Release here).
FDA Issues Documents on the Safety of Food from Animal Clones
Agency Concludes that Meat and Milk from Clones of Cattle, Swine, and Goats, and the Offspring of All Clones, are as Safe to Eat as Food from Conventionally Bred Animals
After years of detailed study and analysis, the Food and Drug Administration has concluded that...(complete News Release here).
US Air Force and Synthetic Fuels
Synthetic fuels: A national security issue?
Wild Green Yonder: Flying the Environmentally Friendly Skies on Alternative Fuels
From liquid coal to biofuels, military and commercial aviators are searching for domestically sourced, cost-effective and clean alternatives to petroleum-derived jet fuel
By David Biello
In December the U.S. Air Force flew a C-17 transport plane across the country powered in part by a new propellant: natural gas transmuted into a synthetic liquid fuel. Heat and catalysts converted methane into syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) which were then transformed into liquid hydrocarbons (otherwise known as oil and its derivatives): petroleum, gasoline and, in the case of aviation, kerosene.
"Hitler flew Messerschmitts on it," says...(complete article here).
Wild Green Yonder: Flying the Environmentally Friendly Skies on Alternative Fuels
From liquid coal to biofuels, military and commercial aviators are searching for domestically sourced, cost-effective and clean alternatives to petroleum-derived jet fuel
By David Biello
In December the U.S. Air Force flew a C-17 transport plane across the country powered in part by a new propellant: natural gas transmuted into a synthetic liquid fuel. Heat and catalysts converted methane into syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) which were then transformed into liquid hydrocarbons (otherwise known as oil and its derivatives): petroleum, gasoline and, in the case of aviation, kerosene.
"Hitler flew Messerschmitts on it," says...(complete article here).
What's Up Doc??
Now all we need are some "super" rabbitts to eat them....
Scientists unveil 'supercarrot'
Scientists in the US say they have created a genetically-engineered carrot that provides extra calcium.
They hope that adding the vegetable to a normal diet could help ward off conditions such as brittle bone disease and osteoporosis.
Someone eating the new carrot absorbs 41% more calcium than if...(complete article here).
Scientists unveil 'supercarrot'
Scientists in the US say they have created a genetically-engineered carrot that provides extra calcium.
They hope that adding the vegetable to a normal diet could help ward off conditions such as brittle bone disease and osteoporosis.
Someone eating the new carrot absorbs 41% more calcium than if...(complete article here).
Monday, January 14, 2008
Clean Technology Fund for Emerging Economies
I have a hard time with the government giving our money away to foreign countries. I certainly hope we are receiving some seriously favorable trade concessions in return.
U.S. to launch clean technology fund in 2008
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States will press forward with a multibillion-dollar "clean technology fund" this year to help China and other developing countries finance advanced technologies to cut greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, a top Treasury official said on Monday.
The fund aims to "put a dent in the funding gap" between more expensive advanced technology that reduces pollution and energy use and...(complete article here).
U.S. to launch clean technology fund in 2008
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States will press forward with a multibillion-dollar "clean technology fund" this year to help China and other developing countries finance advanced technologies to cut greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, a top Treasury official said on Monday.
The fund aims to "put a dent in the funding gap" between more expensive advanced technology that reduces pollution and energy use and...(complete article here).
Indonesian Biofuel Woes and Goals
It takes longer to ramp up for higher production levels of palm oil than it does for annual crops such as corn or soybeans....
Indonesia seeks to nearly double biodiesel output
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian palm oil-based biodiesel output is expected to nearly double to 1.3 million tonnes this year on expected strong demand in the overseas market, a senior industry official said on Monday.
Biodiesel capacity is...(complete article here).
Related article here.
Indonesia seeks to nearly double biodiesel output
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian palm oil-based biodiesel output is expected to nearly double to 1.3 million tonnes this year on expected strong demand in the overseas market, a senior industry official said on Monday.
Biodiesel capacity is...(complete article here).
Related article here.
The Biofuel Impact on Food Prices Debate Continues
And the debate continues...
Biofuel impact on farm prices overplayed
By Sybille de La Hamaide
PARIS (Reuters) - The recent price rally in farm commodities such as grains, oilseeds and sugar beet can be attributed partly to higher biofuel demand but their share of the blame has been exaggerated, a top official of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Loek Boonekamp, a division head in the Agro-food Trade and Markets Division at the Paris-based OECD, said the surge in farm product prices -- with cereals more than doubling last year -- would have happened even without the rise in biofuel production.
"Closing your eyes and blaming...(complete article here).
Of course biofuels are having an impact on farm commodity prices. Anything that increases demand will impact price. No, it isn't the only factor affecting those prices. As always, one must consider all of the factors that have an impact -- weather, technology, input prices (profitability), etc. I think the jury is still out on whether bifuels are good, bad, or indifferent as to the overall impact on humanity -- for all of you "planet huggers," the health of the environment is meaningless without humans. However, the health of the planet is meaningful to humanity's continued survival.
Biofuel impact on farm prices overplayed
By Sybille de La Hamaide
PARIS (Reuters) - The recent price rally in farm commodities such as grains, oilseeds and sugar beet can be attributed partly to higher biofuel demand but their share of the blame has been exaggerated, a top official of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Loek Boonekamp, a division head in the Agro-food Trade and Markets Division at the Paris-based OECD, said the surge in farm product prices -- with cereals more than doubling last year -- would have happened even without the rise in biofuel production.
"Closing your eyes and blaming...(complete article here).
Of course biofuels are having an impact on farm commodity prices. Anything that increases demand will impact price. No, it isn't the only factor affecting those prices. As always, one must consider all of the factors that have an impact -- weather, technology, input prices (profitability), etc. I think the jury is still out on whether bifuels are good, bad, or indifferent as to the overall impact on humanity -- for all of you "planet huggers," the health of the environment is meaningless without humans. However, the health of the planet is meaningful to humanity's continued survival.
EU Has Second Thoughts on Biofuels Mandates
The EU is having second thoughts about the wisdom of biofuels mandates. As in most politically motivated decisions, we will likely see a pendulum effect -- i.e. go to far one way and then overreact and go to far the other way, etc. When they examine the economic impact on poor people, I hope they look at the overall potential for raising living standards for those who are producing the biofuels. I also hope they look at the jobs created. It's a complicated mess no matter how you look at it -- something about the "law of unintended consequences...."
EU to toughen environment criteria for biofuels
By Paul Taylor
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union is to set tougher environmental criteria for biofuels after acknowledging that the drive for transport fuels produced from crops has done unforeseen damage, the European Commission said on Monday.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said in a BBC interview the EU had initially underestimated the danger to rainforests and the risk of forcing up food prices from its policy of setting binding targets for the use of biofuels.
"We have seen that the...(complete article here).
EU to toughen environment criteria for biofuels
By Paul Taylor
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union is to set tougher environmental criteria for biofuels after acknowledging that the drive for transport fuels produced from crops has done unforeseen damage, the European Commission said on Monday.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said in a BBC interview the EU had initially underestimated the danger to rainforests and the risk of forcing up food prices from its policy of setting binding targets for the use of biofuels.
"We have seen that the...(complete article here).
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Higher Gasoline Taxes Coming
Washington is talking a massive tax increase through gasoline. I guess you could class this with the "sin" taxes such as on alcohol and tobacco products. Ostensibly this tax is billed as necessary to fund improvements to our transportation infrastructure. I believe it is to curb demand for fuel. Either way, it takes our money and puts it into the ineffecient hands of the Federal Government if these recommendations are made law.
Highway Panel to Seek Higher Gas Tax
By CHRISTOPHER CONKEY and DANIEL MACHALABA
January 12, 2008
WASHINGTON -- A congressionally mandated commission will recommend broad upgrades to the nation's transportation infrastructure and a hefty increase in taxes, but divisions within the panel suggest it could take years to reach a consensus on the issue.
The National Surface Transportation Policy and...(complete article here).
Highway Panel to Seek Higher Gas Tax
By CHRISTOPHER CONKEY and DANIEL MACHALABA
January 12, 2008
WASHINGTON -- A congressionally mandated commission will recommend broad upgrades to the nation's transportation infrastructure and a hefty increase in taxes, but divisions within the panel suggest it could take years to reach a consensus on the issue.
The National Surface Transportation Policy and...(complete article here).
Next-gen Biofuels: Where to now?
This article speculates on where we are going with the new alternative biofuels.
Next-generation biofuels edge to center
By Timothy Gardner
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The quest by executives and venture capitalists to build a next-generation biofuels industry has made strides this year as oil reached $100 a barrel and the world's largest energy consumer laid down ambitious new mandates for alternative fuels.
Prices for the agricultural commodities that traditional biofuels are made from have soared to historic levels in...(complete article here).
Next-generation biofuels edge to center
By Timothy Gardner
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The quest by executives and venture capitalists to build a next-generation biofuels industry has made strides this year as oil reached $100 a barrel and the world's largest energy consumer laid down ambitious new mandates for alternative fuels.
Prices for the agricultural commodities that traditional biofuels are made from have soared to historic levels in...(complete article here).
Friday, January 11, 2008
Record-breaking Crop Year
No surprises here.
2007 CORN CROP A RECORD BREAKER, USDA REPORTS - Cotton, Rice Yields Hit All-Time Highs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2008 – The 2007 U.S. corn crop was one for the record books, with 13.1 billion bushels of production eclipsing the previous high, set in 2004, of 11.8 billion bushels, according to the Crop Production 2007 Summary released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The 2007 production level was up 24 percent from 2006.
Driven by favorable prices, growing ethanol demand and strong export sales, farmers in nearly all states increased their corn acreage in 2007. Planted area, at 93.6 million acres, was up 19 percent from 2006 to the highest level since 1944, when...(complete article here).
2007 CORN CROP A RECORD BREAKER, USDA REPORTS - Cotton, Rice Yields Hit All-Time Highs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2008 – The 2007 U.S. corn crop was one for the record books, with 13.1 billion bushels of production eclipsing the previous high, set in 2004, of 11.8 billion bushels, according to the Crop Production 2007 Summary released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The 2007 production level was up 24 percent from 2006.
Driven by favorable prices, growing ethanol demand and strong export sales, farmers in nearly all states increased their corn acreage in 2007. Planted area, at 93.6 million acres, was up 19 percent from 2006 to the highest level since 1944, when...(complete article here).
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Poplar Pollution Power
Phytoremediation by transgenic poplars.
Fighting pollution the poplar way: Trees to clean up Indiana site
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University researchers are collaborating with Chrysler LLC in a project to use poplar trees to eliminate pollutants from a contaminated site in north-central Indiana.
The researchers plan to plant transgenic poplars at the site, a former oil storage facility near Kokomo, Ind., this summer. In a laboratory setting, the transgenic trees have been shown to be capable of absorbing trichloroethylene, or TCE, and other pollutants before processing them into harmless byproducts.
Richard Meilan, a Purdue associate professor, is currently at work to transform one variety of poplar suited to...(complete article here).
I struggle a bit with genetic engineering but this is one area that I believe is probably a legitimate application.
Fighting pollution the poplar way: Trees to clean up Indiana site
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University researchers are collaborating with Chrysler LLC in a project to use poplar trees to eliminate pollutants from a contaminated site in north-central Indiana.
The researchers plan to plant transgenic poplars at the site, a former oil storage facility near Kokomo, Ind., this summer. In a laboratory setting, the transgenic trees have been shown to be capable of absorbing trichloroethylene, or TCE, and other pollutants before processing them into harmless byproducts.
Richard Meilan, a Purdue associate professor, is currently at work to transform one variety of poplar suited to...(complete article here).
I struggle a bit with genetic engineering but this is one area that I believe is probably a legitimate application.
Marketing Decisions for Agriculture
There are many things that drive marketing decisions in agriculture. Deciding when and where to sell our produce can be determined by the banker, the CPA, by the mere fact that the crop is harvested – or ready as in the case of livestock, or by habit.
Through the years a number of tools have become available to aid in reducing some of the risk associated with marketing our agricultural produce. There is forward contracting, hedging on the futures market and options contracts for example. Each of these tools is designed to give the producer a level of comfort on what the price will be for their products when they have reached a marketable stage.
It seems though, that many farmers and ranchers thrive on risk. It’s probably part of the same mentality that causes them to risk everything each year to plant a crop, or buy cattle, that are subject to the weather, disease, pests, and the market. In fact it has been said that farmers and ranchers aren’t interested in going to Lost Wages – I mean Las Vegas – because the thrill just isn’t there. The stakes are too low.
While the futures market is designed to reduce risk, it can also be a temptation to believe that one knows more about the direction prices are heading than other people do. Therefore, what was designed as a tool to offset risk becomes a method of increasing risk through speculation on the direction that the market may be heading. This is something that most people should avoid because the collective wisdom of the marketplace usually outguesses the individual. In other words, the “big guns” on Wall Street are making their money off of somebody and it is usually the guy that thinks he knows more than they do.
So, what I’m trying to say is that the commodity futures markets are designed to be a tool to mitigate market risk if used properly, but can be extremely hazardous to an individual’s economic health if used improperly. Actually, most farmers and ranchers have a wisdom about the markets that is part of what makes them successful. The rest of us should probably listen to them when it comes to our ventures into the stock market.
Stock Market Wisdom
Making sense of the stock market
Is a challenge to most of us.
It seems the boys on Wall Street
Are constantly stirring up a fuss
Whenever they want to see a stock move.
The sad thing is we are all looking for a win
So we put our money down
Although our chance is thin.
And we listen to the mavens
From the big stock brokerage firms
Tell us where to put our dollars
That we've worked so hard to earn.
Just like a flock of sheep
We go rushing where they say
Hoping we will make a killing
On the stock market today.
But Wall Street just keeps laughing
As we put our savings down
'Cause they went short as we went long
And the profit went to town.
I wish I'd listened to the rancher
Whose wisdom now makes sense;
Keep your money in the bank
And your stock behind a fence.
Through the years a number of tools have become available to aid in reducing some of the risk associated with marketing our agricultural produce. There is forward contracting, hedging on the futures market and options contracts for example. Each of these tools is designed to give the producer a level of comfort on what the price will be for their products when they have reached a marketable stage.
It seems though, that many farmers and ranchers thrive on risk. It’s probably part of the same mentality that causes them to risk everything each year to plant a crop, or buy cattle, that are subject to the weather, disease, pests, and the market. In fact it has been said that farmers and ranchers aren’t interested in going to Lost Wages – I mean Las Vegas – because the thrill just isn’t there. The stakes are too low.
While the futures market is designed to reduce risk, it can also be a temptation to believe that one knows more about the direction prices are heading than other people do. Therefore, what was designed as a tool to offset risk becomes a method of increasing risk through speculation on the direction that the market may be heading. This is something that most people should avoid because the collective wisdom of the marketplace usually outguesses the individual. In other words, the “big guns” on Wall Street are making their money off of somebody and it is usually the guy that thinks he knows more than they do.
So, what I’m trying to say is that the commodity futures markets are designed to be a tool to mitigate market risk if used properly, but can be extremely hazardous to an individual’s economic health if used improperly. Actually, most farmers and ranchers have a wisdom about the markets that is part of what makes them successful. The rest of us should probably listen to them when it comes to our ventures into the stock market.
Stock Market Wisdom
Making sense of the stock market
Is a challenge to most of us.
It seems the boys on Wall Street
Are constantly stirring up a fuss
Whenever they want to see a stock move.
The sad thing is we are all looking for a win
So we put our money down
Although our chance is thin.
And we listen to the mavens
From the big stock brokerage firms
Tell us where to put our dollars
That we've worked so hard to earn.
Just like a flock of sheep
We go rushing where they say
Hoping we will make a killing
On the stock market today.
But Wall Street just keeps laughing
As we put our savings down
'Cause they went short as we went long
And the profit went to town.
I wish I'd listened to the rancher
Whose wisdom now makes sense;
Keep your money in the bank
And your stock behind a fence.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Are We Really Losing Forests?
This is a good example of the difficulties in assessing global issues accurately. There is little or no standardization of sampling techniques between various entities that have collected data such as deforestation. Probably the most accurate assessment will be from satellite-based imaging systems.
Do urban plantings count as offsets to deforestation of natural woodlands? If the goal in such studies is ultimately to estimate carbon sequestration -- or release -- is there any accurate way to measure all of the factors? I planted around 80 windbreak trees in the last couple of years. I know that it is less than a drop-in-the-bucket, but how many others around the world did the same? Are such things measured? What is the impact of low-tillage farming techniques? More plant residue is left in the ground under such techniques thus locking away the carbon and releasing less by minimal disturbance of the soil. How do you measure that impact?
'No clear trend' in forest loss
By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News website
Data on tropical forest cover is so poor that we do not know if the forests are declining, a study has found.
Alan Grainger from the UK's University of Leeds examined UN analyses going back almost 30 years, and found that "evidence for a decline is unclear".
Writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), he proposes a global forest monitoring system.
The UN admits there are problems with the data, but...(complete article here).
Do urban plantings count as offsets to deforestation of natural woodlands? If the goal in such studies is ultimately to estimate carbon sequestration -- or release -- is there any accurate way to measure all of the factors? I planted around 80 windbreak trees in the last couple of years. I know that it is less than a drop-in-the-bucket, but how many others around the world did the same? Are such things measured? What is the impact of low-tillage farming techniques? More plant residue is left in the ground under such techniques thus locking away the carbon and releasing less by minimal disturbance of the soil. How do you measure that impact?
'No clear trend' in forest loss
By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News website
Data on tropical forest cover is so poor that we do not know if the forests are declining, a study has found.
Alan Grainger from the UK's University of Leeds examined UN analyses going back almost 30 years, and found that "evidence for a decline is unclear".
Writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), he proposes a global forest monitoring system.
The UN admits there are problems with the data, but...(complete article here).
CO2 Impact From Switchgrass Based Biofuels
One thing to note about switchgrass as a source of bio-fuel -- it requires a significant amount of rainfall to produce in economic quantities. Much of the "marginal" farmland in the U.S. that has been taken out of production and converted to CRP or other programs probably does not receive adequate rain.
Grass biofuels 'cut CO2 by 94%'
Producing biofuels from a fast-growing grass delivers vast savings of carbon dioxide emissions compared with petrol, a large-scale study has suggested.
A team of US researchers also found that switchgrass-derived ethanol produced 540% more energy than was required to manufacture the fuel.
One acre (0.4 hectares) of the grassland could, on average, deliver 320 barrels of bioethanol, they added.
Their paper appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The five-year study, involving 10 farms ranging in size from three to nine hectares, was...(complete article here).
Grass biofuels 'cut CO2 by 94%'
Producing biofuels from a fast-growing grass delivers vast savings of carbon dioxide emissions compared with petrol, a large-scale study has suggested.
A team of US researchers also found that switchgrass-derived ethanol produced 540% more energy than was required to manufacture the fuel.
One acre (0.4 hectares) of the grassland could, on average, deliver 320 barrels of bioethanol, they added.
Their paper appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The five-year study, involving 10 farms ranging in size from three to nine hectares, was...(complete article here).
Monday, January 7, 2008
Chicken Litter Power
Good idea. Every little bit helps.
Chicken litter power plant plan
Two of Northern Ireland's biggest poultry producers have announced plans to build a power station to produce electricity from chicken litter.
Moy Park and O'Kane's chickens produce 250,000 tonnes of litter a year. The...(complete article here).
Chicken litter power plant plan
Two of Northern Ireland's biggest poultry producers have announced plans to build a power station to produce electricity from chicken litter.
Moy Park and O'Kane's chickens produce 250,000 tonnes of litter a year. The...(complete article here).
Australian Floods in Drought Area
Farming everywhere is subject to the weather. Let's hope Austrailia's drought is truly broken and their farms receive the rain that is needed in a timely fashion.
Heavy rains flood drought-hit Australian farmers
By Michael Perry
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Heavy rains and flooding in northeast Australia have been both a blessing and a curse for drought-hit farmers, but more rain is needed to break a seven-year drought.
Farm officials say a series of storms have delivered heavy, but sporadic, rain in two of Australia's largest agricultural states, Queensland and New South Wales.
Some farmers who planted big summer sorghum crops have benefited, and some irrigators who had been facing zero water supplies have seen their water rations restored to 100 percent.
But others are still...(complete article here).
Heavy rains flood drought-hit Australian farmers
By Michael Perry
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Heavy rains and flooding in northeast Australia have been both a blessing and a curse for drought-hit farmers, but more rain is needed to break a seven-year drought.
Farm officials say a series of storms have delivered heavy, but sporadic, rain in two of Australia's largest agricultural states, Queensland and New South Wales.
Some farmers who planted big summer sorghum crops have benefited, and some irrigators who had been facing zero water supplies have seen their water rations restored to 100 percent.
But others are still...(complete article here).
Friday, January 4, 2008
Blessings and Curses of Oil Prices
This one speaks for itself.
High oil a blessing and a curse for farmers
By Karl Plume
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Sky-high crude oil prices are both a blessing and a curse for U.S. farmers, who have seen a sharp jump in their energy-based input costs but also higher revenues from crops used for renewable fuel production.
U.S. crude oil futures rallied to a record high above $100 a barrel on Thursday, helping to send Chicago Board of Trade corn and soybean prices higher because of their increasing use for making alternative fuels.
"Prior to the ethanol and biodiesel build-out it could only be a negative for them through higher input costs. But today...(complete article here).
High oil a blessing and a curse for farmers
By Karl Plume
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Sky-high crude oil prices are both a blessing and a curse for U.S. farmers, who have seen a sharp jump in their energy-based input costs but also higher revenues from crops used for renewable fuel production.
U.S. crude oil futures rallied to a record high above $100 a barrel on Thursday, helping to send Chicago Board of Trade corn and soybean prices higher because of their increasing use for making alternative fuels.
"Prior to the ethanol and biodiesel build-out it could only be a negative for them through higher input costs. But today...(complete article here).
New Uses for an Old Crop
New uses for an old crop.
'Teamaker' Hops Offer Benefits Without Bite
By Laura McGinnis
January 3, 2008
Northerners sip it from steaming mugs, whereas Southerners prefer it super-sweet in ice-cold glasses. However it's prepared, tea is a popular beverage in the United States. Now, scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are offering a new twist on this old favorite—with assistance from a surprising source.
Hops are best known as ingredients in another popular beverage, but the...(complete article here).
'Teamaker' Hops Offer Benefits Without Bite
By Laura McGinnis
January 3, 2008
Northerners sip it from steaming mugs, whereas Southerners prefer it super-sweet in ice-cold glasses. However it's prepared, tea is a popular beverage in the United States. Now, scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are offering a new twist on this old favorite—with assistance from a surprising source.
Hops are best known as ingredients in another popular beverage, but the...(complete article here).
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Water Trees in Winter
Most of us don’t think about the fact that trees need water during the winter. They drop their leaves and go into an apparent dormant state, so we tend to forget about them. What we don’t realize is that beneath the ground there is still plenty of activity going on. The roots continue to grow throughout the winter and need adequate water to survive.
There are few outward signs of drought stress on deciduous trees during the winter. During months when they have leaves, drought is noticeable because of leaf yellowing, wilting, curling at edges, brown tips, and dropping leaves. During the winter though, there are no leaves to act as drought indicators. Evergreens on the other hand, may turn yellow, red or purple. They also may turn brown at the tips of the needles and the browning may progress through the needle towards the twig.
Often times, drought stress may not kill a tree outright but it will set it up for more serious secondary disease and insect infestations in following years. To insure a good growing season, care must be taken to supplement the water needs of the trees throughout the year.
Trees should be watered to a depth of about twelve inches below the soil surface. The soil should be saturated within the drip line which is the area out to the outer edges of the trees branches. This will ensure that water is dispersed to all of the roots. On evergreens, water should be distributed 3 to 5 feet beyond the drip line on all sides of the tree.
Trees should be watered slowly to make certain that it penetrates to an adequate depth. Watering quickly often does not allow for penetration to sufficient depth. Shallow watering means a shallow root system. Trees will be better drought tolerant and resist wind better with a deep root system.
It is not recommended that you dig holes near the tree in order to get deeper water penetration. The holes allow more air to reach the roots and thus dry the soil more quickly. Use a soil needle or deep root feeder to apply water at a depth. Overhead spraying of trees is an inefficient way to apply water. Watering at ground level is a much more efficient application method.
As a general rule of thumb, trees need approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering. They will need this much water 3 – 4 times per month during April through September and 1 – 2 times per month from October through March. Newly planted trees may need even more water. Soil types and conditions as well as temperature and humidity affect the requirements.
Different species of trees have different water requirements. Drought hardy trees require much less water than species that are native to areas with high rainfall. Consult a qualified nurseryman or your local soil and water conservationist for guidelines on specific trees. The National Arbor Day Foundation also is an excellent resource for guidelines on tree care and management.
Use of mulch is recommended as a water conservation tool for trees. Wood chips, shredded bark, leaves, or evergreen needles make good mulch. They should be piled to a depth of about four inches. Mulch should be pulled away from the tree trunk for a distance of about 6 inches.
Do not fertilize trees during times when they are drought stressed. Fertilizers contain salts that may burn the roots of your trees if there is inadequate water to dilute it. The damage from the fertilizer may actually slow the trees growth rather than stimulate it as expected. Only fertilize during periods when adequate water is available.
Winter is a great time to get your trees off to a healthy start for the next year’s growing season. Adequate water is the foundation of that healthy start.
There are few outward signs of drought stress on deciduous trees during the winter. During months when they have leaves, drought is noticeable because of leaf yellowing, wilting, curling at edges, brown tips, and dropping leaves. During the winter though, there are no leaves to act as drought indicators. Evergreens on the other hand, may turn yellow, red or purple. They also may turn brown at the tips of the needles and the browning may progress through the needle towards the twig.
Often times, drought stress may not kill a tree outright but it will set it up for more serious secondary disease and insect infestations in following years. To insure a good growing season, care must be taken to supplement the water needs of the trees throughout the year.
Trees should be watered to a depth of about twelve inches below the soil surface. The soil should be saturated within the drip line which is the area out to the outer edges of the trees branches. This will ensure that water is dispersed to all of the roots. On evergreens, water should be distributed 3 to 5 feet beyond the drip line on all sides of the tree.
Trees should be watered slowly to make certain that it penetrates to an adequate depth. Watering quickly often does not allow for penetration to sufficient depth. Shallow watering means a shallow root system. Trees will be better drought tolerant and resist wind better with a deep root system.
It is not recommended that you dig holes near the tree in order to get deeper water penetration. The holes allow more air to reach the roots and thus dry the soil more quickly. Use a soil needle or deep root feeder to apply water at a depth. Overhead spraying of trees is an inefficient way to apply water. Watering at ground level is a much more efficient application method.
As a general rule of thumb, trees need approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering. They will need this much water 3 – 4 times per month during April through September and 1 – 2 times per month from October through March. Newly planted trees may need even more water. Soil types and conditions as well as temperature and humidity affect the requirements.
Different species of trees have different water requirements. Drought hardy trees require much less water than species that are native to areas with high rainfall. Consult a qualified nurseryman or your local soil and water conservationist for guidelines on specific trees. The National Arbor Day Foundation also is an excellent resource for guidelines on tree care and management.
Use of mulch is recommended as a water conservation tool for trees. Wood chips, shredded bark, leaves, or evergreen needles make good mulch. They should be piled to a depth of about four inches. Mulch should be pulled away from the tree trunk for a distance of about 6 inches.
Do not fertilize trees during times when they are drought stressed. Fertilizers contain salts that may burn the roots of your trees if there is inadequate water to dilute it. The damage from the fertilizer may actually slow the trees growth rather than stimulate it as expected. Only fertilize during periods when adequate water is available.
Winter is a great time to get your trees off to a healthy start for the next year’s growing season. Adequate water is the foundation of that healthy start.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
NAFTA -- Full Implementation
This is a tough issue. In order to improve our markets to other countries such as those in Latin America, they must have the economic strength to demand our products. However, to gain that strength, they must play the cards they are dealt -- in developing countries that is usually agriculture. Because of lower input costs such as labor, they sometimes have an economic advantage in production. Competition is good, but national security then becomes an issue. We must maintain food security -- both production capacity and regulatory oversight of chemicals, disease, etc.
Another problem is trucking -- their trucks, our highways. We must require that foreign trucking companies operate at the same standards as domestic carriers do.
If the economies of the countries to our south improve sufficiently, will it have an impact on illegal immigration to this country? I hope so, but won't hold my breath. There is still significant political instability and corruption in most Latin American countries so that the incentives to leave still outweigh the reasons to stay. It is likely to remain that way for many years.
Statement by Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner on the Full Implementation of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Jan. 2, 2008
"As of Jan. 1, 2008, the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is now fully implemented, opening an historic new chapter in one of the most successful trade agreements in our history. Since its inception in 1994, NAFTA has been a remarkable success story for all three partners. It has contributed to significant increases in agricultural trade and investment between the United States, Canada and Mexico and has benefited farmers, ranchers and consumers throughout North America.
"In 1994, our combined agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico totaled...(complete article here).
In principle I am for free trade. However, I also am for national security. If we were all on a level playing field -- same type of government, same level of economic activity, same tax structure, similar wage structure, same level of political stability, etc. -- I would say let's go for it. That isn't the case though (the case with Canada is very different than the case with Mexico and other Latin American countries). We must move toward free trade in steps -- carefully planned steps -- or we may see disastrous consequences.
Another problem is trucking -- their trucks, our highways. We must require that foreign trucking companies operate at the same standards as domestic carriers do.
If the economies of the countries to our south improve sufficiently, will it have an impact on illegal immigration to this country? I hope so, but won't hold my breath. There is still significant political instability and corruption in most Latin American countries so that the incentives to leave still outweigh the reasons to stay. It is likely to remain that way for many years.
Statement by Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner on the Full Implementation of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Jan. 2, 2008
"As of Jan. 1, 2008, the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is now fully implemented, opening an historic new chapter in one of the most successful trade agreements in our history. Since its inception in 1994, NAFTA has been a remarkable success story for all three partners. It has contributed to significant increases in agricultural trade and investment between the United States, Canada and Mexico and has benefited farmers, ranchers and consumers throughout North America.
"In 1994, our combined agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico totaled...(complete article here).
In principle I am for free trade. However, I also am for national security. If we were all on a level playing field -- same type of government, same level of economic activity, same tax structure, similar wage structure, same level of political stability, etc. -- I would say let's go for it. That isn't the case though (the case with Canada is very different than the case with Mexico and other Latin American countries). We must move toward free trade in steps -- carefully planned steps -- or we may see disastrous consequences.
Columbian Agriculture
This is an interesting article on biofuels and agriculture in Colombia.
U.S. can learn from growth of biofuels in Latin America
Michael Rosen • Published 12/31/07
This last column of the year finds me in my bi-annual trek to Colombia, country where I first came to during 1972 to teach English as part of a college work/study program, followed by two years later, 1974, my first post-college job as a sales rep for Pfizer in Bogota.Colombia is, quite simply, an amazing country, which I have written about in past articles. With a population today of about 44.4 million people, ties for the 3rd highest population in Latin America after Brazil with 184 million, Mexico with 109 million, surpassing Argentina's 40 million people. Colombia, by the way, is just slightly less than twice the size of Texas (and twice the size of France), and can be reached by plane from Miami in 2-½ hours.
When you think of Colombia, what comes...(complete article here).
U.S. can learn from growth of biofuels in Latin America
Michael Rosen • Published 12/31/07
This last column of the year finds me in my bi-annual trek to Colombia, country where I first came to during 1972 to teach English as part of a college work/study program, followed by two years later, 1974, my first post-college job as a sales rep for Pfizer in Bogota.Colombia is, quite simply, an amazing country, which I have written about in past articles. With a population today of about 44.4 million people, ties for the 3rd highest population in Latin America after Brazil with 184 million, Mexico with 109 million, surpassing Argentina's 40 million people. Colombia, by the way, is just slightly less than twice the size of Texas (and twice the size of France), and can be reached by plane from Miami in 2-½ hours.
When you think of Colombia, what comes...(complete article here).
Purdue Prediction on Corn Supply
The price of tortilla chips is heading up, up, up!!
Expert predicts 2008 corn crop won't be enough; need to ration
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The ethanol industry's appetite for corn will surge in the coming months and producers will likely lower corn acreage for the 2008 crop, said a Purdue University expert.
"This has two major implications," explained Chris Hurt, Purdue Extension agricultural economist. "First, the corn-based ethanol industry will have...(complete article here).
Expert predicts 2008 corn crop won't be enough; need to ration
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The ethanol industry's appetite for corn will surge in the coming months and producers will likely lower corn acreage for the 2008 crop, said a Purdue University expert.
"This has two major implications," explained Chris Hurt, Purdue Extension agricultural economist. "First, the corn-based ethanol industry will have...(complete article here).
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Organic Cotton Production
Although I believe it fills a valid niche, organic production cannot replace current production practices. The yields cited in this article of approximately 1.2 bales/acre could never fill the world's needs for cotton. Unless tremendous advances can be made in sustainable techniques for organic production, it will always be relegated to niche markets. That being said, I do applaud the desire to do minimal harm to the environment. I think that precision application techniques and technology for modern production inputs can accomplish the same thing without the negative impact to yield.
If all production of cotton was converted to organic, we couldn't fill the world demand for cotton without chopping down about half of the rainforests of the world and converting it to cotton acreage. I suspect that would not set well with the very individuals who believe that organic production practices are the solution to the world's environmental problems. Cotton, being a natural fibre, is certainly better for the environment than rayon, or nylon, or any of the other synthetics that are out there.
U.S. Organic Cotton Production Trends: U.S. Acreage of Organic Cotton Gains Ground
By Organic Trade Association
GREENFIELD, Mass., Dec. 31 --U.S. acreage planted to organic cotton in 2006 increased 14% from that planted the previous year, according to a 2007 survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and funded by a grant from Cotton Incorporated.
In results released today, the survey of organic cotton farmers from California, Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas, revealed...(complete article here).
If all production of cotton was converted to organic, we couldn't fill the world demand for cotton without chopping down about half of the rainforests of the world and converting it to cotton acreage. I suspect that would not set well with the very individuals who believe that organic production practices are the solution to the world's environmental problems. Cotton, being a natural fibre, is certainly better for the environment than rayon, or nylon, or any of the other synthetics that are out there.
U.S. Organic Cotton Production Trends: U.S. Acreage of Organic Cotton Gains Ground
By Organic Trade Association
GREENFIELD, Mass., Dec. 31 --U.S. acreage planted to organic cotton in 2006 increased 14% from that planted the previous year, according to a 2007 survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and funded by a grant from Cotton Incorporated.
In results released today, the survey of organic cotton farmers from California, Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas, revealed...(complete article here).
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