Fire Ant's U.S. Origins

Fire ants are a perfect example of how invasive species are inadvertently introduced and spread.

Nine to 20 Individual Fire Ant Queens Started U.S. Fire Ant Population

By Sharon Durham
July 30 , 2008

The current U.S. population of red imported fire ants--which infest millions of acres across the southern states--can be traced back to nine to 20 queens in Mobile, Ala.

That's according to a genetic study by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) entomologist D. DeWayne Shoemaker and University of Georgia entomologist Kenneth G. Ross. The results are reported in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, Biological Sciences.

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), native to South America, is a...(complete news release here).

New Five Year OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program

As the energy situation changes we must also change policies and procedures.

Interior Department Initiates New Five Year Oil and Gas Leasing Program for Outer Continental Shelf

Seeks Public Comment to Address Changed Energy Situation

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Saying the nation’s energy situation has dramatically changed in the past year, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today jumpstarted the development of a new oil and natural gas leasing program for the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. The action could give the next administration a two-year head start in expanding energy production from federal offshore jurisdictions, including some areas where a congressional ban had prevented oil and gas development.

“When our current five-year program for Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing was...(complete article here).

Oh, Give Me A Home....

Photo: Angela Schneider / AP

Bison fans aim to seed West with new herds

Scientists screen animals for disease, but cattle ranchers still worried


CORWIN SPRINGS, Mont. - More than a century after Buffalo Bill and others hunted America's wild bison to near-extinction, researchers at a compound near Yellowstone National Park have launched an ambitious restoration effort.

Inside the Corwin Springs compound, government veterinarians...(complete article here).

I see buffalo frequently. I see them in pastures and in feedlots. There are a few areas in the country with sufficient tracts of contiguous land to accomodate buffalo in a state similar to their original, unfettered nature, but very few. Many of those tracts are currently leased to ranchers for grazing cattle.

I expect that we will see escalating conflict between ranchers and those idealists who would like to drive by and see wild herds roaming the prairie. The trouble is, if they drive by in their car on a road to look at them then they are already interfering with the wild state of the animal. We can't go back folks. The days of aboriginal Americans roaming the prairies on horses to hunt the buffalo are long gone. There are places where you can experience those hunts however. For a fee. You can even sleep in a teepee.

To restore them to nature you would need to restore complete ecosystems. They need predators. Yes, wolves have been restored in a few places. Do you want them roaming your back yard? It would take much larger populations of wolves to control buffalo than what people would tolerate.

I'm not that fond of buffalo burger myself. Beef is juicier.

Brush, Water, Grass and Carbon Sequestration

The article below is one that opens a lot of issues for me. Juniper, mesquite and other woody brush referred to in the article are invasive species overrunning grassland. One of the reasons the grassland has been overrun is fire suppression practices.

The article discusses the concept that allowing the brush to remain is a method for sequestering carbon in an effort to combat "global warming." The natural order would be to allow fire to periodically remove large portions of the brush and sculpt a mixed prairie grassland with patches of brush interspersed with large open areas of grassland and occasional oak trees. Of course fire would release carbon into the atmosphere. It seems that failure to burn brush in California has created an extreme fire hazard.

I keep getting the feeling that we don't know enough to know what we don't know....

Research Could Change Perception of Woody Species Use of Water in Edwards Plateau

July 30, 2008
Writer(s): Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259,b-fannin@tamu.edu
Contact(s): Dr. Jim Heilman, 979-845-7169, j-heilman@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – New research suggests that juniper, mesquite and other woody brush that have overrun grasslands on the Edwards Plateau of west-central Texas aren’t the water hogs that they were thought to be.

Further, bulldozing this brush may not be wise, because it would remove plants that take in lots of carbon from the atmosphere, making them a potential ally in efforts to counter global warming.

These are the findings of Dr. Jim Heilman, a Texas AgriLife Research scientist and professor of environmental physics in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M University.

“People have this idea that trees are suction pumps, that if you have all of this landscape and big trees, much more water is used,” he said. “Not true. What drives water use is...(complete article here).

Where are the Cars?

Number one might surprise you....

The World's Top Car-Owning Countries

William Pentland
07.30.08, 1:00 PM ET

Despite its aggressive renewable energy policies, Europe's economy is getting more dependent on oil. The reason: cars.

And Europe is hardly alone. Although industrialized nations have less than 20% of the world's population, they also have over 80% of the world's motor vehicles--cars and trucks.
Solar energy and wind power might...(complete article here).

New Wave Power Brought Online in Scotland

Wave power strikes me as being considerably more consistent than wind power. It will be interesting to watch developments.

New turbine to harness wave power

A turbine designed to be the forerunner of the UK's first commercial wave power station has been officially switched on in Argyll and Bute.

The device on Islay was...(complete article here).

Land Accretion May Offset Losses in Bangladesh

Perhaps the globe is warming, perhaps it is not. If it is warming, by how much? If it is warming, what will be the impact? The dire claims of catastrophic human impact from global warming are based in incomplete knowledge. The more that we learn, the more that we realise we don't know what we think we know. The article below seems to emphasize that fact.

Bangladesh gaining land, not losing: scientists

DHAKA (AFP) - New data shows that Bangladesh's landmass is increasing, contradicting forecasts that the South Asian nation will be under the waves by the end of the century, experts say.

Scientists from the Dhaka-based Center for Environment and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) have studied 32 years of satellite images and say Bangladesh's landmass has increased by 20 square kilometres (eight square miles) annually.

Maminul Haque Sarker, head of the department at the government-owned centre that looks at boundary changes, told...(complete article here).

Neosporosis Vaccine Shows Promise for Cattle

Neosporosis is a disease that is commonly found in cattle, yet rarely understood by producers. The economic losses to the industry from this parasitic disease are significant.

Test Vaccines Show Promise against Parasite of Cattle

By Ann Perry
July 29, 2008

An effective vaccine against a parasite-borne disease called neosporosis may be a few steps closer to development, thanks to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators.
Neosporosis, caused by the parasite Neospora caninum, affects...(complete article here).

What? No Action? Shame on Congress

Fuel prices continue to receive attention from Senator Cornyn.

Sen. Cornyn: Congress Should Not Leave Town Without Addressing High Gas Prices

Says Texans, and all Americans, Deserve and Demand Action from Congress

Monday, July 28, 2008

WASHINGTON—With the Senate scheduled to adjourn this Friday for a month-long recess, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, said today that the Senate should not leave Washington without addressing the number one economic issue facing our country: high gas prices.

“I do not understand how in good conscience Congress could leave town for a month without having acted on the number one issue facing Americans today. Sky-high gas prices are crippling the budget of millions of families and small businesses. The American people, including my constituents in Texas, are looking to Congress and demanding answers.

“Senate Republicans have...(complete news release here).

Lower Gas, Fewer Miles, No Road Funds

More unintended consequences of current U.S. Energy Policy -- or lack thereof.

Drop in Miles Driven Is Depleting Highway Fund; Loan From Mass Transit Is Urged

By MATTHEW L. WALD
Published: July 29, 2008

WASHINGTON — Gasoline tax revenue is falling so fast that the federal government may not be able to meet its commitments to states for road projects already under way, the secretary of transportation said Monday.

The secretary, Mary E. Peters, said the short-term solution would be for...(complete article here).

High Gas Prices Curtailing Driving

Higher gasoline prices are affecting our driving -- especially unnecessary driving such as vacations.

U.S. roads see fewer drivers for 7th straight month

Officials expect continued travel drop-off because of rising fuel prices.

By Angela Greiling Keane
BLOOMBERG NEWS
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

U.S. motorists, paying record prices for gasoline, drove less for a seventh consecutive month in May, pointing toward the first annual drop in road travel since 1980.

"Four dollars per gallon may have been the trigger point we've been looking for," said...(complete article here).

Overseas Fuel Subsidy Impact on U.S. Economy

Fuel subsidies create an artificial intersection of the Supply and Demand curves in many foreign markets. Theoretically, they stimulate the Demand side of the equation. This means less fuel available for the U.S. market -- affecting our Supply side of the equation and thus pushing prices higher. I suspect that the impact to removing such subsidies would be negative to the U.S. economy -- not positive. The reason I believe this is that the subsidies help to stimulate economies of countries such as China and Indonesia. Their strong economies increase demand in areas other than fuel. Their growth can be our opportunity if we will take advantage of it.

Fuel Subsidies Overseas Take a Toll on U.S.

By KEITH BRADSHER
Published: July 28, 2008

JAKARTA, Indonesia — To understand why fuel prices in the United States have soared over the last year, it helps to talk to the captain of a battered wooden freighter here.

He pays just $2.30 a gallon for diesel, the same price Indonesian motorists pay for regular gasoline. His vessel burns diesel by the barrel, so when the government prepared for a limited price increase this spring, he took to the streets to protest.

“If the government increases the price...(complete article here).

EU Bio-fuels Reaction and Food Price Impact

The European backlash to bio-fuels appears to be much greater than in the U.S. It may be due to the way foods are prepared there as opposed to U.S. methods. In the U.S., the volume of pre-pared foods is extremely high relative to most of the world. The high level of preparation places a greater percentage of the cost of those foods in the pre-preparation than in the food itself. Therefore a change in the cost of the basic commodity would have a smaller relative impact on the overall price. In the lesser developed world such as Africa, the impact is extremely high.

ENVIRONMENT: EU Backs Away From Agrofuels

By Julio Godoy
PARIS, Jul 28 (IPS) - EU ministers for energy and the environment have revised their targets for renewable energy in the face of abundant new evidence that increased production of agrofuels is partly responsible for the worldwide increase of food prices.

The EU has had a declared objective of...(complete article here).

Carter Seeks to Block Water for Georgia

It seems like only yesterday that Georgia was concerned about running out of water. The warnings were out that Atlanta had only a few weeks supply before they would be required to ship water into the drought stricken city. So, why does former President Jimmy Carter want to ensure that these new dams are not built?

Carter Takes Up New Fight Railing Against Georgia Dams

Texas RRC Chairman Williams on Coal

Texas Railroad Commission Chairman, Michael Williams, has some interesting thoughts on the use of coal for electrical generation in Texas.

Energy Solutions Part II – Clean Coal

Recycling Water in Southern California

I believe this will become increasingly common. Aside from the psychological issues, there's nothing wrong with it.

From Toilet to Tap: Waste Water Converted to Drinking Water in Southern California

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Would you drink your toilet water? If you live in Southern California, you might not have a choice.

The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District gave the green light this month to a $300,000 contract involving a treatment plant that converts waste water into purified drinking water and stores it in the San Gabriel Basin, according to The San Bernardino County Sun.

It's a plan intended to protect area residents during droughts.

"This will help us...(complete article here).

Texas PUF to Benefit From Oil Land Deal

The old boys that sat down and wrote the Texas Constitution back in 1876 certainly created a blessing for the future college students of the state. They probably had no idea what they set in motion -- but they did a good thing.

UT banking on profit from oil land dealsUp to $1 billion possible to beef up its endowment

By JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau

AUSTIN — The University of Texas System is looking to trade on high oil prices — and potentially raise up to $1 billion for its endowment — by selling future production from land it manages in West Texas.

The regents this week authorized UT officials to negotiate with one or more parties to sell a portion of its oil and gas production at a fixed price over a set time period.

The buyer would pay up front for...(complete article here).

Ethanol Backlash Building?

There are myriad arguments against ethanol. Some are legitimate and some are uninformed. Whatever the basis, many people are resisting the inclusion of ethanol in their fuel tanks. I believe that the RFS mandates are misguided although well-intended. Although difficult, it is time to change course away from corn-based ethanol.

In Gas-Powered World, Ethanol Stirs Complaints

By KATE GALBRAITH
Published: July 26, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY — “Why Do You Put Alcohol in Your Tank?” demands a large sign outside one gas station here, which reassures drivers that it sells only “100% Gas.”

“No Corn in Our Gas,” advertises another station nearby.

Along the highways of this sprawling prairie city, and in other pockets of the country, a mutiny is growing against energy policies that...(complete article here).

New Capture Apparatus for Deer

For the uninformed: Bambi can be a dangerous critter. Between sharp hooves and antlers, they can defend themselves fairly well. Capturing them for research purposes can be hazardous to both the humans and the animals involved. Safe-handling apparatus is beneficial to both the captor and the captured.

ARS-Developed Apparatus Captures Deer Safely, Effectively and with Minimal Trauma

By Alfredo Flores
July 25, 2008

A portable device that allows researchers to humanely trap deer and other wildlife as part of field studies to control ticks and other parasites has been developed by an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist.

The apparatus...(complete news release here).

Cuban Economic Reform?

A communist dictatorship just doesn't work. Cuba has plenty of agricultural potential. They only utilize about 50% of their arable land and yet their people don't have enough to eat.


Cuba struggles for economic reform

By Claire Bolderson
BBC News, Havana

In a small flat in a leafy neighbourhood of Havana, Juan Jacomino points to the mismatched tiles on his living room floor.

He bought the first lot of tiles, then found he needed a few more but when he went back to the shop, they had disappeared.

That is common he says, particularly with imported goods.

"My advice is, if you something you need, or you think you might need one day, buy it!" says the translator and freelance journalist.

"Don't wait till tomorrow because when you come back it won't be there and you may never see it again."

Juan attributes the erratic supplies to the US sanctions in place for well over 40 years.

They certainly do affect imports but when it comes to other goods, particularly food, Cuba has...(complete article here).

Tainted Mexican Jalapenos: No Salsa Tonight!

I'm shocked! Perhaps they're being a little more careful with their pronouncements after wrecking the domestic tomato industry for no reason.

FDA: Avoid jalapenos from Mexico, not US

By LAURAN NEERGAARD
AP Medical Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Only jalapeno peppers grown in Mexico seem to be implicated in the nationwide salmonella outbreak, the government announced Friday in clearing the U.S. crop.

The Food and Drug Administration urged consumers to...(complete story here).

We Can Do Better

We frequently see the debate between “environmentalists” and the rest of us as framed in an “us” vs. “them” manner. Business people feel that the environmental movement is nothing but a roadblock to progress. People in developing countries see environmental groups preventing them from experiencing the luxuries of the west because they hinder the utilization of the natural resources at hand.

Environmental groups often carry names like “Friends of the Earth” or “Save the Wildlife.” Those types of names carry with them a stigma that immediately sets on edge the typical businessman.

What if the debate became a completely economic one?

There is within the economic community the idea that when external costs are internalized into the price of a good or service, the decision to allocate resources to that good or service often changes. An example of internalizing these externalities would be the impact of a uranium mine on the Navajo Reservation. In order to avoid the potential complexities of the decision, let’s limit it to one possible issue – or, external cost -- the impact of the mining activity on the water supply of a community.

Suppose that the mine is located within the watershed of a Navajo community. To fully understand the cost to develop the mine, the potential pollution of the community’s water supply must be examined. Such examination would need to include preventative measures and possible remediation in the event of contamination. It also would need to look at long-term effects to wildlife residing in the watershed. Wildlife might provide hunting lease income to the reservation. It might also be of significant cultural value that would be difficult to price. It might affect tourist income from photography or viewing. It might impact local artisans who utilize specific clays located within the watershed.

With the exception of preventing and remediating potential contamination, none of the impacts mentioned are direct costs to the mine owner/operator. They are however, external costs to the community of locating the mine in their watershed.

How does one determine the value of natural resources? We can estimate the value of mineral deposits. We can value land based on the transactional market for similar properties. But, how do we value the less obvious things such as: filtering the water supply, tourism, hunting and fishing, recreation, moderating effects on climate, flood protection, erosion control and other items about which we don’t currently understand?

Hopefully in the near future, we will see attention paid to such values. Such things must be part of an overall land use plan before disruptive activities are begun. We need oil, natural gas, wind energy, solar energy, coal and we need minerals that can only be obtained through extractive activities. Surely we have learned enough of the complex interactions of the environment to begin to make sound evaluations of our activities in a broader sense. We must learn to utilize our resources without destroying our surroundings. Let’s drill – but let’s do so in an environmentally informed manner. Let’s build windmills for electrical generation – but let’s situate them in a manner that retains the benefits of our wild lands. Let’s learn from the unintended consequences of our past mistakes – such as ruined lakes and streams from coal mining or oil and gas extraction. We can do better.

CRP Decision and Consequences

My business is dependent on cattle production. The industry needed the release of CRP for grazing due to the extremely high feed costs caused by corn-based ethanol production. My experience tells me though, that this decision may not be the best for wildlife in some areas. I would have preferred for the authorization to allow that haying and grazing be limited to no more than 80% of each tract of CRP. The remaining 20% would preferably have been in strips or possibly on the most sensitive portions of a tract for wildlife. This would allow a reservoir of untouched grass for wildlife cover. I fear that many tracts will be overgrazed.

U.S. judge allows haying and grazing on CRP land

By Christopher Doering

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. farmers and ranchers who have already been approved can participate in a government program allowing haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve land, a federal judge in Seattle said on Thursday.

In the decision, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour also ruled the...(complete article here).

Food vs. Fuel: The Battle Rages

The food versus fuel fight continues....

New U.S. group defends ethanol in food vs fuel fight

By Lisa Shumaker

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A new group is adding its voice to the debate on using crops to produce alternative fuels such as ethanol amid rising food prices and shortages in some countries.

The Alliance for Abundant Food and Energy in Washington D.C. was created by...(complete article here).

Notice who has joined this alliance. ADM -- one of the largest grain companies in the world. Dupont -- maker of farm chemicals. Deere & Co. -- who have experienced a boom in their farm equipment business since the advent of RFS and corn-based ethanol. Monsanto -- the GM seed giant. They really aren't interested in the cost of food -- just their bottom line.

Salmon Farming Organic Style

This is an interesting article about salmon farming. One of the things that stands out to me is that salmon farming, like beef production and other farming operations, is going organic. It isn't just about farm-raised versus wild anymore.

The salmon business: Can marine farming ever be eco friendly?

Every day, a million Britons tuck into salmon, and demand is rising fast. Marine farming is the supermarkets' answer – but can it ever be eco-friendly?

Martin Hickman reports
Thursday, 24 July 2008

Salmon is an easy fish to love. Simple and tasty, its pink flesh is pulled from supermarket shelves and transformed into an array of increasingly exotic dishes.

Fried with wasabi, baked with sea-salt, or served Thai-style on a bed of noodles, the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is an everyday stalwart of the nation's cookery shows, recipe books and domestic kitchens.

So common, in fact, that...(complete article here).

Maine Attacks the Chemical Industry

I am all for safe products but, a couple of thoughts here:

• If Maine bans chemicals that other states don't or the EPA does not, will they just be reducing the number and variety of products available in Maine? Is the population of Maine large enough that manufacturers can justify major changes just to accomodate them?
• Quality of life in the U.S. is largely the result of the abundance of products available to us. Those products seem to get better -- not worse. Certainly we learn from past experience -- such as removing lead from paint -- but, it sounds as if Maine is looking at a wholesale ban of large groups of products. Do they want a lower quality of life? Or, have they set their expectations on perfection? Are their citizens willing to pay for it?
• Leave it to the EPA. If they have enough extra money in Maine to build their own version of the EPA, why don't they send it to Washington and make the existing one better?

U.S. state wages fight against toxic chemicals

By Mercedes Grandin

AUGUSTA, Maine (Reuters) - Hannah Pingree was so alarmed when she learned she had dangerously high levels of mercury, arsenic and other toxic chemicals in her body that she took her case to the Maine state legislature and challenged chemical makers.

As the majority leader of Maine's House of Representatives, she...(complete article here).

RFS Standards Review

RFS is under pressure due to the unintended consequences of corn-based ethanol production. Let's hope the House subcommittee does something about it.


Subcommittee Reviews Renewable Fuel Standard Implementation

WASHINGTON - Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research held a hearing to review the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) implementation and agriculture producer eligibility. Congressman Tim Holden of Pennsylvania is Chairman of the Subcommittee.

"As our economy diversifies its energy supply, it is critical we take advantage of all potential sources of renewable biomass," Holden said. "Unfortunately, the...(complete news release here).

Proper Storage of Bagged Salads

Bacteria and viruses are pervasive in the environment. They are everywhere -- including on food. Proper handling and preparation are necessary to prevent transmission of those pathogens to humans. Wash your food before preparation. Keep food preparation surfaces clean. Store foods at the proper temperature. Cook foods adequately. Wash your hands!

These simple things can greatly reduce problems like e. coli and salmonella outbreaks that we have seen in the news recently.

Cold Temperature is Key to Quality of Bagged Salads

By Rosalie Marion Bliss
July 24, 2008

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have found that proper storage temperatures are essential to minimize bacterial growth and adaptability inside sealed, bagged salads. They have been studying the safety of new technologies that extend the shelf life of bagged salad greens.

The work was...(complete news release here).

New Bio-fuels Technology and Venture Capital

It takes a lot of capital to gear up for a new industry on a scale that will make a dent in our energy needs. The risks are high and the benefits unknown. Without significant government subsidies it is unlikely that many of the current ventures would be attempted.

Gassing Up With Garbage

By MATTHEW L. WALD
Published: July 24, 2008

After years of false starts, a new industry selling motor fuel made from waste is getting a big push in the United States, with the first commercial sales possible within months.

Many companies have announced plans to build plants that would take in material like wood chips, garbage or crop waste and turn out motor fuels.

About...(complete article here).

New Gulfcrimson Peach Variety Released

If we are truly seeing long-term shifts in weather patterns that result in warmer winters, this new variety of peach could be an important economic variety for growers -- particularly in the southern U.S.

ARS Releases Gulfcrimson Peach to Nurseries

By Sharon Durham
July 23 , 2008

A new peach variety that requires less winter chilling will give growers in the southeastern lower coastal plain an edge--and consumers a more reliable supply--of early summertime peaches.

The new variety, called...(complete news release here).

A Successful Agricultural Stimulus in Africa

It is good to see a success story in Africa.


A winner

Input trade fairs boost harvests in Swaziland

Rome/Mbabane – With food prices hitting record highs world wide, FAO is helping implement urgent measures to increase local food production in the most affected countries. A telling example from Swaziland shows how input trade fairs enable poor farmers boost their crops.

Passing through the sloping green fields of Swaziland’s central plains one may well imagine that agriculture is thriving in...(complete article here).

The Wind Boom in West Texas

New industry is an economic stimulus. In some areas, it may be economic salvation.

In Windy West Texas, An Economic Boom

by Ben Block on July 23, 2008

This is the first feature in a weekly, three-part series on green jobs in various sectors of the global economy.

Growing up in West Texas, Larry Martin became well accustomed to the challenges of living off the land. Raised on a cotton farm outside the small town of Sweetwater, he recalls defending his family's crops from sandstorms after a hard rain. More often, he hoped the region's brutal droughts would not burn the cotton to death.

Cotton farming in West Texas is...(complete article here).

Oil Shale Rules Proposed

One more step toward energy independence.

Bush Administration to Propose Rules for Oil Shale Leases

Monday, July 21, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration wants to set the stage before leaving office for developing oil shale, rocky deposits in the western U.S. that could eventually yield 800 billion barrels of oil, according to government estimates.

The Interior Department is scheduled to unveil proposed regulations Tuesday for a program to sell oil shale leases on federal lands, similar to the leases sold now for oil and natural gas both on and offshore.

The shale is concentrated in...(complete article here).

EPA Ruling on Waiver Delayed

This one is complex. I'm not surprised at the delay. I submitted one of the 15,000 comments that they received. I believe that EPA should grant the waiver.

E.P.A. Delays Ruling on Ethanol

The Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday that it would not meet a July 24 deadline for ruling on a request that the government reduce the federal mandate on how much ethanol must be blended into gasoline this year.

“Rather, additional time is needed to allow...(complete article here).

Farm Aid Cuts on the WTO Table

This represents a real cut over the decade average but last year the subsidies were only about $7 billion.

U.S. says ready to cut farm aid to $15 billion

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States is ready to cut its ceiling for trade-distorting farm subsidies to $15 billion a year to help unblock talks for a global trade deal, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said on Tuesday.

The long-awaited offer was...(complete article here).

Wind and Wildlife Research Projects

It is important to examine all of the implications of new technology on the environment. This important research will help to evaluate the impact of wind energy production on wildlife. Such impacts are also the subject of the Panhandle Wind and Wildlife Conference to be held August 8-9 in Amarillo, Texas.

Wind Power-Related Research Projects at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Interest in electricity from wind energy has been growing internationally. Large “wind farms” have sprung up around the world, each consisting of scores of turbines standing several hundred feet high with blades at least 100 ft across. Wind energy is relatively inexpensive and clean, without the air pollution and green-house gases that are by-products of coal-burning power plants or the worry about where to dispose of nuclear wastes. This makes the production of electricity from wind attractive.

However, wind turbines can have adverse effects on wildlife. Some wind farms have...(complete article and related links here).

They Can't Drink Oil....

Maybe it's time for a new food-for-oil program....

The Food Chain
Mideast Facing Choice Between Crops and Water

CAIRO — Global food shortages have placed the Middle East and North Africa in a quandary, as they are forced to choose between growing more crops to feed an expanding population or preserving their already scant supply of water.

For decades nations in this region have drained aquifers, sucked the salt from seawater and diverted the mighty Nile to make the deserts bloom. But those projects were...(complete article here).

Hydrogen for the Future

Hydrogen is moving closer to reality as a fuel for automobiles.

Hydrogen future doable, experts tell Congress

Best-case scenario: cars free from oil by 2050, and few carbon emissions

A transition to vehicles that run on hydrogen — and independence from oil as well as a sharp drop in carbon emissions — is doable but that best-case scenario requires nearly $200 billion in funding and further breakthroughs, National Research Council experts said Thursday in a report requested by Congress.

While stressing the "best-case scenario" nature of their report, the experts concluded...(complete article here).

Wind Infrastructure Approval in Texas

Regulatory approval may have been the easy part. Now the battle will be engaged to determine the routes. That will also likely include eminent domain battles with landowners who don't wish to have their property cut by new transmission lines. It also may generate battles with a few environmental groups because some of those lines could cross key wildlife habitat.

The Panhandle Wind and Wildlife Conference in Amarillo on August 8 and 9 will be an important venue for discussing many of the issues surrounding wind energy and wildlife. It is expected to draw interested persons from a very wide area.

Texas Approves a $4.93 Billion Wind-Power Project

By KATE GALBRAITH
Published: July 19, 2008

Texas regulators have approved a $4.93 billion wind-power transmission project, providing a major lift to the development of wind energy in the state.

The planned web of transmission lines will carry electricity from remote western parts of the state to major population centers like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The lines can handle 18,500 megawatts of power, enough for 3.7 million homes on a hot day when air-conditioners are running.

The project will...(complete article here).

Precision Technology for Sugar Cane Production

New sugar cane research could be important to the ethanol industry.

Application of precision agriculture technologies to sugarcane

H.P. “Sonny” Viator, Richard Johnson and Maurice Wolcott

LSU AgCenter research has demonstrated that conventional, whole-field soil-sampling schemes and field-averaged yields do not satisfactorily describe the variations of yield and soil attributes present in several sugarcane fields. Over a three-year period, the...(complete article here).

EU Farm Tariff Cuts

Subsidies are an impairment to free trade.


EU offers to cut farm tariffs 60 percent

By BRADLEY S. KLAPPER
Associated Press Writer

GENEVA (AP) -- The European Union said Monday it would be willing to slash farm tariffs by 60 percent as part of a new global trade pact, the deepest cut it has ever offered.
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told reporters at...(complete article here).

Another Advantage of Switchgrass

I find it interesting that researchers find that native plants play key roles in ecosystems. Somehow, to me that just seems to be common sense. The complex interactions of plants and animals that we call ecosystems evolved to their peak state for a reason -- everything fit together. Each species has/had its proper role or niche in the environment. Together they all work in the particular environment to which they evolved.

Human or other invasive activity typically disrupts that "fit" at some point or another. It would be great if we could learn enough about such complex systems that we could utilize those interactions to our benefit rather than disrupt them to the point that problems occur. I am by no means a preservationist. I am not one who says that nature would be better off without humans. I am saying that I believe that we could learn a lot from natural systems if we could unlock the various interactions that occur. Maybe the best term is to "integrate" into the system rather than to disrupt it with our activity. That will require radically new thinking in the way that we do things.

Switchgrass May Mean Better Soil

By Don Comis
July 17, 2008

Soils with native grasses such as switchgrass have higher levels of a key soil component called glomalin than soils planted to non-native grasses, according to a study by the Agricultural Research Service at two locations in Mandan, N.D.

Kristine Nichols, a microbiologist with the ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, conducted the study. Glomalin is a...(complete article here).

Maybe Switchgrass for cellulosic ethanol production would be a good rotation crop on stressed lands. Perhaps we could reclaim some marginal lands through its use.

Black-footed Ferrets Get Vaccine

The black-footed ferret is one of my favorite critters. Sometimes it is difficult to walk the line between interference and rescue. This is an interesting effort to control pague in the wild.

Ouch! Taking a Shot at Plague: Vaccine Offers Hope for Endangered Ferrets in Plague Outbreak

Endangered black-footed ferrets, like children, aren't exactly lining up to be stuck with a vaccine, but in an effort to help control an extensive outbreak of plague in South Dakota, some of the ferrets are getting dosed with a vaccine given by biologists.

This is the first time the vaccine has been used during a major plague epizootic—an animal version of a human epidemic. Sylvatic plague is an infectious bacterial disease usually...(complete article here).

New Leases Open in Alaska

Each small drop of oil produced domestically is one less that has to be purchased from OPEC.


Record of Decision Sets Stage for Major Lease Sale in National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a Record of Decision issued today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that it will make land available for oil and gas leasing in the northeast portion of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A).

“This action sets the stage for...(complete article here).

Re-thinking OECD Bio-fuels.

Countries are re-thinking biofuel policies -- and well they should. Unintended consequences of existing policies have created havoc. It is time to change course -- especially concerning corn-based ethanol.

Biofuel policies in OECD countries costly and ineffective, says report

16/07/2008 - Government support of biofuel production in OECD countries is costly, has a limited impact on reducing greenhouse gases and improving energy security, and has a significant impact on world crop prices, according to a new study of policies to promote greater production and use of biofuel in OECD countries.

OECD’s Economic Assessment of Biofuel Support Policies says biofuels are currently highly dependent on public funding to be viable. In the US, Canada and the European Union government support for the supply and use of biofuels is expected to rise to around USD 25 billion per year by 2015 from about USD 11 billion in 2006. The report estimates that biofuel support costs...(complete article here).

Petition for More Domestic Energy Production

Senator Cornyn continues to fight for more domestic energy production.



Sen. Cornyn, GOP Leaders Accept Petition Calling for More American Energy Production to Help Lower Gas Prices


More Than 1.3 Million Americans Sign Petition Demanding More American Energy Production From Democrats Who Control Congress


Tuesday, July 15, 2008WASHINGTON—At an event on Capitol Hill earlier today, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, joined members of the House and Senate GOP leadership in accepting the signatures of more than 1.3 million Americans who have signed a petition demanding that Congress increase production of American energy to help reduce gas prices. The petition will be delivered to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.



Sen. Cornyn made the following statement...(complete news release here).

A Better Way to Produce Hydrogen?

A better way to produce hydrogen....

Researchers generate hydrogen without the carbon footprint

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
University Park, Pa. -- A greener, less expensive method to produce hydrogen for fuel may eventually be possible with the help of water, solar energy and nanotube diodes that use the entire spectrum of the sun's energy, according to Penn State researchers.

"Other researchers have developed ways to produce hydrogen with mind-boggling efficiency, but their approaches are very high cost," says Craig A. Grimes, professor of electrical engineering. "We are working toward something that is cost effective."

Currently, the steam reforming of natural gas produces most of...(complete article here).

Spices Combat Foodborne Pathogens

I just found this interesting....

Spice-Rack Favorites Battle E. coli and Other Foodborne Pathogens

By Marcia Wood
July 14, 2008

Herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, cinnamon and clove do more than add pleasing flavors and aromas to familiar foods. The oils from these plants, or compounds extracted from those oils, pack a powerful, antimicrobial punch—strong enough to help quell such foodborne pathogens as Escherichia coli O157:H7.

That's according to...(complete article here).

DOI Supportive Statement to OCS Drilling

As part of the Administration, it is certainly expected that the Secretary would support the President's decision. However, I do applaud the Secretary for his statement. He didn't have to say anything.

Developing these resources in an environmentally responsible manner is important to America's energy future. I hope that Congress will move forward and lift their ban as well.

On this issue, U.S. Senator John Cornyn is hosting "Energy Independence Days" with guest posts by the likes of Governor Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and soon-to-come, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Head on over and join the discussion.

Secretary Kempthorne Statement on President’s Action Toward Expanding Domestic Energy Production

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today issued the following statement in response to the President’s announcement that he intends to lift the Executive prohibition on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) energy exploration:

“I applaud...(complete statement here).

Related: U.S. Senator John Cornyn has a guest post at RedState.

Executive Order on Offshore Drilling Lifted

This move by the President puts the issue squarely in the laps of Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. Let's see what the Democrats will do with it.

Bush lifts executive ban on offshore drilling

By DAVID IVANOVICH and KRISTEN HAYS
Houston Chronicle Copyright 2008

WASHINGTON — President Bush, in a largely symbolic move, today lifted an executive order barring oil and gas drilling in most offshore federal waters.

But since Congress has its own drilling moratoriums in place, the move itself won't open new areas for offshore producers to explore.

Instead, Bush's decision...(complete article here).

Wildfire Fighting: Symptoms vs Causes

There are some underlying issues here that need to be addressed. 1) The suppression of fire over the last forever is part of the problem. Fire keeps the brush and trash clear. It is part of the natural order in the ecosystems in question. 2) People need to quit building in high fire risk areas or take steps to decrease their risk. It's like building in a flood plain. One of these days you will wake up with water in your house.

Don't treat the symptoms Mr. Secretary, deal with the root causes.


Secretary Kempthorne Strengthens Interior's Wildland Firefighting Efforts for California, the West

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today issued two orders that will strengthen Interior’s wildland firefighting resources to help address severe conditions in California and bolster efforts across the West during this year’s wildfire season. The actions could make several hundred additional employees available to assist in wildland fire suppression and support activities.

“With the National Preparedness Level at its highest level, the...(complete article here).

Switchgrass and Corn Stover for Cellulosic Ethanol

This article discusses some of the economic comparisons between corn stover and switchgrass for cellulosic ethanol production.

Economist: Take 'stalk' in corn stover as state's ethanol future

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Cellulosic ethanol made from corn stover and switchgrass could be the next big thing in liquefied energy. The biggest of the big - at least in Corn Belt states like Indiana - would likely be corn stover, a Purdue University study finds.

Corn stover is plentiful in Indiana because...(complete article here).

Charging for Wind Infrastructure

OK. So, the majority of Texans are willing to pay an extra $4/month for new transmission infrastructure. Let me ask you -- when was the last time anyone felt like they had a say in what was charged on their electric bill? We just get mad and pay it anyway.

Poll: Majority of Texans open to $4 charge for wind farms

By JANET ELLIOTT
Copyright 2008
Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau

AUSTIN — A majority of Texans would be willing to pay $4 more on their monthly electric bills to create a network of power lines from wind farms, according to a recent poll.

The survey, commissioned by a group of wind generation companies, is being released in advance of state utility regulators' debate over how much new transmission to require for wind-generated electricity. The Public Utility Commission is...(complete article here).

The Loss of an Ecosystem

I've been writing for the Canyon News for awhile. I decided it was time to "pimp" one of my articles....

Ecosystem complexity, the Lesser Prairie Chicken

The Lesser Prairie-Chicken was once common throughout many parts of the Texas Panhandle. For early explorers and early pioneers of the area, they were a reliable source of food when...(complete article here).

Energy Independence Days

U.S. Senator John Cornyn has declared war on our dependence on foreign oil. He has created a special emphasis on his website called “Energy Independence Days” in which there will be a series of posts including videos from Senator Cornyn on the subject of how we might achieve our Energy Independence.

I am thankful that the Senator has taken the best interests of the American people to heart and created this opportunity for the people of this state and nation to have input, as he helps through his leadership, to set our lawmakers on course to address this critical issue. I pray that solutions can be developed through the private and public initiatives that are a hallmark of this great nation. I am humbled to have the opportunity to provide a guest post to the Senator’s website. Thank you Senator Cornyn for all that you do for our state and our country.

EPA Pesticide Controls

It is important to protect workers and the environment but lets make sure that we are using good science and not just reactionary politics.

EPA strengthens controls on 5 pesticides

After four years of talks, it also sets wide farm buffers to protect residents

USDA Research Dollars for Specialty Crops

Diversification is important for farmers. Adding specialty crops can help to even out the vagaries of the markets.

USDA Announces $28.4 Million in Funding for Specialty Crop Research

Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2008 - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced today that USDA is making available $28.4 million for research and extension projects in fiscal year 2008 to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry by developing and disseminating science-based tools to address needs of specific crops.

"This is a...(complete article here).

CRP Land May Be Opened to Production

I understand the reasons behind the pressure. However, there is a need to balance all of the different interests and to achieve a solution that can be beneficial to all. My suggestion would be that in order to be removed from the CRP program early, the landowner must work with his local wildlife biologist in order to develop a comprehensive management plan for the land in question.

It might be possible to preserve the most sensitive areas in CRP -- such as waterways, hillsides, buffer zones, etc. and still free up significant acreage for agricultural production. Just thinking.....

USDA Rule Change May Lead To Crops on Conserved Land


By Joel Achenbach
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, July 11, 2008; Page A02

Under pressure from farmers, livestock producers and soaring food prices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is weighing a policy change that could lead to the plowing of millions of acres of land that had been set aside for conservation.

At issue is the Conservation...(complete article here).

The Pickens Energy Campaign

Forgive my skepticism but I have a hard time believing that Mr. Picken's motives are not self serving. There may be other issues at stake. I'm certain that his investments will be well-rewarded from these expenditures.

Pickens Goes For The Grass Roots

Allison Fass, 07.11.08, 4:00 AM ET


"Did you know, back in 1970, we imported 24% of our oil, and by 1990 it was 42%," says billionaire T. Boone Pickens, in his Texas drawl, at the start of a national commercial that began airing this week. "Today, it's almost 70% and climbing every minute." His voice plays as the words appear in white letters on a black screen. A fire slowly burns into the background.

The octogenarian oilman has...(complete article here).

Following are related posts that I have previously made:

http://agriconenergy.blogspot.com/2008/07/balancing-needs-in-new-energy-economy.html

http://polytickle.blogspot.com/2008/07/pickens-energy-plan-and-media-blitz.html

http://polytickle.blogspot.com/2008/07/opportunities-for-doing-right-thing.html

Potential Use for Ethanol Coproduct

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Cattle feeders are struggling with high feed prices and DDGs are part of their answer. If there is increased demand for DDGs as a fertilizer, it further pressures feed prices.

ARS and Seed Company Examine Commercial Potential of Ethanol Coproduct

By Jan Suszkiw
July 10, 2008

Studies by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have shown that dried distiller's grains (DDGs)—coproducts of corn ethanol production—have potential as an organic fertilizer and for weed control. But some ethanol producers are adopting new corn-grinding methods that may affect the DDGs' usefulness.

To further study DDGs, ARS plant...(complete article here).

Updated Ag Supply and Demand Estimates

The USDA has updated its numbers:

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates

Windows on Power

MIT continues to lead the way with development of new solar technology.

MIT opens new 'window' on solar energy

Cost effective devices expected on market soon

Elizabeth A. Thomson, News Office
July 10, 2008
Imagine windows that not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also use sunlight to efficiently help power the building they are part of. MIT engineers report a new approach to harnessing the sun's energy that could allow just that.

The work, to be reported in the July 11 issue of Science, involves the creation of...(complete article here).

Mapping Alternative Energy Resource Development

Exploring for Alternative Energy resources....

America's Best Places For Alternative Energy

William Pentland 07.09.08, 1:35 PM ET

The "cubic mile of oil"--a metric roughly equivalent to the amount of oil consumed worldwide each year--is frequently used to explain the challenge facing solar, wind, geothermal and biomass power.

So what would it...(complete article here).

Australian Drought Worsens

The drought situation in Australia does not bode well for world food prices. When you are praying for rain, it might be a good idea to throw in a prayer for the drought in Australia as well.

Australia food-bowl drought worsens, rains spare wheat

By Rob Taylor
CANBERRA (Reuters) - The prolonged drought in Australia's Murray-Darling river system is worsening and the country's main food bowl may forever be changed by accelerating climate warming, government officials said on Thursday.

Despite good autumn rains, June inflows into the river basin were...(complete article here).

The Micro Future

Microbiology is going to be a "hot" field for the future. I believe that we will see an explosion in many areas of microbiology including energy production, food technologies and manufacturing/synthesizing of various products.

Can microorganisms be a solution to the world's energy problems?

Microorganisms once reigned supreme on the Earth, thriving by filling every nook and cranny of the environment billions of years before humans first arrived on the scene. Now, this ability of microorganisms to grow from an almost infinite variety of food sources may play a significant role in bailing out society from its current energy crisis, according to...(complete article here).

India's Agriculture Investment Environment

The USDA's Economic Research Service has released a new economic information bulletin on the agricultural investment environment in India. Infrastructure and effective market mechanisms continue to be weaknesses in the Indian agricultural economy contributing to their inability to feed themselves in spite of tremendous potential.


The Environment for Agricultural and Agribusiness Investment in India

Balancing Needs in the New Energy Economy

Achieving a balance between development and nature is often a difficult task. As we look to move from a petroleum based energy economy to alternative sources of energy, we have the opportunity to take a thoughtful, balanced approach.

There are important questions that must be asked for each of the new energy technologies. Most of them have to do with consequences to the environment. Some have to do with impacts on food prices. Still others are related to human factors such as jobs and health. Unintended consequences seem to abound with every new endeavor.

Realizing that it may seem to be a minor issue to some, one thing that has come to my attention recently is the potential impact of wind energy development on the small amount of remaining habitat that supports the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC).

The LPC is a species that was once common throughout the short and mid-grass prairies of the southern High Plains. Over the years it is estimated that about 90% of their former range has been made unsuitable for them. Most of that land has been converted to farming but other tracts have been lost to population growth and petroleum industry development.

Wind Farms are now threatening some of the last remaining suitable habitat for the LPC. Many of these farms are planned or under construction on large contiguous tracts of native prairie that have thusfar escaped the plow or other development.

I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit and I believe that one should be able to utilize his land according to his wishes (as long as it is legal, ethical and moral). However, sometimes there are higher considerations that must be weighed. Fortunately there are tools to aid landowners faced with decisions regarding development versus wildlife. One is the CCAA. The "Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances" is a tool by which the landowner can work with a wildlife biologist to create a habitat management plan that would be beneficial to the LPC while receiving assurances that no further land use restrictions or conditions will be imposed in the event that the LPC is declared endangered.

As various individuals and corporations look at developing the wind potential of the southern High Plains, it is my prayer that they will seriously consider the potential benefits of implementing a CCAA where suitable habitat is available. It might be that they (the landowner) will be able to achieve both worthy goals -- sustainable, renewable energy and conservation of the Lesser Prairie Chicken. It is certainly something that deserves discussion.

Independence and Agriculture

Thomas Jefferson

The Growing Numbers of Hungry People

Below is linked a thoughtful piece from the FAO Director-General, Jacques Diouf, regarding the hunger crisis -- particularly in Africa. He clearly points to the need of addressing infrastructure needs rather than purely food aid in order to resolve the crisis.


About 50 million more hungry people in 2007

Hunger on the rise due to soaring food prices

3 July 2008, Rome/Brussels - The number of hungry people increased by about 50 million in 2007 as a result of high food prices, FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf said today addressing a conference at the European Parliament in Brussels.

“Poor countries are...(complete article here).

For a related report from the USDA click here.

DFW Leads Country With Clean Air Plan

Isn't it amazing that Texas, the long-time leader in oil & gas, is not only leading the way with alternative energy production but is now leading the way in cleaning up the air?

Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan first in country proposed for EPA approval

Release date: 07/01/2008

Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

Additional 40 tons of pollution cuts move plan across goal line(Dallas, Texas – July 1, 2008) EPA gathered local and state partners to announce its proposed approval of the Dallas-Fort Worth clean air plan today. Also, EPA announced that the area achieved the previous 1-hour ozone standard through the success of earlier plans.

Under the proposed plan, ozone forming pollutants will be reduced by...(complete news release here).

How to Break Link Between Food and Biofuels

Iowa State continues its leadership role in research related to food and biofuels.

Breaking the Link between Food and Biofuels

Bruce A. BabcockJuly 2008 [08-BP 53]

Production of biofuels from feedstocks that are diverted from food production or that are grown on land that could grow crops has two important drawbacks: higher food prices and decreased reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. If U.S. policy were to...(complete news release here).

Gray Wolf in New Mexico?

Very interesting....


Gray wolf sighted in New Mexico

Species could have spread from northern Rockies.

From the Associated Press
7:38 PM PDT, June 30, 2008

SANTA FE -- A possible gray wolf has been sighted on a ranch in northern New Mexico, raising the prospect that wolves may have migrated into the state from the Northern Rockies where they were reintroduced more than a decade ago.

There's been...(complete article here).

Fill 'er Up -- With Hydrogen

Hydrogen fueled cars need infrastructure before they will be practical.

U.S. hydrogen maker sees car filling stations soon

By Bernie Woodall

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - One of the main obstacles to the development of hydrogen as a fuel for cars is the lack of a system of fueling stations.

Barney Rush thinks...(complete article here).