Market Monitor: Lack of insight, but not opinion

I was reminded this morning that when it comes to really knowing what is going on in the grain markets, I am as useless as certain vestigial mammary organs on a male swine. Maybe you have to think about that for a moment. I cleaned it up a little for the “General” audience. In fact,

True tales from the tractor seat

In the early 1970s, I finished spraying a field, and parked the tractor at the driveway with the booms still out. Then, I forgot about it.

Why ‘trade down’ in beef selection?

Demand for beef is down. Can you blame the recession? Not entirely, but it’s a darned inconvenient coincidence. It’s hard to argue that beef quality was too low, because production of every class of premium beef has been trending up for some time. The supply of Choice beef in particular has increased for six years,

Annual report highlights growth and success of cooperative business sector

WASHINGTON — National Consumer Cooperative Bank, a leading financial services company, released its annual National Consumer Cooperative Bank Co-op 100 listing the nation’s 100 highest revenue-earning cooperative businesses, totaling more than $173 billion in 2007. The National Consumer Cooperative Bank Co-op 100 debuted in 1991, and for the past 17 years, has been the only

Hate snakes? Bet I can outrun you!

I recall lots of great stories around the campfire over the years. Those who loved to hunt always enjoyed telling their biggest, baddest hunting stories. Those who liked to fish always chimed in with great fish stories, and somehow, the subject always seemed to turn to stories of snakes.

Huge, scary, waiting-to-pounce snakes.

Wild market prompts Farm Bureau to offer stability suggestions

WASHINGTON — Highly volatile conditions have affected the cash and futures markets where farmers and ranchers sell their grains, oilseeds, cotton and livestock. Federal regulators must keep a close eye on the situation, engage as needed and be ready to consider reform measures, according to American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. Stallman presented the

Ethanol boom continues to advance

In his opening address to the 11th National Ethanol Conference Feb. 21, Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen declared loudly and proudly that “ethanol has arrived.

In the spirit of believing

It has come to my attention that parents, particularly at this time of year, spend a lot of time worrying themselves silly over one thing and one thing only, a concern so deep it literally wakes them from a sound sleep, apoplectic over some concern relating to: Santa.

Checkoff boosters’ facts are weak

Columnist Alan Guebert comments on the USDA’s lenthgy, costly and failing devense of commodity checkoffs.

Pastor provides free resources to groups praying for nation’s farmers

This Methodist minister believes swelling the ranks of prayer warriors can only be good for America’s endangered farm families.