Farmers are First on the “Food Scene” January 6, 2009
By Tracy Grondine, American Farm Bureau Federation
Today, more than ever before, America’s consumers are speaking out about food. What they like. What they want. And how they want it produced. With this trend in mind, the American Farm Bureau Federation within the past year embarked upon what we call the ‘food scene.’
According to the Associated Press, “Americans are getting increasingly intimate with their food.” The preferences of these so-called foodies, who generally are more discriminating than other consumers, influence the food grown by America’s farmers and ranchers. It only makes sense that those who produce food stay on top …
Prices at the Farm and the Store a Big Issue in 2008 January 5, 2009
By Cyndie Sirekis, American Farm Bureau Federation
Just like Americans from other walks of life, farm and ranch families felt the pinch of higher-priced food as retail prices increased in 2008. With the Consumer Price Index for food up 4 percent in 2007 and expected to come in between 5 percent and 6 percent when all the numbers are tallied for 2008, everyone who eats has been affected by higher retail prices.
It’s true that many farm families are able to eat some of the foods they grow during the year. This helps lessen the sting of higher grocery bills somewhat.
However, the …
New CRS Report: Membership of the 111th Congress, a Profile
This report presents a profile of the membership of the 111th Congress. Statistical information is included on selected characteristics of Members, including data on party affiliation, average age and length of service, occupation, religious affiliation, gender, ethnicity, foreign births, and military service.
And with respect to occupations, the CRS report added that there are “three organic farmers, three ranchers, two vintners, and a fruit orchard worker” serving in the new Congress as well.
Christianity Gave the Individual Voice December 24, 2008
Paul Robers presents a great case for why Christianity has held Western Civilization together for the last 2,000. An appropriate assessment this time of year.
Is this the Start of a New Era? December 23, 2008
By Stewart Truelsen, for American Farm Bureau Federation
Author William Klingaman called 1919 “the year our world began” in an account of world events that he wrote some years ago. What started out as a year of idealism after the end of World War I gave way to disillusionment and discontent. Lurking in the background were Communism and Fascism, both terrible stains on humanity.
Ironically, 1919 was the same year the American Farm Bureau Federation was formed. It drew on the positive idealism of that year, but soon was thrust into a battle for its own survival and that of American agriculture.
It …
Positives Outweigh Negatives for Ag December 22, 2008
Professor takes contrarian position on outlook
In tough economic times, Barry Flinchbaugh, the Kansas State University professor of agriculture economics, has been optimistic. In positive times, he has been cautious. Even with a new administration and the recently passed farm bill combined with the current economic crisis, Flinchbaugh forecasts mostly positives ahead for agriculture. Trade protectionism is the No. 1 issue agriculture will face, he said. U.S. exports are at an all-time high this year, yet many people are skeptical about trade in general and the World Trade Organization in particular. “Which 27 percent of American agriculture are you going to …
Checkoff-Funded Ethanol Co-Product Research
The Beef Checkoff recently funded a body of research related to the beef quality and safety implications of feeding ethanol co-products to beef cattle. Find highlights from six individual projects by clicking on the executive summary or research presentations below.
Ethanol Co-Product Research Executive Summary
Presentations
Oil-Rich Countries Purchasing/Leasing Farmland Around the World to Assure Food Supply
Wearing flowing red robes and pitching his own trademark desert tent, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi paid a visit to Ukraine last month in search of a remarkable deal to help feed his oil-rich but soil-poor people. Under a proposed agreement with Kiev, Libya would lease 247,000 acres of Ukraine’s rich black land to grow wheat. The harvest would then be shipped back to Libya, giving the desert nation a more secure supply of food in the face of predictions about higher food prices and potential shortages in decades to come. Ukraine, in turn, would get access to Libyan oil fields, …
Agricultural Markets and Food Price Inflation … Conference Summary December 19, 2008
On October 2, 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held a conference that focused
on the economic impacts of volatile agricultural prices and food policy, especially their
intersection with the macroeconomy through food price inflation.
Chicago Fed Letter
Bold Steps Needed for Greater U.S. Energy Independence December 16, 2008
By John Hart, American Farm Bureau Federation
Thanks to the productivity of America’s farmers and ranchers, the vast majority of food Americans eat is produced right here at home. The wealth created by U.S. agriculture also stays home, benefiting rural communities and large metropolitan areas alike.
There is no doubt that America is food secure overall. Much of our country’s economic strength is due to the strength of American agriculture. Agriculture puts money in the bank for all Americans and our nation’s economic health depends on productive farming and ranching.
Just as America is food secure, it is imperative that we become energy …
Julie's book, "Fresh Air" 
