Traditional Versus Factory Farms

Prairie Gleanings

Follow Me On Twitter Close

Josh_Flint
I am the editor of Prairie Farmer, a Farm Progress publication dedicated to Illinois agriculture.

"The Precision Planting operations will remain in Tremont and all Precision employees will be offered their continued jobs in Tremont."
10:04:15 AM May 23 from TweetDeck

RT @farmdaily #Monsanto acquires Precision Planting. Adding to Integrated Farming System. #farm #agchat http://t.co/5XN8IW5U
07:48:26 AM May 23 from TweetDeck

I'm in the Milwaukee airport. I have a strong urge to don a Cardinals jersey and sing "We are the champions."
04:38:08 PM May 22 from TweetDeck

Prior to 2005, approval for #biotech events took about 19 months. Now it takes 40 months. --Dean Campbell with ASA #agchat
11:02:16 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

RT @eburnsthompson "Corn fed cattle will have a 20% small carbon footprint than grass raised." -F. Mitloehner #AgFuture #AgFact
10:58:17 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

@TimKaus Nope, just sitting in one of their press events.
10:17:21 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

Did you know #Asgrow began as a vegetable seed business in 1856? They first started breeding #soybeans in 1974. #agchat
09:33:32 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

Historical/projected #soy yield: 1924-11 bu, 2010-40 bu, 2030-50 bu (trendline), 2030-80 bu (#Monsanto's goal).
09:00:42 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

A worker can sample 1,500 #soy plants per 8 hr day. #Monsanto's seed chipper can sample 15,000 per day.
08:53:44 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

#Monsanto's #soybean breeding program is 5x larger today than it was in 2004. The biggest jump came from marker data points.
08:47:48 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

According to #Monsanto, #dicamba has 5 #weeds globally w/resistance. 2,4-D has 17. @mattburgener
08:39:19 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

RT @mpaynknoper 30% decline in newspaper circ, TV sets sold down, tablets 488% increase in last year. Obvious shift in info consumption.
08:36:15 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

RT @mpaynknoper 18M people don't have #broadband, FTC to spend $4.5B to upgrade, 7M to have broadband in 6 years - all in 10 yrs.
08:35:39 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend: glyphosate + dicamba tolerance. #Monsanto expects a 2014 launch. #soybean
08:20:20 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

Roy Fuchs says #soybean supply needs to increase by 125% by 2030 to meet demand. #Monsanto @MonsantoCo
08:14:33 AM May 22 from TweetDeck

Spoke to a southern IL farmer tonight. He says #wheat #harvest could start as early as Memorial Day weekend. #farm
10:47:14 PM May 21 from TweetDeck

@DonProca I got the figures from IL Dept of Ag. I believe they get them from USDA NASS.
10:45:13 PM May 21 from TweetDeck

@ArlanFF101 Good to know. It could mean a larger double crop soybean season for IL, esp. on wheat seed farms.
03:42:12 PM May 21 from web

#IL is done #planting #corn. Last year, we were at 84% planted. #Soybeans are 80% planted, well ahead of last year's 38%. #ag
03:37:30 PM May 21 from web

With 45% turning yellow, the IL #wheat crop is also well ahead of schedule. Typically, it's around 1% yellow at this time. @ArlanFF101
03:36:20 PM May 21 from web

I've realized Illinois farmers are an opinionated bunch. In my blog, I'll share who I agree with and why.

Traditional Versus Factory Farms

Posted on November 11, 2009 at 11:13 AM

This whole condemnation of technology within farming practices is getting out of hand. Today, I read an Op-Ed piece from the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/opinion/31niman.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&emc=etal). The use of the word "traditional" immediately jumped off the page and raised my blood pressure. Essentially, the author uses "traditional" as the antithesis of "factory farm." Thus, if you have cows on pasture, you're traditional. If you operate a CAFO, you're an evil factory farmer. This got me thinking. What do most folks imagine when they hear the term "reporter?" Do you think of a man wearing a suit, topped off with a fedora that carries a worn "press" card on the brim? He furiously takes notes, then runs back to the newsroom to bang out an article on his typewriter. I assure you, this is an antiquated, Norman Rockwell version of a reporter. If the industry still operated in this manner, you'd receive a fraction of today's news reports, and it would be much later than you're used to. Just think, what if 9-11 happened and you read about it in the newspaper on Sept. 12. However, no one's assaulting the industry because they no longer use typewriters and rulers. The use of word processors, design software, streaming video and online publications has not created an evil "factory reporter." (While I'm well aware of folks' irritation with media bias, I don't think that's a result of technology.) So, technology is a good thing in serving our news needs and wants. However, it's a bad thing when we're talking about animal production? Would critics really be happy if we solely relied on 1900s production methods? We'd be feeding a fraction of the growing population; and it would cost much more. Perhaps Prairie Farmer should go back and do things the way we did in the 1920s. The production process would take much longer, require more people, and in the end, it would cost more to produce the magazine. As producers know, we'd either go out of business or have to charge more for our product. Hmmm….sounds a bit like the organic vs. conventional debate. Registered users may comment on this blog.

Add a Comment

Comments


Posted by MoFarmFamily on November 12 at 7:38 PM

You make some very good points. If we eliminate all the technology that we have gained through the years we would never be able to feed all the hungry people of this world. I love that all the people who want to feed the starving people in the world are also the people who want to do away with CAFOs and the technology we have to produce as much crop as we do. If we did away with all the technology and CAFOs we would not be able to feed ourselves much less the world.


Posted by Jerry Foster on November 12 at 4:28 PM

Your point is well taken Josh. Along the same thought process: Should we shunned technological advances in medicine and prevent the progression of huaman health ? Should all cars be manufactured at local shops that only employ a few workers? Why don't we buy all of our clothing from a seamstress that lives within 100 miles of our homes? If utilizing new technology is bad for the environment, shouldn't the Sierra Club be conducting all of their business using TRS 80 computers? I don't see why people want take something as important as food and turn it back to the 1960's, but they want the latest technology for everything else.


Posted by Jerry Foster on November 12 at 4:21 PM

Bea, you comments interest me. I've read your comments on articles at Meatingplace on-line and they are very consistent. You always include a remark about animals being sentient beings. Recently you have started talking about enslavement of animals. I get the opinion that you consider animals on par with humans, especially since slavery is a human to human institution. Do you genuinely believe that animals have equal value to humans? Do you really believe that it is wrong for man kind to use animals for food, fiber and work? I get the impression that your belief lean toward earth worship or aetheism. What do you believe about the Judeo-Christian God?


Posted by Bea Elliott on November 12 at 7:26 AM

Your analogy with the reporter's ancient typewriter vs a modern pc would be wonderful except for one thing: animals are not "things". A system of keeping innocent, sentient beings enslaved, confined and denied every natural habit is unspeakably cruel. I'm glad to have discovered this current "system" of keeping animals in "factory farms" a few years ago. It allowed me to re-evaluate exactly what the "necessity" for "food" animals exactly was... I discovered that no "necessity" for their flesh exists at all! Man can thrive on a compassionate plant based *Vegan* diet. Indeed it is better for human health, better for the environment and certainly better for the animals. I'm certain more people make the connection that enslaving and killing innocent beings in the name of profit and an unhealthy/unsustainable "food" is an archaic, passe' practice.

Recent Posts


Back to Top

Ag Desperataly Needs To Speak To Consumers With a Unified Voice
Posted on May 17, 2012 at 1:00 AM
The anti-commercial ag sentiment continues to grow in this country. What are we doing to do about it?
Category: Consumers

How To Shoot HDR Photos on the Prairie
Posted on May 16, 2012 at 1:00 AM
It's tough to take a photo of a blue sky on a sunny day without making the foreground too dark. Here's some software that alleviates this problem.
Category: Farm Family Living

Red Meat Didn't Make Us Fat
Posted on May 09, 2012 at 1:00 AM
Finally, a Newsweek article about food that doesn't take (much of) a swing at mainstream ag.
Category: Consumers

Consumers Got Exactly What They Asked For
Posted on April 27, 2012 at 1:00 AM
A new book points out that consumers are responsible for so many processed foods in our grocery stores. So, why are they so mad at farmers?
Category: Consumers

I'm Out To Prove Conventional Food Is Healthy
Posted on April 18, 2012 at 1:00 AM
I've lost 10 pounds on a new diet. No organic. No farmers' markets. Just cheap, conventional food.
Category: Consumers

Video Provides An Inside Look At a Chinese iPad Factory
Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:00 AM
China is working hard to surpass the U.S. I wish the same ambition and work ethic existed in America.
Category: Technology

Grass Vs. Grain Fed Beef Discussion Turns Ugly
Posted on April 06, 2012 at 1:00 AM
I always assumed feeding more people was a good thing. Apparently, not everyone agrees.
Category: Consumers

Consumers Still Think "Factory Farms" Are Evil
Posted on March 29, 2012 at 10:00 AM
A recent Facebook discussion confirms consumers still have little faith in production ag. How can we change that?
Category: Consumers

Mourning the Loss of Maralee Johnson
Posted on March 23, 2012 at 1:00 AM
Maralee Johnson always seemed to have a smile on her face. I wish there were more people like her in this world.
Category: Beef

It's Time We Had a Reality T.V. Show About Farming
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 1:00 AM
I think America is ripe for a reality t.v. show about farming. Of course, it couldn't actually be reality, that's way too boring.
Category: Consumers

Ag Needs a Celebrity Spokesperson
Posted on March 08, 2012 at 1:00 AM
PETA has a number of celebrities willing to speak on their behalf. Shouldn't ag have at least one?
Category: Consumers

Broadband Access Is Necessary to Attract Young Homeowners
Posted on February 29, 2012 at 1:00 AM
Broadband access can add as many, if not more, jobs to a rural area as a new factory.
Category: Farm Family Living

High Food Prices Didn't Cause as Much Poverty as Reported
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:00 AM
In 2008, researchers released a flurry of research linking poverty to increased food prices. Turns out, the research was junk.
Category: Policy

Union of Concerned Scientists' Article on Monsanto Gets an F
Posted on February 07, 2012 at 1:00 AM
Maybe if the Union of Concerned Scientists had an economist on board they wouldn't make such ridiculous statements about Monsanto. Get a clue!
Category: Biotechnology

Let's All Calm Down About the Yahoo Ag Degree Article
Posted on January 26, 2012 at 1:00 AM
The Yahoo article is a piece of junk. Even if it was well-research, the basic facts say they're wrong. Will this really hurt college recruiting?
Category: Issues

Tips for Marketing Your Farm to Potential Landlords
Posted on January 17, 2012 at 1:00 AM
Gaining more acreage is a challenge for young farmers. Experts have tips for marketing your farm. Check out the February Prairie Farmer for more info.
Category: Farm Management

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid
Posted on January 03, 2012 at 1:00 AM
Did anyone buy a BB gun for their child this Christmas? I agree with Ralphie. They are a terrific gift.
Category: Farm Family Living

Slapping Band Aids on Illinois' Economic Problems
Posted on December 20, 2011 at 1:00 AM
We've got to make our state more business friendly. This isn't just a Chicago phenomenon. Rural farmers rising up against CAFOs is a disheartening.
Category: Issues

What Happened To This Great Country?
Posted on December 02, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Yep, this is a soapbox blog. You've been warned.
Category: At the Statehouse/Capital

I'm Thankful To Be a Part of the Ag Industry
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:33 AM
There is no more honest or hard working industry than agriculture.
Category: Corn

People Are So Removed From Agriculture, It's Like I'm Talking To Them About Nuclear Physics
Posted on November 16, 2011 at 12:08 PM
During a wedding last week, I explained how revolutionary Monsanto's work is to a group of St. Louisans.
Category: Consumers

Save the (Garden-Sized Organic) Farm!
Posted on November 03, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Call me crazy, but the 25-acre strawberry field between two interstates isn't inherent to feeding the world.
Category: Issues

Reacting to Washington's Whims Is No Sunday Picnic
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:52 PM
EPA expects farmers to have a petroleum spill plan on file. The only question is when is the enforcement deadline.
Category: Farm Management

Corn Ethanol: Love It, Forget It, Vilify It
Posted on October 17, 2011 at 2:19 PM
Legislators seem to have schizophrenia when it comes to corn-based ethanol
Category: At the Statehouse/Capital

Tablets: From No Application, To Nifty Media Device, To Business Work Horse
Posted on October 07, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Have you considered the potential efficiencies a tablet (like the iPad) could bring to the farm?
Category: Technology

What Do You Listen To In the Combine?
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Renting, rather than owning, music was one of the best decisions I've made in the past month. I've saved a lot of money.
Category: Technology

Consumers Are Wrong: We Do Have an Obligation To Feed the World
Posted on September 15, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Teaching a country to farm is not an easy venture. Food exports are a huge revenue stream for the U.S.
Category: Issues

The Farm Progress Show Begins
Posted on August 29, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Stop by and see me in the Hospitality Tent. I'm the one with fresh hay-hauling scratches all over my forearms.
Category: Technology

Think You've Seen Weed Pressure? Think Again.
Posted on August 22, 2011 at 12:05 PM
The longer you put off getting serious about weed resistance managment, the more it could cost you.
Category: Soybeans

Are Pre-Pay Fertilizer Contracts Pushing Farmers Toward Poor Agronomic Practices?
Posted on August 15, 2011 at 8:45 PM
Pre-pay anhydrous ammonia contracts offload too much risk onto the farmer. Water quality may be suffering as a result.
Category: Natural resources

Biomass Production Has No Place in the Cornbelt
Posted on July 28, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Let's cool the biomass talk. The market for energy grass doesn't exist.
Category: Issues

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Is Officially "Born" on Thursday
Posted on July 18, 2011 at 11:39 AM
I'd like to know a little more about CFPB's potential power.
Category: Issues

Can Baseball Teach Us Something About Farming?
Posted on July 05, 2011 at 8:11 PM
Paying attention to stats can give you a leg up on the baseball diamond. Can this be related to farming?
Category: Farm Management

I Hope VEETC's Demise Renews Our Focus on Ethanol
Posted on June 20, 2011 at 3:55 PM
There's an 800-lb gorilla in the room. It's called the Toyota Prius.
Category: Corn

Coming Soon: Video From the Field
Posted on June 13, 2011 at 2:34 PM
Expect to start seeing live video on the website in the coming weeks.
Category: Technology

Make a Meat Thermometer Part of Your Grilling Routine
Posted on June 03, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Using a meat thermometer takes the anxiety out of grilling. I speak from experience.
Category: Swine

We Deserve Fair, Unbiased News Coverage
Posted on May 25, 2011 at 9:35 AM
Today's news outlets seem more interested in catering to liberal or conservative leanings. Just give me the news!
Category: Issues

I'm Tired of People Trying To Make Us Feel Ashamed For Growing Corn
Posted on May 18, 2011 at 9:38 AM
We're good at growing corn, no need to apologize for that.
Category: Policy

Farmers Market Reinforces My Thoughts on Mainstream Food Production
Posted on May 12, 2011 at 11:32 AM
I don't know how folks can consider some of these practices sustainable.
Category: Consumers

Is Clean Water Worth the Hassle?
Posted on May 04, 2011 at 10:11 AM
Our farm system is set up to deliver maximum yields. Is it worth changing to a system that prioritizes protecting the environment?
Category: Issues

Drop the For-Hire Issue
Posted on April 25, 2011 at 2:15 PM
DOT's for-hire interpretation on crop-share leases is unenforceable.
Category: Policy

What Drives Your Decision Making Process?
Posted on April 19, 2011 at 4:58 PM
"Because that's what dad always did" may not be the best justification in today's world.
Category: Technology

What’s This Crazy Talk About Fresh, Local Food Being Expensive?
Posted on April 12, 2011 at 11:49 AM
Los Angeles tells celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to hit the road.
Category: Consumers

Fresh-Food Love Affair Indicates Paradigm Shift
Posted on April 08, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Once upon a time, Americans were impressed with food preservation techniques. Not any more.
Category: Consumers

The Organic Enthusiasts Are After Me
Posted on April 01, 2011 at 1:41 PM
First, let's produce enough food, then we can argue what type we need to produce.
Category: Consumers

Dear Engineer, What Were You Thinking?
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Sometimes there's an obvious disconnect between the drawing board and the field.
Category: Machinery

Consolidating Specialty Acres Could Present Opportunities for Growth
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Corporations like dealing with fewer large growers, rather than many small growers.
Category: Farm Management

A Press Invitation I Can't Pass Up
Posted on March 02, 2011 at 1:48 PM
An invite to a book signing in California made me laugh.
Category: Farm Family Living

Understanding Auto Manufacturers' Concerns with E15
Posted on February 21, 2011 at 10:34 PM
Domestic auto manufacturers appear hesitant to condemn or condone E15 waiver approval.
Category: Corn

What Are You Willing To Pay More For?
Posted on February 18, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Sometimes paying a little more for a service is worth the added expense.
Category: Farm Management

The State of Illinois Has Really Done It This Time
Posted on February 09, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Do you think the state of Illinois deserves a donation disguised as a sales tax ploy?
Category: Issues

Scratching the Surface
Posted on February 09, 2011 at 10:09 AM
We reveal the 2011 Master Farmers in the March issue. There are five winners this year.
Category: Farm Family Living

The Definition of a Premium Lie
Posted on February 01, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Dear Food Network, "organic" and "premium" are not synonyms.
Category: Biotechnology

Cultivating Master Farmers Program Seeks Young Farmer Applicants
Posted on January 27, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Sometimes the best farming lessons have less to do with agronomy, more to do with life.
Category: Farm Family Living

What Happened to the Three Rs?
Posted on January 20, 2011 at 10:13 AM
Somewhere along the line, we lost our minds when it comes to environmentalism.
Category: Natural resources

Winter Meetings Yield Important Take-Home Points
Posted on January 14, 2011 at 11:20 AM
What I learned from the 2011 winter meeting circuit (thus far).
Category: Farm Management

My Generation Doesn't Want to Grow Up
Posted on January 05, 2011 at 10:37 AM
How old were you when you started paying your own bills?
Category: Farm Family Living

The Clock Is Ticking on Meat Label Laws
Posted on December 31, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Will nutrition labels on packages of meat change how you purchase protein?
Category: Consumers

A Fake Power Outage at a Blues Game Really Got My Attention
Posted on December 20, 2010 at 10:27 AM
The farm industry could take some notes on Peabody Energy's recent ad campaign. It takes the message to the voting public in a very real manner.
Category: Issues

What's in a "Mexican" Coke?
Posted on December 14, 2010 at 11:35 AM
A lot of folks believe Coke imported from Mexico is sweetened with sugar. Is it?
Category: Issues

A Walk Down Memory Lane With My Old Friend, MS-DOS
Posted on December 08, 2010 at 1:01 AM
Just as MS-DOS evolved into Windows, tractor guidance interface systems will continue to evolve.
Category: Technology

Missing My Son
Posted on November 29, 2010 at 9:08 AM
My son passed away Nov. 17. He was two years old.
Category: Farm Family Living

Missourians Make the Wrong Choice on Prop B
Posted on November 03, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Despite what HSUS tells you, you cannot legislate sound business principles.
Category: Issues

Prairie Farmer Facebook Fan Page Turns One Year Old
Posted on November 01, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Prairie Farmer's Facebook community has been growing. Thank you for the comments and feedback.
Category: Technology

Blaming HFCS for the Obesity Epidemic Is Narrow Minded
Posted on October 27, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Have you noticed the scientific articles on obesity never include anything about personal responsibility?
Category: Issues

Learning to Speak the Language of Consumers
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Once again my wife was right. I don't think consumers understand food price increases in grocery store terms.
Category: Beef

Explaining the Science Behind Modern Farming
Posted on October 15, 2010 at 11:57 AM
Did folks used to listen to science and reasoning over fear and emotion?
Category: Issues

A Refreshing Animal Rights' Discussion
Posted on October 05, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Believe it or not, some consumers do not have preconceived animal ag notions. I know, I was shocked too.
Category: Swine

Welcome to the Midwest
Posted on September 28, 2010 at 11:04 AM
I can't get enough Midwestern weather. Who wants to live where it's warm all year round?
Category: Farm Family Living

Now Would Be a Great Time to Get Serious About Safety
Posted on September 20, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Some people don't get close calls to change their thinking about farm safety.
Category: Farm Management

The Hot New Crop with No Real World Application
Posted on September 13, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Maybe we should hold off on all the biomass research until we have a reason to actually grow it. Just a thought.
Category: Natural resources

This Diet Stuff Is Getting Out of Hand
Posted on September 06, 2010 at 2:55 PM
Ready to try my new super secret weight loss system?
Category: Consumers

Bring On the Farmer Image Campaign
Posted on August 30, 2010 at 10:39 AM
After living in the St. Louis area for a couple months, I've realized these folks have no idea about actual farming.
Category: Issues

My Dog Is a Pet, Not a Family Member
Posted on August 23, 2010 at 11:24 AM
Don't confuse pets for family members. They are not even close.
Category: Issues

I Wish More Folks Had a Farmer's Work Ethic
Posted on August 17, 2010 at 9:09 AM
What happened to this nation's work ethic?
Category: Farm Family Living

A Lot Goes Into Finding the Right Tool For the Job
Posted on August 10, 2010 at 8:59 AM
It's taken me a few years to learn how to blend price and quality when purchasing tools.
Category: Technology

Different Crops, Same Basic Challenges
Posted on August 04, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Examining different ag business models can be helpful when analyzing your own operation.
Category: Farm Management

Figuring Out Our Stance On Ethanol
Posted on July 27, 2010 at 10:53 AM
Promoting different ethanol agendas probably won't help us in the near term.
Category: Policy

It's Good To Hear an Optimistic Take on the Future of Ag
Posted on July 19, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Moe Russell paints a great (and profitable) picture for production agriculture.
Category: Farm Management

We Could Learn a Lot From Potato Commercial
Posted on July 13, 2010 at 9:20 AM
Lay's teams up with potato growers to create an exceptional commerical.
Category: Issues

Is July 4 Becoming Dependence Day?
Posted on July 04, 2010 at 1:59 PM
I miss the values of the veteran generation.
Category: Issues

I'll Have a News Report, Extra Objectivity, Hold the Spin Please
Posted on June 30, 2010 at 8:33 AM
The Supreme Court ruling on Roundup Ready alfalfa seemed easy enough to report.
Category: Issues

It Seems Like Consumers Enjoy the Image of a Poor Farmer
Posted on June 22, 2010 at 9:52 AM
Since when did profit become a dirty word in the consumer's lexicon?
Category: Issues

Dad, Thank You For the Life Lessons
Posted on June 16, 2010 at 10:33 PM
Funny how dad's lessons extend past a bad report card. It's like he knew we'd face similar situations further down the road.
Category: Farm Family Living

Locally-Grown Farce
Posted on June 01, 2010 at 11:19 AM
I'm disappointed with a rural Illinois magazine's portrayal of environmentally-friendly farming.
Category: Issues

Lessons From My First Engine Swap
Posted on May 26, 2010 at 12:21 PM
I still remember a valuable lesson from helping my father pull an engine and swap in a new one.
Category: Technology

Small-Town Gas Stations Are Important Rural Stops
Posted on May 21, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Thank you to the gas station/convenience store proprietors. Without you, a lot of rural towns would be lost.
Category: Farm Family Living

Wireless Hotspots Make Farming Easier
Posted on May 17, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Wireless hotspots aren't just for hip coffee shops. See how they're making life easier on the farm.
Category: Technology

Why Would Anyone Pay $5 for a Half Gallon of Skim Milk?
Posted on May 10, 2010 at 12:15 PM
My sister decided to irritate me last weekend by purchasing a $5 bottle of "all-natural" milk. It worked.
Category: Dairy

Consumers Don't Understand the Concept of a Price Taker
Posted on April 29, 2010 at 4:24 PM
Economics lesson may help consumers realize why farmers need to employ efficient production methods.
Category: Issues

"Outrage" Only Begins To Describe My Feelings On This
Posted on April 20, 2010 at 4:26 PM
Today, EPA used their official blog to condemn meat production. Is paying taxes optional? Donating to HSUS is.
Category: Beef

Soybean Yield Challenge Promises Interesting Results
Posted on April 16, 2010 at 10:53 AM
It will be interesting to see what soybean tech farmers are willing to pay for.
Category: Soybeans

There's Always Next Year
Posted on April 08, 2010 at 12:19 PM
In the wake of national health care legislation, I'm looking very forward to exercising my right to vote this November.
Category: Issues

Get Out of the Echo Chamber
Posted on April 01, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Let's be mindful of our target audience for ag issues. Hint: it's not the ones who already agree with us.
Category: Issues

This Editor Prefers the Taste of HFCS Over Sugar
Posted on March 24, 2010 at 12:03 PM
High fructose corn syrup is under attack, again.
Category: Corn

Attorneys For Animals
Posted on March 11, 2010 at 11:29 AM
The Swiss seriously considered allowing animals the right to legal counsel.
Category: Issues

SeaWorld Incident Breathes New Life Into HSUS
Posted on March 03, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Jack Hanna sees through HSUS' "credibility" on orcas in captivity.
Category: Issues

Keeping Up With My 16-Month Old Son
Posted on February 18, 2010 at 10:49 AM
I've found the bumbling dad in the movie is a fairly accurate representation of real life.
Category: Farm Family Living

USDA Regroups on NAIS
Posted on February 12, 2010 at 8:44 AM
Why aren't we discussing marketing opportunities with animal i.d.?
Category: Beef

Tails for Tails Is Irritating, But Smart
Posted on February 05, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Should ag start bending the truth like HSUS and PETA?
Category: Dairy

Blog




Category




Archives




About The Writer
Josh Flint hails from Rolla, Mo., about 100 miles southwest of St. Louis. After graduating from Truman State University (Kirksville, Mo.) with a degree in communication: journalism, he took a job with the Suburban Journals group. Josh began his career covering Belleville, Ill. While at the Journals, he also covered O'Fallon and Fairview Heights, Ill. In 2006, Josh took a job with Country Journal Publishing in Decatur, Ill., where he acted as the editor of Milling Journal and associate editor of Grain Journal. His writing focused primarily on grain processing and storage. Josh and his wife, Tiffany, have been married since 2005. They currently live in St. Clair County. “I’ve been covering Illinois agriculture for over three years now,” Josh says. “I’ve learned Illinois farmers are some of the most honest, hard-working people in the world. I only wish the rest of our state’s population clung to the ideals and work ethic held in such high esteem by our farm families.”

Traditional Versus Factory Farms

Account

Information Center

About

Products

Toolbox

Case IH Power Tab


Search Site:	Thursday, May 24, 2012 \| Bookmark This Site