My good friend Joe Pastry is back from vacation and has written a series of post in defense of corn. After Michael Pollen's book Omnivore's Dilemma came out last year, the blogosphere has been vilifying corn, the people who grow it and the companies that manufacture products made from it. Now they're all weepy because the price of corn has finally caught up to the price farmers pay to produce it and that has driven up the price of corn-based products. And don't give me shit about the subsidy of Ethanol. Farm subsidies have been in place for years (thankfully) and are what allows a farmer to make a living growing something that costs $10.00 a bushel to grow and the market pays $3.00 a bushel to buy.
I'm not a very smart woman and can't really put into words what my heart knows is true. If you've ever read Joe you know that his knowledgeable and prolific posts on any subject that catches his fancy will guarantee that you will understand that subject when he gets through with it. His use of humor and science make it a pleasure to learn. And, boy, have I learned! Everything from MSG (naturally occurring) to the molecular make-up of starch.
I can't tell you how happy I am that this week he's taking on the "corn devil" and I urge you to check him out immediately. (Caveat: scroll to the bottom for the first post and work your way up.) Way to go Joe! And, thank you!
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11 comments:
But, I'm so far behind in my blog reading now.
I do know that the Ethanol issuse is not as straight forward as some would like us to believe.
OK, ok, I'm on my way.
Holy crap, that was interesting. Thanks for pointing it out. I'm off to mull.
It's about time people get it, Sally! Corn farmer are finally starting to get the money they deserve. I have several close to where I live and I agree that these farmers work very hard and get paid very little for crops.
Times are a changing!!
Hi Sally - thanks for leaving a message on my blog. You are really getting the rain. My father-in-law lives in Rochester, MN, and they had 10+ inches by Sunday afternoon. We've only had about 2 so far - but looks like we'll pick up more all week. I'm with you - bring back the heat!!
I'm going to check out your article on corn too. I grew up on a farm in northern Iowa, so I know some of the challenges facing farmers today. Always good to learn more.
Nice to meet you!
Hi Sally - I just checked my emails and saw that you left a comment about my pooches - thank you! I love standards too - I bet the three you mentioned are gorgeous together. Mine show up in posts every once in awhile, but I'm having a hard time getting good photos of black dogs. Practice will hopefully improve that!
I took some time to look thru your back posts - I love your blog! I'll be back often.
Hi Kris - Tell me about it...I have a black pup too and am constantly trying to get a shot of his face. Thanks for the compliment.
I am off to check it out! It's about time someone stands up for the little guy.
(Walmart will just bring it in from China)
Very true Sandi. There is no easy answers to this problem.
I come from a farming background as a great many of my forebears were farmers. Their way of life taught me never to criticise the farmer while sitting at the table.
I've never forgotten that. Idle talk by others who know nothing of farmers' lives or their struggles to make a living, but who are happy to consume the produce the farmers have sweated to bring to their tables, should keep their thoughts to themselves. Without farmers the world would have nothing to eat.
Thank you, W.G.! I couldn't have said it better.
Hello, Sally. would you like to come and see a little video I took of the butterflies which came to my garden yesterday?
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