Farming in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, Washington State.Photo: darhawk Please allow me to apologize. I am a farmer. The farm bill embarrasses me by pointing out the fact that under normal circumstances it is difficult for me to make a living. I do not care for the term “welfare.” I prefer the terms “pride,” […]
Posted inEnergy
Ethanol Plants Will Boost Local Economies — But Not That Much
There is an increased interest in farmland. This is the auction for the Grotelueschen farm north of Columbus, Nebraska, in November.Photo: jugrote One boosterish group in Iowa claims that ethanol production in the state has already created 47,000 jobs. Iowa State University economist David Swenson begs to differ. He recommends that to get the true […]
Posted inRural Voters
Rural Reps.: Are They Turning to Obama?
Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA) pressed the endorsement button Jan. 21, for Barack Obama (here, he’s lighting up a new technology center in Wise County with company and state officials).Photo: Gotricities Rep Rick Boucher (D-VA) endorsed Barack Obama on Monday. “I represent a rural district of 27 counties and cities in southwestern Virginia,” Boucher announced. “George […]
Posted inRural Voters
McCain Wins South Carolina’s Most Urban and Rural
The GOP presidential primary (1/19/08): McCain’s counties in blue, Huckabee’s in red. Problems with voting machines in Horry County (Myrtle Beach) delayed those returns. Source: State of South Carolina Arizona Senator John McCain won South Carolina’s Republican primary yesterday, attracting 33% of the statewide vote. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, McCain’s only close competitor in […]
Posted inRural Voters
Clinton Rolls to a Win with Las Vegas
Jeff Pittman, member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union, showed his support at Saturday’s Democratic caucus in Gardnerville, Nevada. Barack Obama won the most votes in the Douglas County. Photo: Shannon Litz, Douglas Co. Record Courier Sen. Hillary Clinton won the Democratic caucuses in Nevada Saturday, gathering 51% of the […]
Posted inRural Economy
Even the Agriculture Stocks are Dropping!
Now we know the stock market is seriously hurting. How’s that? This week, the agriculture stocks took a hit. Yep, the seed, chemical and machinery purveyors who had such a ridiculously good 2007 all took it in the face this past week. The ag stocks in the Yonder 40, DY’s index of stocks that reflect […]
Posted inEducation, Environment
Nobel Winner’s Talk Cancelled in Choteau
The Legion Club in Choteau, Montana.Photo: mmobiuss Pity the poor school superintendent. It’s hard enough to make the classrooms work — but to referee the debate about global warming is a mountainous order. It was certainly too much for Kevin St. John, superintendent of the Choteau School District, located in northwest Montana on the eastern […]