Talking about...Beef, Biofuels, NAIS, International Agriculture

“We know consumers aren't buying beef for the protein. They buy beef for the tender, juicy flavor compared to competing proteins.”
(Source: Farm and Ranch Guide, January 5, 2008)
Rob Maddock, NDSU professor of meat science, speaking at the North Dakota Stockmen's Association Feeder Council's Beyond the Bunk III, called beef a costly protein; as much as $12.27/pound more than soy protein.
>PS: Munching a handful of soybeans vs dining on a nice filet? Now there’s a no-brainer.

"We think a balance could be met. There are lots of opportunities for agriculture to participate [in the biofuels business] outside of corn alone. When Congress is stuck on just one trick pony, it hurts all of us."
(Source: Biofuels Journal, January 3, 2008)
Jesse Sevcik, vice president, legislative affairs, American Meat Institute, talking about the new energy law which expands the Renewable Fuel Standard to 9 billion gallons of ethanol in 2008, requiring about three billion bushels of corn.
>PS: Jesse, you may be working for a special interest group but you’re opinion is refreshingly non-partisan.

"I have voted to stop the mandatory National Animal Identification System because one of the effects of NAIS could eliminate the family farm and replace family farms with huge corporate farms.”
(Source: Suburban Journal, January 6, 2008)
Rep. Belinda Harris, D-Hillsboro, MO., House Appropriations Committee for Agriculture, talking about her opposition NAIS because she believes it will be an unbearable financial burden for small farms.
>PS: “Could?” Belinda, if you want to fight NAIS and its benefits, you’ll just have to be more committal than that.

Mitt Romney “would develop large-scale renewable energy — ethanol, biodiesel, solar, wind — and increase domestic fuel production, including drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore. Would promote research in energy storage, efficiency, other sources of clean energy.”
John Edwards “more investment in solar, wind and biomass technology; and "clean coal" and carbon storage. Opposes nuclear power and coal-to-liquid investment. Supports raising fuel economy standard to 40 miles per gallon by 2016, helping automakers retool factories, increasing ethanol production, and encouraging transit-oriented development and use of public transportation.”
John McCain “prefers "profit-motive, free-enterprise-system-driven green technologies. Supports use of cleaner coal technology if it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and includes carbon capture and storage. Backs higher vehicle fuel efficiency standards but sets no target. Supports alternative bio-fuels, but not subsidies for ethanol.”
(Source: Hartford Courant, January 6, 2008)
>PS: Several presidential candidates positioning themselves on the Ethanol/energy issue for Connecticut’s voters.
>PPS: Suggestion – find a way to harness all the excess hot air coming off these campaigns and you’ll solve the energy problem until the next election

“If China was becoming the world’s workshop and India its back office, Brazil is its farm — and potentially its center of environmental services.”
(Source: New York Times, January 6, 2008)
Michael Reid, in his new book about South America, “Forgotten Continent,” talking about the future direction of world agriculture.
>PS: Those crazy Brazilians are already busy cornering the world market on beef.