Ethanol makes my car run terribly. I go out of my way to find gas that doesn't have it.
Ethanol makes my grain bill a painful prospect by increasing demand for both corn and corn alternatives.
Fertilizer prices are obscene.
The farm gate price of milk is set by government regulations. Dairy farmers have no way to pass these increased costs along so there is a serious pinch being felt here and at livestock farms across the nation.
Here are a couple of interesting sites with more details about this phenomenon.
Top ten farm expenditures (includes change from 06 to 06
Choices and unintended consequences.
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It was obvious from the very beginning that this was going to happen. I blogged about it back then and it has come to pass. My friend can't sell her horses because grain and hay are so expensive. My sheep grain has gone up significantly making me rethink the whole thing. It's very sad and all it takes is a few dumb leaders to get the ball rolling.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
ReplyDeleteEthanol is not the answer. Higher grain prices justify the expansion of more of the same. Sure some farmers will benefit. However, many will not.
Furthermore, consumers may think they are doing the "green" thing. Energetically, grain-based ethanol will have its challenges. Everyone would be better off growing perennials for biomass.
Invest in roots!
WR, I didn't pay anywhere enough attention at first. I certainly am now. It is killing us and I am sure it is the same for the majority of people dependent on corn and fuel
ReplyDeleteDaniel, this is going to change the face of agriculture, possibly forever, and I am afraid people are not going to like what is left at the end.