Nora Goldstein and the BioCycle Legacy Continue
This news of Nora Goldstein’s changing role at BioCycle came out two weeks ago and it was too important not to circle back. I am grateful to have had the chance to work and learn together with Nora Goldstein and … Continue reading →
The Unsung Role of Gravity in Residential Energy System Operation
Gravity is underrated in our world. It is taken for granted in residential energy systems. As an agricultural systems analyst we design our systems using gravity whenever possible. In, Grain and feed handling Liquid and dry manure handling Barging grain … Continue reading →
Three Flavors of Production Information Aid Farmers in January 2026
I am a fierce advocate for farms and farming. But what is a farm? And who is a farmer? There are lots of social media posts on this topic. I write often on this topic and have asked these questions … Continue reading →
Buying a Farm with the Sweat of One’s Brow is an American Dream
It is also a slow way to build capital. While I was in high school, I remember one of our farm neighbors, built a commercial hog farm largely on his spirit and work ethic. Several large farmers helped cover his … Continue reading →
Industry Terminology has a Powerful Policy Impact – Definitive Power
I had the unique privilege of being hired by the American Farm Bureau Federation in 1995 – straight out completing my PhD – because I had three graduate degrees in manure management. My other Farm Bureau responsibilities included eggs, … Continue reading →
For 40 Years, Real Cost of Thanksgiving Meal Price Remains Constant
Serving as the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Thanksgiving economist in the 1990s was a pleasure. The cost of food thirty years ago was generally good news, so there was no downside. Unlike most of the more contested issues I worked … Continue reading →
US Turkey Growers Do Not Receive Same Market Benefit as the Industry
Thanksgiving arrives with an annual focus on food prices. We host friends and family at home with lots of prepared food. One of the annual food price traditions is the American Farm Bureau Federation, Thanksgiving Survey. Regular readers know that … Continue reading →
St. Louis is a Hub of US Farm Production – St. Louis Agribusiness Club
In September, the St. Louis Agribusiness Club released their 2025 Economic Study of the agribusiness economic impact on the St. Louis region. For those of us in this region, it is validation of the passion we have for working in … Continue reading →
Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste is Growing
New market demand for renewable natural gas (RNG), or biogenic methane, is growing. First, the EPA AgStar historical farm digester data was charted to illustrate the rapid recent growth in farm digesters. Next, the EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) … Continue reading →
Historical Growth of Landfill Gas Projects in EPA LMOP Dataset
EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) dataset is a foundation of the transformation of negative methane emissions into beneficial use of biogenic natural gas. This transition is robust, dynamic, and well documented. It has always been the older sibling to … Continue reading →