“(Solar, wind and geothermal) are the only real renewables out there, and as petroleum energy sources continue to ratchet upwards, these three energy sources are generating a whole new audience of interest.”

Despite the price of corn, the nay-sayers rumblings about using corn for fuel, the headlines about world food price concerns, even rumors of shut downs of ethanol plants, despite all the chatter the renewable fuels industry continues to grow across America.

A research project conducted at Iowa State University in Ames and the University of Hawaii at Manoa could be the breakthrough to put ethanol back into the spotlight as a major energy winner.

"I believe we should be investing in the farmers and workers of the Midwest, not the oil fields of the Mideast. Renewable fuels can provide a cleaner, cheaper alternative to gasoline, and the dollars spent on them stay in our economy, while reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

"At the end of the day, the farm bill we passed preserves and improves the farm safety net, expands conservation spending, funds new programs for fruit and vegetable producers, encourages renewable energy production and improves nutrition programs. No one got everything they wanted, but there is something in this farm bill for everyone to support. "

The Land Crossword: Renewable Energy issue

Kids' Corner: June 27-July 4, 2008

When Glenn Brix wanted to make his woodworking hobby into a part-time commercial enterprise he took it in a surprising direction. “I’ve built and sold 250 coffins,” he said.

Is there any profit left in raising pigs, regardless of market weight?