Fill 'er up at the granary
If barbers and bartenders can solve the political problems of this old world, why can't podunk weekly editors fix the farm problem?
It's a matter of supply and demand, they say. The supply of grain outstrips the demand. Prices are bolstered by government subsidy. That process has been going on for years, but in the USA and foreign grain producing nations. You'd think the "experts" would have learned by now that it doesn't work.
Livestock, dairy, and fruit producers survive without government subsidy.
A wheat farmer who joked about "putting up another mailbox" to increase his income said he can't survive growing wheat. "Then don't grow wheat," was the suggestion. Instead of limiting small grain production, farmers plant the limit — including ditches — on a crop that doesn't pay dividends.
It sounds simplistic. But there is merit to the idea that non-profitable efforts should be replaced by something that will produce a profit.
This newspaper is a commodity that's sold to subscribers. Producing more newspapers than there are subscribers wouldn't be wise. It'd be a good way to go broke. But, publishers don't want Uncle Sam involved in their business. They don't want to be subsidized for newspapers they can't sell.
The prospect of making motor fuel out of corn and milo is encouraging. In fact, it's happening. A great deal of gasoline and diesel fuel is being marketed as ethanol and biodiesel.
When you fill your tank keep in mind that you are helping your farm friends solve their marketing crises.
A 40 million gallon (annual) plant is being planned for a location yet to be announced near the Kansas-Nebraska border. Drive up to the pump and "fill 'er up" with Kansas grain.
The same is true of stoves that burn corn. Heat you home by burning corn and help your farm neighbors.
Now, while we're in the problem solving mood, let's share our thoughts on controlling weight.
As many of you know, your Ol' Editor has lost upward of 50 pounds during the past couple of years. Nearly 40 pounds was shed before the bout with cardiac arrest more than a year ago. And 10 more have been shed since March 11, 2001.
Here's how: Don't eat salty foods like potato chips, pickles, pretzels, or such snacks. Cut down on sweet stuff, pies, cake, ice cream, candy, and such. Don't eat unless you are hungry and never eat until you're full. Don't go on a diet and don't count calories. Just eat sensibly. Weigh every morning, and you'll be so proud of shedding few pounds that it will encourage you to continue.
A good rule: Don't eat anything you like, but satisfy your appetite with foods you don't like. No more ice cream, apple pie, oatmeal cookies, or Snickers bars. Have another helping of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips. Ugh!
— BILL MEYER
