Farm health care getting scarce
People who work on farms face a higher risk of respiratory disease and also have a fatality rate significantly greater than the general public.
University of Illinois researchers released a study this week showing the farm fatality rate is 25.8 workers for every 100,000 -- more than five times the average 5.1 per 100,000 for all U.S. workers.
The study found exposure to organic dust and toxic gases increase the risk of acute and chronic respiratory disease among farm workers.
Exposure to pesticide-related compounds thought to be associated with several cancers also caused the fatality rate to be higher.
The study, which took three years to compile, showed the mean age of farm workers is increasing. Sixty-one percent of farmers are now 55 or older and only 8 percent are under 35.
That translates into an increase in farm operators who suffer from physical disabilities, including spinal cord injuries and amputations.
Complicating the situation is a shortage of medical services in rural areas, with many people in farm towns too reliant on emergency medical service departments made up of unpaid volunteers.
Another change found by the study is a shift away from farm workers whose primary language is English, which complicates medical care since many of the health professionals in rural communities are English-only speakers.
"We have a continuing need in agricultural safety and health," university safety specialist Robert "Chip" Petrea said. "This document suggests specific areas where that need can be addressed."
The study also found there is a shift away from male workers on the farm. Women now make up 23.1 percent of farm operators and managers, and 19 percent of farm workers are female.
Organizations providing assistance to the university's study were Pioneer Hi-Bred International, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Farm Foundation.
Atkins diet to blame for flour decline
Flour consumption has fallen to record lows in the United States, according to the Agriculture Department. Grain growers are blaming the highly popular low-carbohydrate diet developed by the late Robert C. Atkins for the decline in demand.
A recent Gallup Poll of U.S. grocery shoppers showed 56 percent of them said the high protein diet described in Atkins books help people to lose weight but three-quarters of those surveyed said they thought it would be difficult to maintain such a diet long-term.
"It's not our fault that 64 percent of the population is overweight," said Colette Heimowitz, director of education and research at Atkins Health and Medical Information Services.
Six studies in recent months have supported the Atkins approach to weight control, saying there was no evidence that it compromises dieters' health.
(by E.W. Kieckhefer)
Beef co. encourages organic production
Chicago-based Dakota Beef Co. signed an agreement with the Canadian Organic Livestock Association to provide a steady supply of certified organic beef products to countries in the European Union.
The company also reached agreement with Britain-based FJB Systems to ensure its products meet European Union beef importation standards.
Dakota Beef plans to begin processing Canadian beef in September for distribution throughout Europe. The agreements will allow Dakota to get a piece of the European market, which has been reluctant to accept hormone-treated beef products the company currently produces.
Company may sell forestland
Connecticut-based MeadWestvaco Corp. is studying the sale of 636,000 acres of commercial forestland in Maine and New Hampshire.
Officials with the company said a sale would be contingent on favorable price, long-term wood supply agreements for the company's paper mill in Rumford, Maine, and continued third-party certification to ensure the land is managed using sustainable forestry practices.
Company officials also said they are negotiating with several conservation groups to ensure about 10,000 acres with high conservation value in western Maine remain protected.
Study says farmers back wind power
Corn growers are all for wind power.
A survey of corn growers conducted by Robinson and Muenster Associates of Sioux Falls, S.D., for the American Corn Growers Foundation showed 93 percent of the farmers surveyed support wind-generated electricity.
Also, 88.8 percent favored farmers, industry and public institutions promoting wind generation and 87.5 percent said power companies should accept farm-generated power as part of their mix.
(by E.W. Kieckhefer)
Grains up on CBOT
Grain futures were higher at the close Thursday on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Soybeans benefited from solid export sales and influence from Wednesday's price gains.
Corn rose on export sales increases and technical buying activity.
Wheat rose on increased export sales while oats received a boost from wheat.
The prices:
Soybeans: Jul 6.48 3/4 off 1/2, Aug 6.42 3/4 up 1/2, Sep 6.06 up 3, Nov 5.36 up 1 3/4.
Corn: Jul 2.55 3/4 up 4 1/2, Sep 2.52 up 4 3/4, Dec 2.51 1/2 up 4 1/4, Mar 2.56 up 3 3/4.
Wheat: Jul 3.38 3/4 up 9 1/2, Sep 3.42 3/4 up 10 1/4, Dec 3.52 1/4 up 9, Mar 3.57 up 10 1/2.
Oats: Jul 1.62 1/2 up 6 1/2, Sep 1.52 3/4 up 4 3/4, Dec 1.49 1/2 up 3 1/2, Mar 1.53 up 2.
