Iowa State University
Professor of Economics at Iowa State University and former director of its Center for Agricultural and Rural Development; farmer who grows soy and corn
PROFILE
Bruce Babcock
Guest
FROM Bruce Babcock
To the Point
Is Ethanol Doing More Harm than Good? Under federal law since 2007, gasoline in America has been blended with more and more corn-based ethanol every year. President Obama has been a major supporter but today, for the first time, his Environmental Protection Agency will reduce the mandate . A political explosion is already underway in Washington, pitting corn producers against an unlikely alliance, including oil companies and environmentalists. Is ethanol failing to help clean up the air after all? Is excessive corn production threatening the environment? What's likely for the price of gasoline?
To the Point
Drought Slashes Crop Production, Pushes Up Food Prices The Agriculture Department reported today that his year’s corn yield is the lowest since 1995, resulting from the nation’s worst drought in 56 years. Corn prices have set a record, which could mean higher fuel prices, and there’s concern about food shortages elsewhere in the world.
Which Way, L.A.?
Drought and King Corn More than 1000 counties in 29 states – the most ever -- have been declared natural disaster areas. This year's drought is making Midwestern cornfields look like the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. With both food and energy dependent on corn, is America over-reliant on one crop? Will prices rise at the grocery store?
To the Point
Drought: A Slow-Moving Disaster Corn is basic to America's diet, from feed for all the animals we eat, to cereal and even Gatorade. We also depend on fuel from corn-made ethanol. This year's drought is making Midwestern cornfields look like the Dust Bowl of the 1930. Will prices rise at the grocery store? Because of American corn exports, the impact could be worse overseas. But, for some American farmers, there's surprising prosperity. We find out why.
Which Way, L.A.?
The Farm Bill: Real Reform or Political Bait and Switch? Every few years, Congress takes up the massive Farm Bill, with members of both parties loading it up with pork barrel spending. The latest version — totaling almost a trillion dollars -- passed the Senate today on a vote of 62 to 36. It now goes to the House. Earlier this week, Senate Democrats defeated Republican amendments for cuts in food stamps. We hear why it's important and what its chances might be.
To the Point
The Farm Bill: Real Reform or Political Bait and Switch? Every few years, Congress takes up the massive Farm Bill, with members of both parties loading it up with pork barrel spending. After George W. Bush vetoed the Farm Bill in 2008, the Senate over-rode him with 82 out of 100 votes. This year, the bill totals almost a trillion dollars with passage expected before the end of this week. It's the historic epitome of pork barrel spending — but, in this era of partisan gridlock, it's also a sign that the parties can get together if only they want to. Direct payments to farmers are being abolished, but critics complain that new subsidies for crop insurance are really the same thing. Will a last-minute fight over food stamps derail the last major legislation expected to pass before the November election?
To the Point
Rising Food Prices: Has Ethanol Backfired? For 30 years, food prices have been declining worldwide, so much that, in western countries, obesity has become a major problem. But it appears that the era of cheap food has come to an end. As prices are rising all over the world, many Americans don’t have enough to eat. The latest report from the Department of Agriculture finds that almost 11% of American households experience "food insecurity" for part of the year. Thirteen million families don't have enough to eat. Food banks that serve hungry people are not getting the donations they need to do their job. The Farm Bill increases money for food stamps and other programs. Will that make up the difference? Will massive support for corn-based ethanol make things better or worse?
Recommended
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.