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View from the Hill
Changing seasons and generations
Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 22 March 2011 14:27
Springtime in Minnesota is not much different than springtime in Kansas, is it? Birds are returning to their nesting grounds, days are getting longer and people are emerging from their homes, dressed in clothing more fitting for triple-digit temperatures.Unless one ignores the copious mounds of snow remaining in central and northern Minnesota while streams and rivers are flowing out of their banks, spring is still spring, regardless of our relative position on this planet.
This is Grace and Lucia’s first springtime experience in their life. They do not comprehend the significance of it at all. Perhaps if they had an adult’s perspective, especially after having experienced 60 years’ worth of springtime events, not to mention...
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Work with KAWG was ‘quite a ride’
Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 22 February 2011 17:04
My term as president of Kansas Association of Wheat Growers has come to an end. Gone are the daily responsibilities of the office, of answering correspondence, making phone calls, chairing board meetings and scheduling conference calls when the need arises.My association with KAWG began in the ’80s. As a young man struggling to get a foothold in production agriculture, little did I know where this budding relationship would go.
Little did I know that an organization begun by a small group of farmers more than 50 years ago, would impact my life to the extent that one day I would be selected to lead it into the next century.
It’s been quite a ride. Though our mission of serving the producer through innovation, increasing...
Budget input from farmers to feds
Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 25 January 2011 16:23
Having recently returned from visiting with our legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill, I believe it is important that all producers remain current on the potential impact that any budget cuts might have on agricultural programs. The following information is taken from talking points prepared by National Association of Wheat Growers and submitted to our legislators.Regarding the federal budget...
• Totaling only one-fourth of 1 percent of the federal budget, agriculture’s safety net of direct payment, crop insurance and conservation programs protects a viable and prosperous agricultural economy.
• Crop insurance took a $4 billion hit in the last 2010 renegotiation of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement. We urge our...
Dinner table serves up memories
Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 21 December 2010 15:26
According to the weather experts, this year’s Christmas celebration will likely take place without snow. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if one is a livestock or dairy producer. Other than that, what’s not to like about celebrating Christmas with one’s family?This year’s event will highlight our twin granddaughters’ first Christmas experience. At barely 6 months of age, I doubt they will remember any of it. Nonetheless, the rest of us will remember their places and role in our family Christmas.
Seven neatly embroidered, oversized stockings hang by our chimney with great care. Eight, if one counts a stocking for a surviving member of the cat family, but who’s counting?
A close relative beats that number by...
Plenty of perils for pets that pollute
Written by Paul Penner Tuesday, 23 November 2010 15:35
This is a tale of two kitties, plus four. One might also say it’s a cautionary tail, pun intended.Neighbors Mike and Mollie—not their real names—live across the street from each other and are good friends. Mike owns two female cats, Tomasita and Jeri, orphaned when their mother fell victim to a predator while searching for food in the countryside.
Upon discovering their plight and realizing they would not survive much longer, Mike rescued the kittens from certain death. They grew and flourished while in his care.
Mollie owns a Labrador Retriever and enjoys evening walks around town with her golden-fleeced troubadour.
Fast forward to the time after both females have kittens. Tomasita gives birth to four healthy kittens. Jeri...
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