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The Salt
Big Ag Agrees to Conserve Cropland, But At What Cost?
May 9, 2013 Farmers say they are ready to compromise with some environmental groups on the issue of conservation compliance. But critics say the price tag for the taxpayer may be too high.
The Salt
Who Paid For Last Summer's Drought? You Did
May 1, 2013 Corn and soybean farmers not only survived last year's epic drought — thanks to crop insurance, they made bigger profits than they would have in a normal year, a new analysis finds. And a big chunk of those profits were provided through taxpayer subsidies.
The Salt
Meat Producers And, Ultimately, Consumers Hurt By Drought
July 25, 2012 The crops taking the worst hit from the current drought are the ones we feed to animals, like corn. Higher corn prices mean it can cost more to feed pigs and cattle than they will fetch at market, meaning higher meat prices for all.
The Salt
Government Takeover Of Farm Subsidy Would Save Billions, Economist Says
April 20, 2012 Crop insurance is a sticky issue in the debate over the shape of the farm bill this year. But what if a simplified version of the program could save taxpayers billions of dollars? One economist says it could.
