I heard on NPR (National Public Radio) a story that came out of Kansas City concerning Bio-Diesel. It seems that at the current time about half of the bio-diesel and ethanol plants are either not producing at capacity or have moth balled themselves. The current prices of grain have made the raw materials prohibitive for producing the alcohol or oil. Now get this situation, our Federal government, in an effort to encourage the production of bio-diesel, is providing a tax incentive/federal subsidy for the blending of bio-diesel. The petroleum companies, because of the lack of production and high price of US produced soy oil is buying soy oil from South America, principally Brazil, importing it to the US, blending it, getting the tax incentive/subsidy, and then sell it to European countries, who have much tougher requirements for the use of bio-diesel than we do. (The Europeans are complaining that we are undercutting the market because of the tax incentives/subsidies for blending bio-diesel.)

I also heard something about GM getting behind the production of oil from used tires and bio waste. We have a plant in Carthage MO which has been attempting to produce oil from the bio waste of poultry processing plants. The technology works, but the problem is that the process produces odors which are objectionable to the residents down wind of the plant. (In fact there has been lawsuits about the problem, and it has caused the plant to be idled at different times.)

Guys, I’ll probably vote for McCain in November. I consider myself a moderate Democrat, but this year I have problems getting behind either of the two front runners, and of course the liberal wing of the party has gotten too much control anymore for my interests to be properly represented. I think you’re right about Senator Obama sticking his foot into his mouth and finally showing his hand, as an elitist. As far as Senator Clinton, she unfortunately has not shown the leadership in the Senate I had hoped for. In my opinion she has been more of the same old party line crap, and nothing new that both sides can get behind. As far as Senator McCain goes, I admire how he has endured many of the hardships in his life, and his commitment to our nation, but I also think he has tried to be too much of a concillator between the two parties and has not taken a strong stand on many major issues. If he had, he would have greater support within his party. I’m afraid this is going to be another year of trying to pick out the one who is the least objectionable to your views and opinions.

Jim, I can relate to the sciatica pain in your leg, I’ve had it off and on for a number of years. So far I’ve been lucky and have only had an occaisional flare up that has taken me out of action a few days at a time. I’m glad to hear that the leasing company let you out of your contract. I’ve known lots of farmers who truck on the side and a number who are truckers who farm on the side and depending upon whether or not you are under contracted loads or independent it can either be a godsend or a curse. Trucking can help pay off the family farm, but it takes you away from the family and the farm, sometimes a lot more than what you want. I hope everything works out for you, and your back gets better, soon.

Kevin

mlytc,
The houses were built to Cobb spec. All the older houses have the nest on the edge of the slat. I think that’s a much better setup. They are trying to get the chickens to lay in both sides of the nest and instead have very few of them laying in the nest period. I don’t have to tell you, when the intergrator wants something they get it. I would move my nests if they would let me. Their next brain storm is to move the nest back closer to the edge of the slat, but still have the feed track between the nest and scratch. Then move the drinker to the back next to the sidewall. That’s their new spec. It may change before I get my next set. Placement date would not be the same if I do add another set. They already let me know that they want these birds on a different schedule than my current ones. We have discussed September/October as beginning the next flock.
Glad to have you reading, make sure you check back!

Jim,
Sorry to hear you’re having trouble again. Sometimes the universe just talks to you though. This may be your opportunity to get out of trucking. I see it being very hard to make money at as time goes on. Farming is the same, hard to make a go of. If you do make it atleast you can be doing something you enjoy. Keep a close eye on that bottle baby’s poo. Lot easier to cut back on the milk at the first sign of looseness than to fight the scours. If you’re going to have many bottle babies get yourself a first aid kit together. Stock it with electrolytes and whatever is your favorite to stop the runs. I always used Kaopectate. Add some extra hens to the mix too. Putting an egg in the milk gives them that extra protien without much risk of scours. I also used browned flour to stop the scours. Never did much like the boluses(pills) the vets always recommended.
We’re at 13787 females and 1126 males as of yesterday. We lose about 5 or so a day. The males are really aggressive and that causes a lot of it.
With Obama’s recent comments about the working class being bitter and voting on religion and guns and immigration McCain will definately get my vote unless Hillary can somehow pull off the democratic nomination. Of course people vote on those things. That’s their right. It’s their vote. They should vote according to what they hold dearest. I’m getting the feeling that Obama is an elitist who is out of touch with small town america. Well I’ve said enough. Hang in there and thanks for the comment!