05/28/08 Tributes to Simplot & Rebounding Renewables

Tribute to Simplot & Rebounding Renewables plus Food Forethought. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. Tributes have been pouring in after the passing of J.R. Simplot over the weekend at the ripe age of 99. The man who parleyed 4 gold coins into a dynasty is being fondly remembered as a man who took chances and helped build many of America's business. Both Micron computers and McDonald's restaurants owe a lot of their success to Simplot. A memorial service is planned for 2 pm this coming Sunday at Boise's Qwest Arena. A lot of folks stayed put this past long holiday weekend. With gas prices around $4 a gallon it just was too expensive to travel or even get the boat out on the water. Many people are starting to ask questions both about the high price of oil and what is happening with renewable fuels. Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association says that recent attacks have been intense but in the long run, the truth will win out. DINNEEN: The facts are on our side. When people reflect upon what is really driving crude inflation, what is really driving the downturn in our economy and that is oil. And that the only real solution is to reduce the price of energy and ethanol is absolutely having a tremendous positive impact on gasoline, crude oil and energy prices. And so we will ultimately prevail. Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Lacy Gray. The national Census of Agriculture has some farmers squirming and uncomfortable, worrying about "Big Brother" watching. But the Census of Agriculture has been in place for years to help in determining subsidies and similar programs. The ag census numbers are supposed to be anonymous and are needed to provide important information in ascertaining the types of farm products and livestock being produced locally and nationally. Several farmers and animal owners, however, worry that in providing census information they will be unwillingly registering for the more controversial National Animal Identification System which microchips livestock in order to track and prevent disease and protect the nation's food supply. One farmer stated, "This is one more method of keeping tabs on everyone, and I think we've got enough of that already." But do we, with tainted beef ending up in school lunch programs? We all want the same thing, a safe and secure national food supply. Let's work together toward that end. Thanks Lacy. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.