The Associated Press reported today that Virginia corn, soybean and cotton crops suffered a decline in production in 2007. The National Agricultural Statistics Service pinned the blame on dry weather across Virginia.
Farmers averaged 85 bushels per acre in 2007, down 35 bushels from 2006. The decline came despite the fact that state farmers planted more corn in 2007. In fact, 2007’s corn acreage was the highest on record since 1933, partially thanks to speculation that ethanol will become the the 21st century’s oil.
The AP story didn’t mention the effect that monoculture farming could have had on production decline, but you can be sure that somewhere Michael Pollan is setting off to slaughter a wild boar, pick some mushrooms and wag his finger.
Previous "This Just In" articles from this week:
Immigrant defender speaks out [January 20]
Tim Freilich takes aim at Virginia legislators
Body counting [January 19]
UVA study recommends veterans cemetery in Nelson
Where’s the quarterback? [January 18]
Jameel Sewell and three other UVA football players won’t be around this semester
Snow. Cameras. Action! [January 17]
City holds press conference to detail its new weather-battling technology
Louisa to Charlottesville: You gave me gangs! [January 16]
County creates preventive task force
MySpace agrees to greater policing [January 15]
Attorney General will sit on online social networking committee
