Abstract This paper looks at the focus, impact and consequences of U.S. farm policies. In particular, it examines the 1996 Farm Bill, policy changes instituted in 1985, and the 2002 Farm Act. The paper concludes with an analysis of the consequences, whether positive or negative, of the Freedom to Farm Act.
From the Paper "The United States has always supported its farmers through a number of different policies. This policy has included programs designed to distribute the nation's land in an equitable fashion, increase productivity, raising the standard of living of American farmers and helping them to market their products (Westcott and Price, 2001). US farm policy since the 1930s focused on price and income supports. Until the introduction of the 1996 Farm Bill, the price support system relied on a series of acreage limits and storage programs (Westcott and Price, 2001)."
Abstract In this article, the writer studies the farm policies in America during the Eisenhower and Kennedy years. The writer places primary focus on the specific moves of President Kennedy in this field. The writer discusses President Kennedy's actions, including raising farmer income, improving supply management and using farm surpluses to augment other programs.
From the Paper "...... American agricultural production grew dramatically while the number of farm workers declined by nearly one-third. What some historians have described as nearly miraculous agricultural productivity was achieved. This was accomplished as a consequence of greater crop specialization, intensive use of fertilizers and increased mechanization of farm work itself. The decline of the family farm and the growth of what came to be called agri-business changed the environment in which agricultural production in the United States took place. Larger farmers benefited ... "
Tags: John F. Kennedy, farm policy, Benson, farm surpluses, Eisenhower
Abstract This paper takes a look at the practice of factory farming in the United States. While the paper concedes that these new age farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for the increasing demand, the methods involved, crowded conditions, and problems caused to the environment are less than beneficial. The author describes how the factory farms have deteriorated the environment by polluting waterways and producing greenhouse gases as well as the unnatural and overcrowded conditions that livestock now live in. The paper also mentions the additional health problems that humans will encounter as we eat the products from these farms and fill our bodies with unnatural bi-products. In closing, the author urges the public to stop destroying the environment by overconsumption and to support free range farmers.
From the Paper "The United States livestock industry is certainly not the shining example of how animals should be treated, but it is certainly a vital part of agriculture in this country. There has been a major shift in the way livestock is produced and grown in the last several decades. Small family farms have been replaced by large corporately owned factory farms. These new age farms have caused major problems for our environment, our health, and our animals. Huge factory farms have become the predominant method of raising livestock, and the crowded conditions in these facilities have caused water and air pollution, caused health problems, and caused harm to overall public health. There is no doubt that these farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for our increasing demand, but these ways are simply not healthy for humans, animals, and the earth."
Abstract This paper examines the history of federal support for farming and analyzes how effective it has been. The historical and economic background of the current crisis in American farming is also examined. The paper looks at the impact of the Grange movement, the Dust Bowl catastrophe, poor farming and land management methods and federal subsidies to farmers.
From the Paper "We tend to think of the current crisis faced by American farmers in which each year farmers are forced to leave a profession and a calling that their families have often practiced for generations sometimes ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the issues of should the Nantucket Sound wind farm be allowed to proceed and do the apparent benefits outweigh the risks that opponents have outlined? In a word: yes. According to the paper, the Nantucket Sound wind farm proposal should move forward in its development. It represents a renewable source of clean electricity that has minimal impact upon the region--both environmentally and economically. The coming years will see ever-increasing costs for nonrenewable sources of electricity such as coal and natural gas. The Nantucket Sound region has the ability to produce much of its own electricity, cheaply and efficiently. The region should take advantage of that resource.
Abstract This paper analyzes the various themes in George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm." The paper explores the contrasts between the setting of a farm, the characters being animals, and the serious political messages of the book. The paper's author concludes that Orwell used these contrasts in order for the reader to constantly question the themes of the novel.
From the Paper "The novel Animal Farm by George Orwell is considered as one having important and serious themes. Orwell is writing about the nature of power, the corruption of power, the nature of society, as well as a basic theme about good and evil. The importance of these themes suggests that the novel is one that Orwell wanted people to take seriously. The importance of these themes also suggests that the novel is one for an adult audience. These aspects of the novel create questions about why Orwell wrote it the way he did. Why did he base the novel on an animal farm, where the animals reject the humans and take over the farm? Why does Orwell have pigs as the main characters? These aspects of the novel do not seem to match the important themes of the novel. Yet, it must be assumed that Orwell had a purpose in selecting the setting, the characters, and the style of the novel. These issues will now be explored in detail, with the purpose being to understand what Orwell was trying to achieve with the novel."
Abstract This paper provides an insight into the Farm Service Agency which was established in 1994, essentially as a continuation of the former Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS). It examines how the ASCS had long been administered by the Farmer's Home Administration (FmHA), a Depression-era agency which managed farm loans. It looks at how farm loan programs were created in response to well-established characteristics of agriculture-- the uncertainties of weather and other factors that influence crop prices, the need of farmers for operating loans and the tendency of farm commodities to come on the market all at one time (e.g., harvest time), with a resultant glut effect on prices.
Outline
Introduction
Overview of the Farm Service Agency
Mission of the FSA with Respect to Agriculture
Organization of the FSA
Sources of Loan Funds
Relationships to Funding Sources
Loans and Terms Offered
Purposes and Types of Loans
Example Loan Program
Amounts of Loans
Maturities of Loans
Repayment Terms
Loan Costs (Interest Rates, Fees, etc.)
Types of Loan Programs
What the Agriculture Industry Should Know about the FSA
The FSA in Oklahoma
References
From the Paper "The FSA is organized into and administered through so-called County Offices, though each office may be responsible for several adjacent counties. Individual County Offices are staffed primarily by employees who formerly served in the ASCS. In addition, however, some offices have an Agricultural Loan Officer attached, or have regular scheduled appointment hours with a visiting Agricultural Loan Officer. The Southwest Farm Advisor (1999) online fact sheet recommends that borrowers try to work directly with the Agricultural Loan Officer, since the ex-ASCS staff members at County Offices "simply are not up to speed" on current loan procedures."
Abstract This paper explains a project management study based on theoretical information from an extensive literature review in project management, the oil and gas industry and the laws and regulations of Singapore to select the best-practiced methods for tank farm management in the U.S. and U.K., which are suitable inferences to the requirements for tank farm management. The author points out that upgrading the tank farms is an important undertaking for any refinery wishing to improve their facilities and manage the risks of operating a highly risky industry because more stringent environmental regulations can help reduce many disasters and help companies focus their attention on areas that need improvements and changes. The paper stresses that every project is unique depending on the conditions that exist both within and out of the organization undertaking the project; therefore, upgrading a tank farm requires that the organization understand the final objectives of why the upgrade is essential and needed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Statement of the Issue
Importance
Limitations
Definition of Terms
Assumptions
Review of Project Requirements
Creation of a Project Team for the Purpose of Modernizing the Tank
"FarmProject" Team Selection
Project Team Stages
Decision Styles and Team Leadership
Managing a Tank Farm and the Variables affecting the Management
Petroleum Storage Classification
Permit Requirements and Government Guidelines in Singapore
Problems associated with Tanks Used for Petroleum and Crude Oil Storage
Identification of the Work Scope and the Work Break Down Structure
Work Break Down Process
Planning and Scheduling
Estimation of Time, Cost and Labor
Request for Proposal Caveats, Quotations and Manner of Contract Awards
Scheduling and Milestone Achievements
Worker Performance and Productivity
Quality Control
Methodology
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Singapore with a total area of 692.7 sq km is one of the most prosperous countries in the world. With well-defined trade and commerce in the region, the country has been able to rival the GDP of countries in the developed world. The Asian financial crisis of the 90's however hit the region negatively. Industries and businesses took some time in recovering from this market crash. Refineries were badly impacted due to the overcapacity that had been built into the process in anticipation of the economic boom of the 1990s in the region. The oil companies, Shell and Caltex have consolidated their operations in Singapore and many other refineries have also undertaken some form of restructuring in the region."
Abstract This work examines reasons for protecting the farm industry in the U.S. and researches the history, as well as the origin of protectionism in the farm industry. The paper questions who is protecting the farming industry and looks at the advantages, as well as the disadvantages. The paper also examines who is gaining and who is suffering from this policy.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Historical Information
Tariff Timeline
Protectionism: The Facts
Advantages of Protectionism
Disadvantages of Protectionism
Who Gains from Protectionism
Failing Farms - Hungry People
Saving Farms - Feeding the Hungry
Summary and Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Those gaining from protectionist laws are "special interest groups" such as big corporations, unions, farmer's groups and others who have political clout and money to back their interests in seeing laws favorable for them passed. These groups intend to get away with charging higher prices and getting higher wages than could normally be expected in a free market. According to Walter Black, Senior Economist, Fraser Institute, Canada, "Protectionism is a misnomer. The only people protected by tariffs, quotas and trade restriction are those engaged in uneconomic and wasteful activity. Free trade is the only philosophy compatible with international peace and prosperity.""
Tags: Pat, Buchanan, trade, liberalization, congress, agriculture
Abstract A reaction to the Hosansky article on Farm Subsidies in the "CQ Researcher" which discusses the Farm Bill implemented by President Bush on May 13 2002. The author illustrates how although the report contained sufficient information on the issue, it had an inward-looking bias and did not adequately emphasize the global impact of the U.S. Farm Bill. Furthermore the report is said to lack an international perspective of the issue and does not take a clear-cut stand on the merits or demerits of Farm Subsidies.
From the Paper "The signing into law of the US Farm Bill in May 2002 has serious and profound international implications. These effects have only been mentioned in passing by the author and have not been analyzed or explained in sufficient depth. For example, the subsidies that have been built into the Bill (a massive 70% hike over the current levels) would result in overproduction of such food products as corn, wheat, cotton, rice and soybeans. This would drive down the market prices of these commodities and create huge surpluses in the United States. These products would then be exported to the poor countries of the world where the farmers cannot possibly compete with such low prices."
Abstract George Orwell wrote ?Animal Farm? as a political satire on Soviet communism. It relates the history of Soviet communism through the events on a farm actioned by the farm animals and the human beings they interact with. This paper explores the economic perspective of this novel, specifically what economic system operated on the farm, how this economic system operated and whom the system benefitted (or placed at a disadvantage). The paper shows that by studying the novel with these parameters in mind, one can obtain a comprehensive understanding of Orwell's opinions on the economics of communism and totalitarianism.
From the Paper "This leads into the second question of how this economy is sustained. In the beginning, when the animals rebel against their human master and institute Old Major's utopia (Old Major died three days after he related his idea to the animals), each animal assumes a role within the community for the betterment of their entire animal society. Snowball (one of the pigs) takes on the role of primary educator and teaches the other animals to read regardless of what kind of animal they are. Napoleon educates a group of puppies on the merits of Animalism, the new doctrine as professed by Old Major and designed to guide the actions of the inhabitants of Animal Farm. Boxer, the cart-horse uses his strength and dedicated work ethic to contribute to the flourishing of the farm, adopting as his personal creed ?I will work harder.? "
Abstract The research is intended as a way to fill the void of information regarding the efficacy and efficiency of a cooperative marketing effort in the farm credit industry. The paper begins with an overview of the purpose and function of the Farm Credit System. Next, in order to demonstrate the value of forming an in-house marketing and advertising service for the Farm Credit System as well as a unified and consistent marketing message for the system, the paper takes a look at how the System institutions currently acquire their marketing and advertising programs and materials, as well as the value they would place on a singular, one-stop organization for this material and unified theme for the Farm Credit System as a whole.
Lists of Figures
Executive Summary
Background Information
Organization of Study
Statement of Problem
Scope of Research
Limitations
Hypotheses
Literature Review
Data Collection and Methodology
Definitions
Purpose of Use
Questionnaires
Results
From the Paper "With the growth in importance of marketing in business today, it should come as little surprise that there is increased interest on the part of the researcher. Upon initial researching of the topic, it was discovered that little to no research had been performed in the past regarding the efficacy and efficiency of a cooperative marketing effort in the Farm Credit industry. Although many studies have been performed regarding marketing effectiveness and efficiency, and although some have covered the benefits of cooperative marketing, none were found specific to the unique Farm Credit segment."
Tags: disparate, consumer, numerous, vendors, associations, centralized, national, value
Abstract This paper analyzes "Animal Farm" in a persuasive essay. It portrays "Animal Farm" as a satire of the Russian Revolution. This essay proves that revolutions are unnecessary and useless by interpreting the events in the book. It discusses the depiction of certain people in history as the animals in the farm such as Napoleon and his totalitarian order.
From the Paper "Revolutions have never lightened the burden of tyranny. They have only shifted it to another shoulder. In George Orwell's allegorical satiristic fable, Animal Farm, The animals on the farm revolt in order to try and better their lives. The basic plot mimics that of the Russian Revolution. That is, exploitation of the ignorant animals, a revolution mixed with the rise of communism, and eventually a return to the ill-treatment of then animals by their own kind. Ultimately, the violence and bloodshed of revolutions are to no degree worth any of the turmoil, for when the animals contend for their liberty they do nothing more than degrade their lifestyle, and from their victory receive only a destructive totalitarian regime."
Abstract The writer looks at the subject of migrant farm laborers in this article. The current state of migrant farming in the United States and California is discussed. The writer takes a general look at the migrant farm-working industry, paying particular attenion, with a specific focus on California.
From the Paper "Migrant farm labor has been the seamy underside to American capitalism for centuries. However the size and color of the agricultural work force has changed over the past fifty years in the United States shifting from family and local community members to predominately Hispanic seasonal migrant workers. Since the Mexicans can be found picking citrus fruit in Florida, harvesting tobacco in North Carolina, collecting mushrooms in Pennsylvania, tending poultry in Maine, packing orchard crops in Washington, cleaning fish in Alaska and working in the slaughter houses in Iowa, while continuing their ... "
Tags: migrants, farmworkers, illegal immigrants, exploitation, California
Abstract This paper explains that "factory farming" is a commonly used term in the agricultural business, which is associated with the mass production of goods such as meat, eggs, milk and other related products. The author points out that this new assembly line style of farming may produce exceptional revenue and profit for farmers but it comes at a great cost to the animals, the environment and most of all to the consumers. The paper relates that factory farming creates conditions that spread diseases, which can transfer to humans such as pfiesteria from fish. The paper includes several quotations.
From the Paper "Secondly, factory farms are producing meat so that we won't grow hungry, although the quality of the meat and the production process is slowly killing us and the environment. Producing and cramming massive numbers of animals into these small factory farm warehouses causes' disease and pollution. "Alberta's Feedlot Alley, which produces untreated waste from 1.3 million animals that is the sewage equivalent for a population of eight million people [...]" This sewage is damaging fertile soil used for planting and the condition of water that sustains life."
