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Agribusiness in "Interesting Times"

© Robin Blackburn Jerkins

There's an old Asian curse: "May you live in interesting times." After Sept. 11, the times became very interesting, indeed, and agriculture was not unaffected by the terrorist attacks.

The attacks have brought about a completely different mindset in this country, and we are just beginning to feel the effects of that change. Crop dusting planes were grounded for a few days. Farmers and ranchers are asked to be on the lookout for suspicious activities on and around their properties. There is fear of contamination of food and water.

I've scrounged up some interesting stories and press releases from the Net on the effects of the terrorist attacks on agribusiness. The first is a story from the San Antonio television station KMOL about what the grounding of crop dusting planes did to San Antonio-area farmers. It can be found at msnbc.com. .

Another interesting article is a press release from the Texas Department of Agriculture about keeping an eye out for suspicious people or activities. There is a worry that terrorists might try to sabotage America's food sources -- farms and ranches. The press release can be found at www.agr.state.tx.us. and includes some security tips.

And last, but certainly not least, I found a Web site that has links to numerous charitable organizations accepting financial contributions to help with the disaster relief efforts following the terrorist attacks. It's at www.libertyunites.org. .

Until next time, pray for peace or victory in battle.

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