Big Spending on Ag: What's Mentioned, What's Not

Two newspaper stories about the ag sector today. One focuses on Porkulus and tells us what you already suspect, but doesn't mention a key word.

Here's the part you expect:

Most of the money slated for agriculture, however, will increase spending at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and won't go directly into farmers' pockets.

Yup.

In contrast, what's missing from this section?

Wisconsin stands to lose hundreds of dairy farms this year as profit margins have all but vanished in recent months. Some farmers will be forced out of business by debt that can't be refinanced and by high operating costs, according to industry experts

OK--I'll give you another crack at the missing information. Here's another story--not a pleasant one--in which the very same information is notably absent.

The critical paragraph:

He wasn't the first farmer to shut his operation during this recession, and he won't be the last. Milk prices are down, feed prices are up. The math doesn't work.

Still don't get it?

The Missing Words Are "CORN PRICES"

"Operating costs" and "Feed Prices" are code for "Ethanol Is Killing Farming."