Today was our first day in western Iowa and under a brilliant sun. We expected to see thousands of acres of corn and soybeans. We also knew the impact of bio fuel development caused farmers to increase their acreage in these crops over the last few years. How does one measure that increase? For those confined to the highways, it is the brilliant reflections of the sun off what must be thousands of new grain storage bins on farms both big and small. The new corrugated steel bins contrast sharply with their older, drab gray neighbors. With a bit of elevation and the correct sun angle, they glitter like gems set in a quilt of tan, green and yellow spreading to the horizon.
I wonder if these new investments will return a profit over the coming years. They certainly reflect enthusiasm for the new market. If they don't work out, I did see one innovative farmer who turned an older bin into what appeared to be a guest residence, complete with windows, landscaping, and a flag flying in that prairie breeze. Farmers have always been a creative lot, given their industry's high risk.
To be continued.
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