You’ve seen it. You’ve done it. A cow enters the sale ring and almost instantly the cow is judged and valued. After the instant thoughts, there will be additional checks and second-looks, but only for verification. By and large, for the long-time cow man, the initial impression, made in nanoseconds, will stand.

The following statements were made in testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, and are concerning the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.

This month, I will be celebrating my 40th high school reunion. It seems only yesterday I walked the halls of Snowflake Union High as a shy shadow of hopes and unfulfilled dreams.

Editor, I enjoy your publication.

The work in Iraq is in many ways like the work anywhere else.

Thank you to those who called or e-mailed me your thoughts on supply management.

I often wonder what the world would be like if there were more people with moral courage.

“I believe in the future of agriculture.” … E.M.

I have a working relationship with five ministries here in Iraq.

“Ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you.”