After leaving his home state of Indiana, Joe graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, with a bachelors degree in journalism. The Senior Editor on National Hog Farmer, Joe has been on staff since 1977. He specializes in animal health issues, federal regulations, environmental concerns and food safety. Joe has won several writing awards from the Livestock Publications Council. In 2002 he earned the Master Writer Program Award from the American Agricultural Editors’ Association.
There was a lot to be positive about in the pork industry the last week of October. I realize it is difficult to be optimistic when you are still losing $25 to $30/head. I also realize that positive news at this point could be as dangerous as it is welcome. But facts are facts, and we must recognize them.
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As I begin this week's column, I"m reminded of two different "flip side" statements that may help characterize the topic at hand. The first is the old Archie Campbell schtick - "That's good - no that’s bad," which I have used before. The second reflects President Truman's frustration with economists' incessant use of the qualifier - "on the other hand" - to introduce the contrary opinion on a given topic. President Truman once demanded in his usual colorful language: "Will someone please find me a *!&%$*?>
