The nitrate standard, which has long been set at 10 parts per million, does not accurately reflect real world situations. But it's probably here to stay, maintains Jay Lehr, senior scientist with Environmental Education Enterprises in Ostrander, Ohio.

Following a 2-year study of Bt corn, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in mid-October determined that it poses no risks to people or the environment. As a result, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Bt corn has been approved for an additional 7 years.

With interest growing in having the government clean up the environment through carbon sequestration and other means, it's a good time to look at a successful 6-year continuous no-till program that's working well in Virginia.

If they want to continue to use Bt corn, growers need to do a better job of following the rules laid down last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

If no-tillers are anything like the general population, 75 percent of you are chronically dehydrated and the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. Even mild dehydration can slow your metabolism by as much as 3 percent.