Daniel R.

The first section focuses on corn. One of the key reasons that corn is grown so much is the seed market. Given parents A and B the seed they produce C (F-1) has better yields than either parent. But C's children (F-2) are genetically worse producing yields up to 1/3 as poor [31]. Big business has an interest in this because to get consistent high yields requires buying new seed from them every year.

Some other tidbits:

• Approximately 50 gallons of oil per acre of corn are used in the production of it [45]
• Thoreau's line: "Men have become the tools of their tools." [55-56]
• Cargill is the biggest privately held corporation in the world. [63] (or 2nd by other metrics)
• 60% of commodity corn goes to feeding livestock [66]
• rumen is what allows cows to digest grass [70]
• 32 pounds of feed into 4 pounds of gain [80] (livestock corn conversion rate)
• 10 calories of fossil fuel are used to produce 1 calorie of processed food [88]
• $1 buys 1200 calories of potato chips and cookies compared to 250 calories of whole food like carrots. $1 buys 875 calories of soda or 170 calories of fruit juice from concentrate. [108]
• 19% of American meals are eaten in the car [110].

The second section had plenty of information about organic farming and the fact that the USDA organic guidelines specify an approved list of non-organic additives that maybe used. Another big take away form this section is that even though animals maybe fed organically it doesn't mean that the animals quality of life is any better or that it's being fed its natural diet.

The last section had a couple of tidbits I seem to think I knew but probably forgot. In both cases really not at all related to the subject matter.

• Human brain in 2% of body weight but uses 18% of energy [291]
• Tears are only produced by humans [292]

With all of that said, what will I change about my food buying or eating habits? Not much, at this time. I already eat healthy and try my best to support local businesses.