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Australian Fires Prompt Questions About Protecting Houses From Embers : NPR

Fire scientists have known for decades that fires — especially large fires — could disperse potentially dangerous embers, but it's only in more recent years that the role of embers has begun to influence building regulations in Australia.

A 2010 paper published by Australia's national research agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, suggested that the vast majority of homes that burn during bushfires are ignited by embers.

In the last decade, "we've shifted toward a recognition that ember attack on the house, and on things around the house, is the process that's most dominant in causing houses to ignite, and therefore [we're] focusing on building design and landscaping design that's more resistant to embers," says Justin Leonard, a research leader in bushfire urban design at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

One of the ranch families I follow on Facebook lives in Oklahoma has to worry about wildfire a fair bit, and has their whole farm operation planned in such a way to limit and slow fire should it approach their barns and homestead.  It's really a fascinating science, for those who have to deal with fire every day as part of their lives. Planned right, fire can be an asset not a threat to an ecosystem.

Elsie Isn’t Going to Market Yet – Growing America

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Elsie Isn’t Going to Market Yet – Growing America

There is no word yet on delaying any payments to dairy farms that supply Borden, however, there is sure to be worry among them after these filings. A home for your milk is a dairy farmer’s biggest concern. Without a secure one it is extremely difficult to make any decisions. This news is just one more blow to struggling to dairy farmers that cannot seem to gain any ground.

Borden becomes second major dairy processor to file for bankruptcy

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Borden becomes second major dairy processor to file for bankruptcy

Borden Dairy Co., which was founded in 1857, announced that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the District of Delaware. This comes not long after Dean Foods announced it was filing for bankruptcy in November.

Borden intends to use the court process to pursue a financial restructuring designed to reduce its current debt load, maximize value, and position the company for long-term success. Borden plans to continue operating in the ordinary course of business, under the court’s supervision, and remains focused on being the most service-oriented dairy company that offers delicious and nutritious products consumers love.

“Borden is EBITDA-positive and growing, but we must achieve a more viable capital structure,” said Borden CEO Tony Sarsam. “This reorganization will strengthen our position for future prosperity. Over the past 163 years, we have earned the distinction of being one of the most well-recognized and reputable national brands. We remain committed to ‘The Borden Difference,’ which is our promise to be the most service-oriented dairy company that puts people first. We will continue serving our customers, employees, and other stakeholders and operating business as usual throughout this process.”

Sarsam explained the rising costs of raw milk and market challenges led to the decision to file for bankruptcy. “These challenges have contributed to making our current level of debt unsustainable. For the last few months, we have engaged in discussions with our lenders to evaluate a range of potential strategic plans for the Company. Ultimately, we determined that the best way to protect the Company, for the benefit of all stakeholders, is to reorganize through this court-supervised process.”