DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - A record 3-1/2 year stretch of profits for hog producers appears to be coming to an end this year due to high corn costs, but a growing export market could again bolster profits in coming years, a leading agriculture economist said. DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - A record 3-1/2 year stretch of profits for hog producers appears to be coming to an end this year due to high corn costs, but a growing export market could again bolster profits in coming years, a...

At today's pump prices, that's a $12 drive east from Chicago in a Toyota Camry, $56 in a 7-miles-per-gallon Winnebago tricked out with a satellite-linked entertainment center, gourmet kitchen and bedroom suites. The formal dedication of the $8 million facility isn't until August, but already enthusiasts have begun to wander in off the highway. This summer's venture will head to Quebec, but Barbour says high gasoline and diesel prices have led some regulars to beg off for shorter getaways....

More than 4,800 claims have been filed against the federal government during the past six years alleging that a child contracted autism as a result of a vaccine. The test case addresses the theory that the cause of autism is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in combination with other vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal. Lawyers for the parents are expected to present their expert testimony during the first week of the hearing. He said that parents of children with autism...

On the sidelines of the meeting of the central bankers at the Bank of International Settlements, held over the weekend, in Basel, Switzerland, the People's Bank of China Governor, Zhou Xiaochuan, told the press that the central bank does not exclude the possibility of raising interest rates again. Output of electricity, gas and water showed an annual growth of 3. On the sidelines of the meeting of the central bankers at the Bank of International Settlements, held over the weekend, in...

Tests thus far have shown that vaccinated cattle retain immunity for at least 21 days, but scientists expect that future studies will show that the new vaccine at least matches the six months of immunity provided by current vaccines. Although the United States has not had an FMD outbreak since 1929, the disease is still considered a serious threat to the nation's economy and food supply. Significantly, as this is the first FMD vaccine produced in the United States, the federal government...

Rendell today announced that Pennsylvania is supporting two of its biggest industries, tourism and agriculture, as well as early stage companies, by investing nearly $5 million in projects located in 10 counties. The Commonwealth Financing Authority is a seven-member board created to administer and fund projects from programs created by the stimulus package. In addition to the First Industries Fund and the Second Stage Loan Guarantee program, the Commonwealth Finance Authority oversees...