A caller from Deer River, Minnesota, has lots of experience raising ruminants and wonders if the word ruminate, as in “to ponder or muse about something” stems from the image of such an animal chewing regurgitated cud. Indeed it does. In classical...
Are we a proverb culture anymore? In a largely urban society, we’re not likely to immediately recognize the meaning of the saying between hay and grass, meaning “weak” or “feeble.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Culture of...
cuisine trail n.— «A plan to authorize more “cuisine trails,” including as many as 10 “apple trails” and 10 trails that could include several different foods and wines. The idea is to boost tourism and agriculture products.» —“Paterson’s signs...
head out v. phr.— «Wheat plants normally “head out”—that’s the term for producing the grain kernels expected to be harvested in June and July—between May 10 and May 25.» —“Wheat not hurt” by Mark Fagan LJWorld.com (Lawrence, Kansas) May 3, 2008...
leaky crop n.— «Corn is what scientists call a leaky crop. When it’s fertilized, it cannot absorb one hundred percent of the nutrients we give it.» —“Chesapeake Bay Funds Added To Farm Bill” by Alex DeMetrick WJZ-TV (Baltimore, Maryland) Apr. 30...
rent-a-cow attrib.— «The suit alleges that the investors have taken advantage of the so-called “rent-a-cow” provision that allows tax breaks on property used for agriculture or grazing.» —“Pima sues to recoup ‘rent-a-cow’ tax breaks” by Mary K...
