"Ballooning gas prices cut a wide path across the economy. Even food prices, and ultimately consumers are taking a hit. Things most susceptible to the rising price of gas are of course the things that travel the farthest, like produce.

University of Minnesota Applied Economics Professor Jerry Fruin says the fuel crunch is driving ethanol demand. And in turn, that's driven up corn prices 60 percent in a year.The same corn used to feed the cattle bound for dinner tables is now in demand to fuel our cars."

"The average consumer would pay $47 more for food this year, than 12 months ago," Fruin says. Listen to Greg Vandegrift, Kare11 News, interview Jerry Fruin.

May 11, 2007 - Jean Kinsey on Marketplace:

Marketplace presents "Who's served by food producers' tough stance?" with reporter, Steve Tripoli.

"U.S. food producers say they are all in favor of taking a tougher tone with their foreign counterparts. Steve Tripoli reports on whether their motives are entirely unadulterated." (Marketplace is a program of the American Public Media.)

Read the text of the story and/or Listen to this story featuring comments by Jean Kinsey.

May 11, 2007 - CFANS Commencement

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences celebrated Commencement 2007 on Sunday, May 6 in Northrup Auditorium at 2:00 pm.

Brian Buhr was the faculty representative for the Agricultural and Food Business Management graduates and Frances Homans was the faculty representative for the Applied Economics graduates.

A luncheon was held in the Campus Club prior to commencement for all Agricultural and Food Business Management graduates, Applied Economics graduates and their families.

Elisabeth Gilbertson, Agricultural and Food Business Management graduate, gave the luncheon address highlighting her college experiences. The speech is available online.

May 10, 2007 Philip Raup Receives President's Award

Professor Emeritus Philip M. Raup is a recipient of the 2007 President's Award for Outstanding Service. Excerpts from the letter from President Robert H. Bruininks includes the following quotes:

"I am delighted to give you this well-deserved recognition of your remarkable work. With this award you become a member of an elite group of faculty and staff members of the University of Minnesota. Your excellence is a model for your colleagues and co-workers to emulate. True to the mission of this great land-grant institution, you have done more than your share to make this outstanding university one of the preeminent institutions in the nation. Thank you and congratulations on a job well done."

A reception will be held to honor recipients (by invitation only) at Eastcliff on June 26, 2007.

Professor Raup will also be honored at the next Board of Regents meeting at the McNamara Alumni Center on June 8, 2007.

May 1, 2007 - Meredith Nelson, Female Athlete of the Year

Volleyball senior Meredith Nelson was named the Female Athlete of the Year. Nelson was selected to the NCAA All-Regional team after helping the Gophers reach the NCAA tournament.

"I'm very surprised. I was not expecting it at all," Nelson said. "I actually called Liz Alabi and told her I wasn't preparing a speech because I thought she was going to win. I'm very surprised, very honored, and it's something I will cherish forever."

Meredith is an Applied Economics major who will graduate this year. Jay Coggins is her advisor.

To read the entire article visit the Daily online.