Even in severe drought, farmers who grow commodity crops such as corn and soybeans are significantly protected by insurance they buy from private insurers. The ultimate insurer in a disastrous year? Taxpayers.

Food banks across the plains are being hit with a triple whammy -- fewer donations from farmers, a decline in donations from the federal government and an uptick in demand.

A study suggests that homes certified as environment-friendly do sell at a premium. But in terms of choosing which home to buy, it's still location, location, location first.

Commentator Mark Bittman says industrial meat production accounts for at least one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions.