If you've been involved at any level with ag policy or follow K-State media streams, you've no doubt heard of THE Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh. The man is a living legend - he's been an agriculture economics professor at Kansas State University for over 40 years and his ag policy class fills up within the first two days of enrollment every year. Like clockwork. He is also a long-time advisor on ag policy to politicians of both
parties. There is an inelastic demand for his sarcasm, wit and no holds barred political ideas. You may not always agree with him but you will always maintain respect for him.
He also hates KU - a man after my own heart. Sigh.
Last week, Dr. Flinchbaugh was the chosen speaker for the Alpha Zeta Fall Event addressing the topic of economics and ag policy. This is not a summary of his speech (sorry) but simply me sharing some of my favorite anecdotes and one-liners that I've heard over the years from sitting in his class and attending other events.
- There isn't a problem in the world that a good dose of moderation wouldn't solve
- If you don't vote you don't have the right to [insert word for female dog]
- Don't ever write agriculture off for a lack of power
- What do you get if you drive through Lawrence really slow? -- A degree
- What they need is a good dose of horse sense
- If you are against bio-tech, you are in favor of starvation
- If I were a part of this Congress, I’d be too embarrassed to go home.
There are a ton more of these - if you are a K-State student and you haven't taken Ag Policy, you are most certainly missing out on one of the most pertinent, useful and interesting courses offered in any agriculture curriculum across the nation. Even if you aren't an ag person, this is definitely worth your time.
For those of you who have taken the class - what's your favorite Flinchbaugh-ism?
Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~ Labels: ag policy, agriculture, Barry Flinchbaugh, economics, K-State, policy
