John Block Reports from Washington

At this time of year, all I can think about is, "Will I get the rain at the right time to make this crop?" Oh, yes, I am also a cheerleader for the hog market. While our focus is on the growing crops and livestock, there are some other very strange and significant things happening a little further down the food chain.

The blame that the food industry is getting for the so called obesity epidemic is deafening. Law suits have been flying all around, mostly targeting fast food outlets. But everyone knows that you can buy food that will make you fat from a lot of different sources. Try supermarkets, convenience stores, diners, hotdog stands, ice cream shops and donuts and bagels. True, but no one wants to admit that. Oh, yes, candy. Then to quench our thirst we have soft drinks, beer, even orange juice which is very high in calories.

Now we see the restaurants trying to make like healthy food is all the rage. With the McDonald's Happy Meal, you can now get fresh sliced fruit instead ofFrench fries. Kraft Foods is reducing portion sizes as well as fat and calories in all kinds of products. Even the Oreo cookie is in for a remake. Just don't change the taste.

Frito-Lay plans to eliminate all trans-fatty acids from its chips. Schools are taking a look at their menus to add healthier foods. The bottom line: food companies are terrified about lawsuits and bad publicity. And they are trying to get ahead of the critics.

Here is what I think will happened. Less food in a smaller package at the same price means more profit margins. Unfortunately, the customer may need to buy two bags of chips now. The challenge will be to make food that has less calories, less fat and still tastes great. Because when it is all said and done, the consumer will insist on good tasting food. Too many companies have tried to sell so called "healthy food" without success.

So while I watch the corn grow, I find the food industry sideshow to be very interesting. This is John Block from Washington.