China has yet to follow through on agreed purchases

GUEBERT, from pg. 3

One columnist called it the “locker room of Team Globalization and Free Trade cheering squad.”

But this cheerleader can find no good news in the trading relationship that, in 2020, signed a “Phase One” deal which committed China to purchase an additional $200 billion of U.S. goods and services. “In the end, China bought none of the extra $200 billion...” based on a true story that was told me, it’s best to give the mule a different name. According to baby name books, Sebastian means ‘venerable’ or ‘honorable’. As you will see, the name fits.)

As such, today’s facts and tomorrow’s forecasts suggest ag trade deficits — not surpluses — may be the new normal.

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In the case of Sebastian, his peculiar trait was he liked to sit down once the pack was secure on his back.

One of the paying guests had brought with him a rare vintage of wine which had been processed at a vineyard in California. He was planning to share it with the others as they sat around the campfire at night discussing important matters. Now this just so happened to be in the pack that Sebastian was carrying.

Despite the many admonitions not to sit down, about 15 minutes after the pack was snugged up, wouldn’t you know it? Sebastian decided it was time to rest his legs. In the stillness of the early morn, that moment when all is peaceful and calm, just before the sun breaks through the darkness, everyone heard the sound of glass breaking. Hence, in my opinion, Sebastian could be called the temperance mule.

By the way, “The Science of Animal Husbandry” by James Blakely and David H. Bade states the mule was first popularized by George Washington who had received a jack as a gift in 1787 as a gift of the king of Spain. In time, Mount Vernon had some top quality mules.

Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v