Things are getting tougher . . .

EVEN PLANTS ARE GETTING TOUGHER these days, thanks to Monsanto and others in the genetic modification business, and this is causing problems for farmers who grow the mutants. According to Chris Taylor at AUTOBLOG, "GMO crops so tough that farmers are turning to Kevlar tractor tires".

Mark Newhall of Farm Show Magazine tells American Public Media's Marketplace that after the stalks are cut during harvest, the leftover stubs are like "having a field of little spears."

So instead of tractor tires lasting the usual five to six years, they're getting chewed up after just one or two years. One tractor tire can cost thousands of dollars, and some tractors have as many as eight tires.

Or more, on the really big tractors and combines. Maybe Monsanto will get into the tire business with RoundUp brand tires? . . . . and you are not allowed to put them on another tractor or save any of the treads unless you first sign an agreement and pay royalties . . .