In related news, the monarch butterfly population has been devastated, down 75% from the average population as recently as five years ago. At least 44% of the ovamel forest in Mexico, where the monarch breeds, has succumbed to illegal, but obviously government-tolerated, logging. Adult monarchs fly north, where they thrive on the milkweed, which historically grows among crops, as well as natural fields. With advances in herbicide-resistant seeds, however, farmers can fairly thoroughly kill weeds while leaving the crops undamaged.

On a historical one-way street, human progress continues apace at the relentless destruction of natural habitats and ecosystems. Good for business. Monsanto's theme on its web site: "imagine innovative agriculture that creates incredible things."