Book description
"In this eye-opening debut study, Frerick, an agricultural policy fellow at Yale University, reveals the ill-gained stranglehold that a handful of companies have on America's food economy...It's a disquieting critique of private monopolization of public necessities." --Publishers Weekly, starred Barons is the story of seven corporate titans, their rise to power, and the consequences for everyone else. Take Mike McCloskey, Chairman of Fair Oaks Farms. In a few short decades, he went from managing a modest dairy herd to running the Disneyland of agriculture, where school children ride trams through mechanized warehouses filled with tens of thousands of cows that never see the light of day. What was the key to his success? Hard work and exceptional business savvy? Maybe. But more than anything else, Mike benefitted from deregulation of the American food industry, a phenomenon that has consolidated wealth in the hands of select tycoons, and along the way, hollowed out the nation's rural towns and local businesses. Along with Mike McCloskey, readers will meet a secretive German family that took over the global coffee industry in less than a decade, relying on wealth traced back to the Nazis to gobble up countless independent roasters. They will discover how a small grain business transformed itself into an empire bigger than Koch Industries, with ample help from taxpayer dollars. And they will learn that in the food business, crime really does pay--especially when you can bribe and then double-cross the president of Brazil. These, and the other stories in this book, are simply examples of the monopolies and ubiquitous corruption that today define American food. The tycoons profiled in these pages are hardly unique: many other companies have manipulated our lax laws and failed policies for their own benefit, to the detriment of our neighborhoods, livelihoods, and our democracy itself. Barons paints a stark portrait of the consequences of corporate consolidation, but it also shows we can choose a different path. A fair, healthy, and prosperous food industry is possible--if we take back power from the barons who have robbed us of it.
About the Author
Austin Frerick is an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. He worked at the Open Markets Institute, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Congressional Research Service before becoming a Fellow at Yale University. He is a 7th generation Iowan and 1st generation college graduate, with degrees from Grinnell College and the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
NecroBull
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
Pink Stream
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks with friends. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Sloth
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. πΌ Boosting productivity at work with an audiobook in the background β love it! π»π§
Eye Devil
ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. This audiobook app is an absolute lifesaver! It brings my favorite stories to life with unparalleled convenience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content.
Legacy
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Mastering audiobook navigation β this app's ease of use is commendable.
Bombay Shivers
This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
DreamWeaver
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience so effortless. From downloading to playback, it's a true companion for book lovers. ππ«
Mafia Rapunzel
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app makes each day a new adventure! ππ
Chocolate Thunder
This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences.
Plum Moon
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures through stories. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Woodland Beauty
Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
WeldMaster
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of reading through my ears, making every moment more valuable. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Pockets
I appreciate the minimal ads β it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. I love how this app's chapters, bookmarks, and controls give me full control over my audiobook journey. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures.
Kingfisher
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen.
FLAK Angel
With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere.
Sandbox
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. This app has made audiobook listening an integral part of my daily routine β it's a habit I cherish. With this app, I'm rediscovering the joy of reading in the most convenient way.
InsightfulInk
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my audiobook library.
Killer Merlot
π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is top-notch. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree.
Waylay Dave
ListenBook Pro offers amazing value with unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction features. πΆπ The harmony between simplicity and functionality in this app is truly impressive. Audiobooks have never sounded this good! π΅π§ Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
DreadSherX
π Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions β audiobooks make it a breeze! ππ§ Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience