1,001 posts: I could use more cowbell

Yes, this is the 1,001 post for Fresh Talk. We've seen readership grow since we began tracking in January and we are poised to set another high point in July with visitors and page views. Users from more than 60 countries have checked in at one time or another; about 91% of our readers are from the U.S. and 6% are from Canada.

In my first post, I wrote: "I will be pundit with a small p." I have never placed too much importance on the profundity of my own perspective, though I haven't hesitated in sharing what I believe. My bias is toward sharing news and information rather than "sitting on it."

The content and tools used in the blog have evolved. I have incorporated audio clips, some ill-fated blog polls, Web picture albums, a Youtube clip or two, price and volume charts and a plethora of links and RSS feeds. Guest bloggers like Lance Jungmeyer of The Packer and Rick Bella of America's Second Harvest will continue to post, plus a few others .

Agriculture policy and food safety issues remain a key focus of Fresh Talk, but I also want to provide windows to the worlds where the shippers and buyers interact and where consumers pick their produce.. Providing snapshots to the supply/demand outlook for commodities at shipping point and an evaluation of retail promotions will be an ongoing focus.

One of the better things I decided to do is start an industry discussion group. We've got 59 members of the group today and a few are particularly active. Big Apple and Luis are already enshrined in the Hall of Fame wing of the group. So join that group and you won't be disappointed.

This blog and the discussion group have enough of me, morning noon and night. Like the SNL skit, we need more cowbell. And that is you. Your views, perspectives and insight are always welcome here.