National Ag Day

At one time in my life, I wrote about fertilizer and at the same time lived about a mile from a toilet paper factory. LOL ... It's true.

From 1992 to 1996, I was a reporter, writer, editor, and researcher for a weekly, international magazine on the financial and technical aspects of the chemical industry from an industrial perspective. The magazine, titled "Chemical Marketing Reporter," was based in New York City.

I started as the "Oils, Fats, and Waxes Editor," and then made a lateral move to "Flavors and Fragrances Editor." I was then promoted to "Heavy and Agriculture Chemicals Editor," and was then promoted to "Market Research Editor."

I wrote many articles about diammonium phosphate, which, at that time, was the main chemical used as fertilizer.

While I was there, I also wrote about an array of chemicals, including: plastics including polyethylene terephthalate (the raw material for soda bottles); pigments including titanium dioxide; pharmaceuticals like bulk penicillin; petrochemicals like benzene, xylene, and toluene; plus carnauba wax; castor oil; grease (both yellow AND white); sandalwood oil; menthol; and even fertilizers/explosives like ammonium nitrate.