Like Grindle, 37% of those answering this survey say ethanol is good for farming. But the poll uncovered mixed support for corn-based ethanol, which could impact future growth for this product. Forty percent of those who answered this question say corn-based ethanol is bad for farming.

We suspect the latter group contains a good number of ranchers struggling with high feed costs. Rightmer does lay some of his discomfort about ethanol on its contribution to high feed prices. But he also is unhappy that Washington has essentially made corn the primary input in ethanol production. It is interference in the free market, he says.

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"Ranchers, like Dad and me, can grow all the switchgrass (another potential feedstock) you need," he says.

Zogby finds that you are concerned about an assault on landowner rights. Most of it appears to be centered around the environment. At the top of your list is government regulations, land-use restrictions and environmental restrictions. Only 17% say landowners' rights are not deteriorating.

Sounding a loud alarm for the farmers and ranchers are production costs. Both in Texas near Rightmer and in Iowa near Grindle, agricultural land is valued at $5,000 an acre and up. Rents are going up accordingly.

Combine the cost for that dirt with diesel and fertilizer—prices for which have quadrupled in only two or three years. That has farmers and ranchers juggling some very big dollars—not to mention risk.

Rightmer says he has sharply cut his costs. By shipping calves early, he has reduced feed costs that climbed more than 85% above his calculation for profitability. He also has cut his fertilizer bill by 85%.