You may already know that the first USDA Farm Bill Forum is complete and that several more have been announced. This is very early in the process so it’ll be interesting to see how these go. The first one had about 400 people participate in Nashville, TN. You can download a Word doc transcript of the forum here.
“The interest in the next farm bill shown here today has exceeded my expectations,” Johanns said. “The thoughtful discourse on the direction of future farm policy is very encouraging and I look forward to the same caliber of discussion at future Farm Bill Forums as we continue our nationwide tour.”
The Secretary announced the following Farm Bill Forums:
July 26 – 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (CST) North Dakota State Fair – Minot, ND
Aug. 3 – 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Minnesota Farm Fest – Redwood County, MN
Aug. 4 – 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis, WI
The public is also welcome to submit comments via the USDA Farm Bill Forums website.