It’s sunny again in California. What a gorgeous last day for the 2006 Commodity Classic! Margy pretty much summed up everything that happened yesterday in her last blog so I won’t go into too much more detail. I will say however that this experience has been amazing and Margy helped make that happen for me so thanks Margy for being a great “fellowshiper”. I hope everyone that returned home today had safe travels. I, however, are still in the great state of California and I have to attribute my good mood to the beautiful sunshine. Its around 60 degrees right now, which is a little chilly for California standards but warm for this Illinois girl in March.
This morning I attended a learning session on the upcoming 2007 Farm Bill. I know that a lot of you are extremely interested and even concerned about the changes that will come from this bill. Well, I wish I could tell you something you didn’t already know but unfortunately I can’t. The panel was formed with minority staff director Mark Halverson from Iowa, and a majority staff director named Steve, who, I am so sorry, but I forgot to get his last name. He wasn’t in the program either, but I guess that’s not an excuse. At any rate they talked about the upcoming farm bill and it seemed to me they talked a lot for not having anything to say.
The room was packed to the brim with farmers, and media, and anyone else who wanted to hear what they had to say. Everyone wants to know whats going to happen next year but I’m not sure anyone has the answer. I’ve heard many comments made that everyone wants to keep the 2002 farm bill the way it is and not change many things. Unfortunately, as they were saying in the session, change is coming whether we want it to or not. Change can be a good thing though and if there is a change with the conservation reserve program I think a lot of people would be happy to see the budget increase in that area. They also talked about how the World Trade Organization would effect the bill as well. The outcome of trade agreements could greatly effect the farm bill. I guess we will see what happens.