This morning NAFB members are getting fully updated on the farm bill as well as other issues here in the Russell Bldg. First up on our program was Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, who was looking a little tired as he took the podium. The Senator told us that he expects (hopes/dreams) that we’ll actually have a farm bill by today …
Mysterious, New Beef Could Vanish
An agricultural research facility in Florida fears the 10 percent reduction in ag research funding will close its doors… and abruptly abort research on a nameless, mixed breed of cattle. The St. Petersburg Times reports: Indeed, few people have ever seen cattle like these. Unless you’re knowledgeable in bovine research, the cross-bred calves huddled in tall grass of the pastures …
Record Year for Farmland Preservation in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is securing more farms under it’s nationally recognized Farmland Preservation Program. The state has announced that this year 351 farms have been protected. “Once again, we’ve shown our commitment to the future of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry with the preservation of another 5,234 acres of quality farmland for a total of 33,445 acres this year,” Governor Edward G. Rendell said. …
Energy Bill Pleases and Disappoints
The farm bill isn’t the only legislation of interest to ag groups right now. In fact, I think I’ve had more email over the energy bill lately. Of course it’s now on it’s way to the President to sign tomorrow morning and who knows when that will happen with the farm bill. Here’s a sample of comments just sent out …
Farm and Energy Bill Movement
Just in case you didn’t know it, the Senate passed a farm bill today. Ho Hum. The news releases and statements are flying. It’s still got to go to conference committee and the President isn’t happy with it. Politics as usual. Kind of like the energy bill which is heading toward the White House now that it finally got past …
Qualisoy Touts Incentive to Plant Alternative Oilseeds in Farm Bill
Farmers who plant alternative oilseeds are slated to get some support from the government, well, in the Senate version of the 2007 Farm Bill at least. The version of the bill passed by the U.S. Senate yesterday includes the Commodity Quality Incentive Program, or CQIP. CQIP, introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), is a provision providing special support to farmers …
Farm Bill Disappoints National Corn Growers
The Senate Agriculture Committee has passed its version of the 2007 Farm Bill, but the National Corn Growers Association was hoping the bill would include more literature outlining improved risk management tools. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is pleased the Senate Agriculture Committee included a revenue option in the 2007 farm bill, but is disappointed by the committee’s action …
Reporting from Brussels
BASF Agricultural Products set up a nice visit for ag journalists here in Brussels at a great time to get some real news for the farmers back home. It was announced just yesterday that the European Commission was proposing to eliminate the mandatory ten percent set aside to help increase production for the coming crop year, and possibly permanently. We …
Farm Bill Food Battle Video
In the never ending push by whacko groups to impact American production agriculture there’s a new video out from the folks at Free Range Studios. It’s called The Farm Bill Food Battle. It looks like the same folks who brought us The Meatrix and other humorous but so off base productions. They demonstrate great creativity as I’ve pointed out before. …
Get Juicy Gossip on Meat
Beef, poultry, pork… pick your pleasure. The American Meat Institute is launching a new Web Site to demonstrate how the meat industry responds to consumers and constumers. The American Meat Institute (AMI) today launched www.TheMarketWorks.org, a new web site showcasing how U.S. meat and poultry industry structure and practices are a response to signals from customers and make the U.S. …