AgriCurrents, Jan. 6, 2006

				Return to TFB Main Page Return to Current Edition Texas Agriculture Archive January 6, 2006 Agriculture faces cuts to reduce deficit

				In a final move before year's end, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a major piece of legislation aimed at saving $39.7 billion over the next five years. In a vote just before sunrise, Dec. 19, the House passed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 Conference Report (S. 1932) by a vote of 212-206. This legislation calls for reforms that would rein in federal programs, which comprise 54 percent of all federal spending and are growing at a rate far faster than the economy. All mandatory programs were directed to achieve savings and agriculture was no different. In achieving $2.7 billion in savings, the agriculture section of the bill protects the core policies of the 2002 Farm Bill, reduces the portion of the farmers' direct payment received in advance, delays elimination of the Step 2 cotton competitiveness program until August 2006, and limits spending on certain conservation and rural development programs. A Senate-passed extension of an expiring dairy program, which adds $1 billion in spending to the agriculture section, was included. Some friends of agriculture in the House expressed disappointment that the final agriculture portion was not more balanced and inclusive of reforms to all spending areas within USDA, including nutrition programs. Other highlights of the bill include: •Saving and strengthening Medicaid by adopting provisions offered by the bi-partisan National Governors Association; •Strengthening and simplifying student loan programs; •Rebuilding community first responder capabilities by freeing up vital spectrum airwaves; •Expanding welfare reform by reauthorizing the successful welfare reform policies in TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and providing an additional $1 billion in child care funding.
				Silent Auction results noted
				The Young Farmer & Rancher Silent Auction raised a total of $10,865.75 during the 72nd Annual Texas Farm Bureau Convention held in Waco in December. According to DeWayne Burns, 2005 YF&R chairman, in addition to the YF&R scholarship fund, $2,173.15, or 20 percent of the proceeds, was presented to the AFBF Hurricane Relief Fund to benefit victims in Texas. "We want to thank all those who so generously donated items and contributed to the scholarship and hurricane relief funds through their bids," said Burns. "Your support means so much."
				America's Heartland is now showing
				America's Heartland, the weekly television series that highlights the miracle of American agriculture and the farm and ranch families who make it possible, is now part of the regular schedule on the nation's first 24-hour television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America and agriculture. Produced primarily for public television distribution by KVIE TV in Sacramento, Calif., airing of America's Heartland began Dec. 28. "Farm Bureau members are excited about this new television program that tells agriculture's story," said American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman. "Now even those rural viewers who do not have access to public television are able to watch and enjoy this new and exciting program about American agriculture." America's Heartland will air on RFD-TV each Wednesday at 8 p.m., with repeat showings each Thursday at 4 a.m. and noon, Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. (all times Eastern). America's Heartland is made possible through major underwriting by Monsanto Company in collaboration with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Additional production and promotion assistance is provided by the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, United Soybean Board and U.S. Grains Council. People interested in learning more about America's Heartland may do so by visiting: www.americasheartland.org.
				Turner wins Meritorious Service Award
				Robert R. "Bob" Turner of Voss, a former president of the Coleman County Farm Bureau, a former state director and a former vice president of the Texas Farm Bureau, received the organization's Meritorious Service Award at its recent 72nd annual meeting. The organization's highest honor is presented only upon unanimous agreement of the TFB board of directors. Pictured (l-r) are Turner, his wife, Ann, and TFB President Kenneth Dierschke, who presented the award to Turner.
				Notable Quotables
				"Trying to explain to a tie-dyed-in-the-wool `green' environmentalist that drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge won't harm the environment is like trying to convince a 5-year-old that there is no Santa Claus. The evidence may be clear, but he just won't believe it."
				—Peyton Knight, director of environmental and regulatory affairs at the National Center for Public Policy Research, in a column posted on www.CanadaFreePress.com