Daily News Update, Nov. 30, 2007
Cattlemen still
fighting hurtful Farm Bill amendments
Congress
is on recess until December 3rd, but that doesn’t mean that
Farm Bill discussions are on hold. Cattlemen across the country can
continue to reach out to their Senators and talk to them about the
negative impacts of some potential Farm Bill amendments.
Already part of the Senate bill, a ban on packer ownership threatens
many of the marketing alliances cattlemen have worked hard to build.
Before the Senate completes their bill, further damaging amendments
could be added. These include:
- The Grassley amendment, which would subject producers to even more
oversight and regulation by establishing a full-time special counsel to
prosecute the agricultural sector.
- The Enzi captive supply amendment, which would outlaw the ability for
cattle producers to engage in confidential, one-on-one business deals
with prospective buyers; require at least one blind bid; and limit the
number of cattle within a contract.
- The Harkin competitive injury amendment, which will base lawsuits
under the Packers and Stockyards program on a matter of “fairness,”
which is not defined.
- The Domenici RFS amendment, which would mandate an increase of the
Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) as part of the Farm Bill.
Producers
are encouraged to call, email, or write their Senators and urge them to
oppose these amendments. NCBA members can
contact Elizabeth Bostdorff, NCBA’s manager of policy affiliate
relations in NCBA’s Washington, D.C. office for more information on
these Farm Bill issues and for assistance in contacting their Senators.
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