The next 12 months will be one long debate on the next farm bill. Before that debate really heats up, the staff at the High Plains Journal/Midwest Ag Journal would like to present their wish list for the farm bill:

Tom Taylor,Associate Publisher: I wish for harmonization of the ag industry's opposing factions. While echoing differences of opinion is an important ingredient in developing new action plans, continuous infighting does little to advance the strengths of American agriculture beyond its own boundaries. The American farmer/rancher has the ingenuity to out produce and out perform the most prolific competitor. They feed the world with the safest and highest quality food, and deserve Americas financial and political support to continue this process.

Larry Dreiling, Senior Field Editor: My farm bill wish is for the rest of the world to know this legislation as the Food Security Act, because it will show to urban America how important farmers and ranchers are to our national security, since we don't want to be dependent on other countries for food as we are for energy. Also, I wish a big non-trade distorting fixed payment for everyone who needs one and a conservation program that balances the needs of land retirement with the needs for care of working lands.

Jennifer Latzke, Associate Editor: In the new year I would like to see a farm bill that addresses the needs of small farm families, as well as larger entities. It needs to recognize the needs of shrinking rural communities and also provide for the future of the industry. There must be incentives and assistance to help young farmers enter into production agriculture if we are to ensure that Americans are growing the food and fiber that feeds and clothes Americans.

Jeff Caldwell, Field Editor: Make whatever kind of price supports that are included in the 2007 Farm Bill compliant with the World Trade Organization, and in doing so, hopefully open up global trading opportunities for U.S. ag products. Make compliance with other nations' trade status more of a priority, in order to end our nation's global reputation as somewhat of a "fat, happy trade bully."

In addition, whether it is by establishing new incentive programs for beginning farmers and more established farmers to help their younger counterparts, or promoting conservation incentives that are more readily accessible to younger farmers, I hope the next farm bill can furnish ways for the next generation of farmers to become established in the industry more easily.

Doug Rich, Senior Field Editor: America's farmers and ranchers are not only the most efficient food and fiber producers in the world, but they are the best stewards of some of the most productive land in the world. In the next farm bill I would like to see full funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and other similar conservation programs to reward producers for their efforts to protect our environment.

What are your wishes for the next farm bill? Make your wishes known by contacting your elected representatives yourself or magnify your voice by working through the commodity organization of your choice.

Doug Rich can be reached by phone at 785-749-5304 or by e-mail at richhpj@aol.com.