Plains cotton Growers gather in Lubbock for annual meeting

By Jennifer M. Latzke

In the world of politics, it's rare to have a "rock star" greeting from farmers, no less.

But, that's just how the membership of Plains cotton Growers, Inc., greeted Congressman Jerry Moran, R-KS, at their 50th annual meeting April 13, in Lubbock, Texas.

Congressman Moran, who is the ranking Republican member on the House General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee, was greeted with a standing ovation at the Lubbock Civic Center. He was there to speak to the membership about the Commodity Title of the 2007 Farm Bill and its implications for Texas cotton producers. He told the audience that the right agricultural policy will be one that will allow the next generation to earn a living on their family farming operations in rural America.

"I went to Congress with a goal of doing what I could for the prosperity of Kansas and to ensure a future for rural America," he said. "And, that prosperity and future depend on a profit in agriculture."

For now, the 2002 Farm Bill will still serve as the bedrock for the 2007 Farm Bill, he said. The Congressman explained he has more faith in the House and Senate Agriculture Committees creating a better title for farmers in their committees, than in a debate on their respective floors.

On the committees, he explained, there are allies and friends who are informed about agriculture and who can serve as advocates for farmers' causes and reach out to other members of Congress. It's these "other" representatives--those hailing from urban districts or who have no agricultural background--who will be critical to the next farm bill.

"You need to work to reach out to representatives," Moran said. "Those in Congress who may not see themselves as representatives of agriculture will be important to you in the cotton business and in agriculture interests."

Part of that reaching out, he continued, should be telling them the truth behind the farm bill, that it's much more than just subsidies to farmers. "Tell the story of the farm bill, that it is a wide array and collection of issues," Moran said. "Of the funding in the farm bill, most is not spent on the commodity title, which is at about 16 percent. Rather, it's spent on nutrition programs, right now at about 55 percent." With the new estimated budget baseline, Moran said that portion spent on nutrition is expected to grow to 60 percent.

Another message that cotton growers must take to non-ag representatives is that just because grain prices are higher, the cost of production has eaten up those profits.

"If the commodity price is less than the cost it took to produce it, then a safety net should kick in," he said. cotton is a prime example of the need for a safety net, especially in Texas where last year's crop faced harsh drought and rising input costs.

One pervasive argument that Moran has had to face from non-ag representatives is that the small farmer may not have any grand benefits in an ag bill written by large farmer interests, and that any bill should comply with WTO regulations.

"The last thing we want is a farm bill written by negotiators in Geneva," Moran said. "I will trust the House and Senate farm committees to write policy more than 100 negotiators in Geneva." He agrees that it's important for the future farm bill to comply with WTO regulations, just that it's difficult to reduce domestic supports when America is still faced with limited market access in some countries. He gave the example that in Europe, 87.5 percent of its farm subsidies go to export assistance, whereas in the United States, it's 2.5 percent.

"When we're told that our subsidies must be eliminated, I say talk to the rest of the world first," Moran said. "Until they can change, we cannot be dependent on the rest of the world for our food and fiber."

On the subject of passing a disaster bill to benefit High Plains farmers, Moran explained to the audience that he and other lawmakers have tried multiple times to get the Democratic-run House to support disaster legislation. Ironically, during the 2006 election cycle, the Democrats were gung ho for agriculture disaster legislation and 196 Democrat Representatives even signed a petition to bring a bill to the floor for a vote, Moran said. However, ag disaster aid wasn't on the Democrats first 100 days agenda and it's unlikely that it will be uncoupled from the current Iraq war funding debate.

"Why can't we take one issue at a time?" Moran posed to the audience. "Yes, we have disagreements about our role in Iraq, but we shouldn't tie ag disaster together with the Iraq issue."

cotton is facing some special challenges right now, Moran said as he wrapped up his presentation. With corn prices as high as they are, many farmers are having to choose between planting corn versus planting cotton. And, with a lot of producers concerned about forfeiture of their cotton covered by the loan, it's a tough time for the industry. But, Moran told the audience that his goal in Congress is to secure the future of agriculture.

"It's important to our economy for farmers to succeed," Moran said. "That's what's special about ag country, yes, price matters but if we lose that way of life, we lose something important to us as humans. It's where sons and daughters can work by the sides of their parents and grandparents."

Following the Congressman was Nancy Marino, chairman of the cotton Board and notably the first female and first importer in the role. Marino presented a video explaining the role of the cotton Board and its benefits to Plains cotton Growers.

Jim Wiesemeyer, vice president of the Washington Bureau of Informa Economics, then gave his analysis of the political and economical horizon facing cotton in the next few years. Also on the slate of speakers were former Congressman Larry Combest, who is now a leader on the Southwest Council of Agribusiness, and Mark Williams, with a cotton Council International report.

Jennifer M. Latzke can be reached by phone at 620-227-1807, or by e-mail at jlatzke@hpj.com.

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4/30/07

5 Star OK

Date: 4/26/07

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