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Texas commodity groups gather in AmarilloBy Jennifer M. Latzke Producers from across the Texas Panhandle gathered in Amarillo Nov. 28 for the 7th Annual Texas Commodity Symposium. Held in conjunction with the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show, the symposium brings farmers and ranchers in touch with the decision-makers of the day. Headlining this year's symposium was Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, who told farmers that it's not enough that Texas agriculture is successful, but that they need to be communicating the importance of ag to their urban neighbors. "We're facing a new century and you define what Texas is about to the world," Staples said. "Tell the story of Texas agriculture." Staples explained that by educating the public on the scientific and technological breakthroughs happening in agriculture they can better understand it when it comes time to shape public policy. One of those messages farmers should communicate to their urban neighbors and trading partners is how much Texas farmers work to protect the environment through their conservation efforts and using sound scientific principles. He gave the example that while China's economy has grown exponentially in recent years, it's also facing an environmental crisis with water and air pollution. Energy independence is also important to Texan farmers and their urban neighbors and Staples encouraged growers to talk to their neighbors about how Texas ag can meet feed, food and fuel needs with better technology and advancements in crops. And besides, the emerging renewable energy industry will bring jobs and income to Texas. "We are not dependent of foreign food and we shouldn't be dependent on foreign oil," Staples said. Texans, he added, have billions of reasons to celebrate agriculture as a part of their economy. "Texas agriculture had an $85 billion economic impact on the economy of Texas in 2004," Staples said. "Texas agriculture has now surpassed the $100 billion mark." And, while it's a prosperous time for Texas agriculture, he added, farmers need to remember if they aren't "pushing forward, you're falling behind." Joining the symposium via teleconference link, Rep. Collin Peterson, D-MN, spoke to producers about the status of the farm bill in Congress. "The House set out to get our version of the farm bill done in time for conference before the 2002 bill expired," Rep. Peterson said. "The Senate is where it got bogged down, and we've just been sitting, waiting for final action in the Senate." Rep. Peterson told producers he thinks the House version works for both nutrition and agriculture people and that the bill that came out of the Senate committee was fairly close to the House version. The problem, Rep. Peterson said, came when the bill reached the Senate floor, where Senators without ag experience attempted to file more than 300 amendments, many unrelated to agriculture. He added that he'd heard that the Senate was close to a deal to limit the amendments on the floor and hopefully would find an agreement after the Thanksgiving break. Once the bill is approved on the Senate floor, it'll travel to conference and while there won't be a bill ready before Christmas, there should be one ready for a January signing, Rep. Peterson said. Approving a bill is just half the battle, though. A big issue to overcome in conference will be how to fund the conservation and nutrition programs in the bill, and then get presidential approval. "The President is serious about vetoing the bill this time," Rep. Peterson said. "We hope he'll see the light and figure out a way to get this done." At issue is payment limitations, which the Rep. Peterson said he hoped to compromise with the President on. Rep. Peterson estimated that Congress could go until March 2008 before being forced to file an extension, and that's only to extend vital dairy programs. Former Representative Larry Combest, speaking on behalf of the Southwest Council of Agribusiness and Combest, Sell and Associates, LLC, told the group that it's vital that the House and Senate pass a final bill before the next budget cycle because the numbers may not be as healthy to agriculture as they currently are. Also speaking during the day were Bryce Anderson, DTN chief meteorologist and market analyst; John Fuston, Texas Farm Service Agency executive director; and Don Gohmert, Texas NRCS state conservationist. The symposium is sponsored by the Corn Producers Association of Texas, Texas Wheat Producers Association, Texas Grain Sorghum Association, Texas Peanut Producers Board and Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. Jennifer M. Latzke can be reached by phone at 620-227-1807, or by e-mail at jlatzke@hpj.com. 12/10/07 Date: 12/6/07
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