The biggest topic of discussion at the 2012 Commodity Classic last week was the farm bill – what should be in it and whether we will even see one this year.
It was the main question that the presidents of the four farm organizations that participate in Classic answered during their time on stage during the general session with emcee Mark Mayfield. It was also the subject of a joint press release issued during the convention by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), American Soybean Association (ASA), National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and National Sorghum Producers (NSP) expressing the unanimous opinion that their farmers want to see a 2012 Farm Bill in 2012.
“Commodity Classic provides our organizations an opportunity to come together to discuss important policy issues facing our industry. As Congress continues work on the next farm bill, our organizations agree that an affordable crop insurance program is our No. 1 priority. We also stand ready to work with House and Senate Ag Committee leaders to create farm programs that provide risk-management tools to growers when they are facing a loss beyond their control.
“We urge Congress to pass a new farm bill this year to provide the level of certainty in America that a short-term extension cannot.The nation is currently facing record high federal deficits and this requires difficult decisions. We stand ready to do our part to develop more efficient farm policy that will be responsive to taxpayers and effective in helping farms remain viable and productive.
“Our organizations represent more than 70 percent of all crop acres in the United States. Agriculture is a bright spot in our nation’s economy, sustainably meeting the expanding demands to provide food, feed, fuel and fiber to the world. We are pleased to see the Senate and House Agriculture Committees have produced such an aggressive schedule and we thank them for their efforts.”
2012 Commodity Classic Photo Album
Listen to or download audio from each organization’s president below:
[wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/commodity-classic-12-niemeyer.mp3″ text=”Comments from NCGA President Gary Niemeyer of Auburn, IL”] [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/commodity-classic-12-wellman.mp3″ text=”Comments from ASA president Steve Wellman of Syracuse, NE”] [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/commodity-classic-12-swanson.mp3″ text=”Comments from NSP president Terry Swanson of Walsh, CO”] [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/commodity-classic-12-hurst.mp3″ text=”Comments from NAWG president Wayne Hurst of Burley, ID”] Coverage of the 2012 Commodity Classic Show is sponsored by John Deere