News Update, April 14, 2008

Daily News Update, April 14, 2008

Farm bill update
The House finally named conferees to the farm bill conference committee and during the first farm bill Conference Committee meeting last week, the House made an “opening offer” for the 2007 farm bill budget. The Senate rejected this offer and is expected to counter with their own offer April 14 or 15. The House offer is available to read here.

The current farm bill extension expires April 18, so negotiations must be completed by this Friday.

During the meeting, Conference Committee Chairman Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) stressed that the farm bill has come too far for another extension. Other members remarked that they think the farm bill could be settled within a matter of days.

House Ag Committee Chairman, Colin Peterson (D-Minn.) noted that the House has had some difficulty responding to the way the Senate handled the bill and that the House framework offer has bipartisan support. He also expressed concern about the permanent disaster provisions and tax cuts.

Included in the House offer to the Senate was $5.5 billion in extra spending. This is less than the previously discussed figures of $10 and $6 billion and does not include money for a permanent disaster relief program. It is expected that the Senate will come back with an offer of $10 billion in spending. President Bush has said he is not in favor of anything over $10 billion and will not support another short term extension of the current bill.

The Conference Committee is expected to meet again early this week after the House Ways and Mean Committee and Senate Finance Committee have finished their negotiations.

Texas A&M report clears corn from food price inflation
The U.S. ethanol industry is facing challenging times. In part because of ethanol industry demand, corn prices have hit all-time highs. That has led ethanol's critics to blame biofuels for global food price inflation. But a new report from Texas A&M's Agricultural Policy and Research Center confirms sky-high petroleum costs are at the heart of higher food costs. more

Debris in pastures potential health risk to cattle
Insulation and building debris present in pastures after high winds can cause problems for cattle producers, difficulties that potentially may have a significant effect on animal health and time management costs. more

Oklahoma feral swine rules explained
Oklahoma's state veterinarian says she suspects some people may be committing felonies without being aware of it as they move feral swine for commercial or hunting purposes. "From the phone calls we receive and recent public comments it is clear there are people who do not know it can be a felony to release feral swine unless it is on a licensed sporting or breeding facility or a licensed buying or gathering station or slaughter facility…" more

Rise in black vulture population concerns ranchers
Ranchers all around Texas increasingly are telling wildlife authorities that black vultures in particular, considered the more aggressive version of the bird, are responsible for killing young cows, sheep and goats. "They're prospering. Clearly if they're killing cows that otherwise would live, that indeed is a cause for some significant concern…" more

Operation Cow Thief
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