05/30/08 Washington spuds on PBS; Oregon wheat assessment change?

Farm and Ranch May 30, 2008 Washington potatoes are coming to a public television station near you. Karen Bonaudi, Assistant Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission explains. Bonaudi: "We haven't done anything like this before on national television. So what we are trying to do is educate people about potatoes. Not only quick and easy recipes but also about the industry, especially the Washington industry, by putting on just a short, they call them a short spot, these little five-minute shows that go on public television, PBS." The video was produced on the east coast where the Potato Commission contracted with Stephen Moir a culinary instructor and President of the American Culinary Federation's Jersey Shore Chefs Association, to use his recipes and appear on the program. Bonaudi: "Chef Moir came up with three recipes. One of them is a potato gnocchi recipe. Those are potato dumplings that can be a bit tricky, but he makes it really easy. We have another one with shepherds pie that is topped with frozen hash brown shreds. And a turkey roll, a turkey cutlet that is rolled around vegetables and some chunky frozen home fries." Spotlight on Potatoes began airing yesterday and could run 500 times over the coming year. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network. Farm and Ranch May 30, 2008 The Oregon Wheat Industry Task Force has made several recommendations regarding industry organizations. The Task Force presented its findings to a joint meeting of the Oregon Wheat Commission and the Oregon Wheat Growers League and producer input is being sought. The most sensitive issue among those recommendations says Oregon Wheat Commission Administrator Tana Simpson is changing the wheat assessment collected by the Commission. Simpson: "To change the assessment rate from three cents to ¾ of a percent of net receipts. Also offering a full refund on that assessment." It is also proposed that two additional Commissioners be appointed from industries related to wheat production. Another recommendation is; Simpson: "They are also looking at coordination of industry management and office location." While some recommendations would require legislation Simpson says the assessment change can be done administratively and if adopted be in place July 1st of this year. The Oregon Wheat Commission wants input on the proposed changes and will be holding information meetings at the Pendleton Field Day June 10th at 3:30 p.m. and at the Sherman Station Field Day June 11th at 1 p.m. A public rules hearing will also be held June 30th at the Gilliam County Grain Quality Lab at 9:00 a.m. Written input will also be accepted at the Oregon Wheat Commission office until five p.m. June 16th. I'm Bob Hoff and that's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.