07/21/08 Flinchbaugh to cattlemen: be thankful for three things

Kansas State University ag economist Dr Barry Flinchbaugh says American cattle producers should be thankful this year for three things. First, is their product. FLINCHBAUGH "It is still the food of choice and as per capita incomes increase around the world and they are and they will that will just get better." Speaking at the National Cattlemen's Summer Conference in Denver Flinchbaugh said the second positive was the newly enacted Farm Bill. FLINCHBAUGH "There is no packer ownership ban in this farm bill. Second even though COOL I will argue will not accomplish its purpose at least in this farm bill the compromise is much more workable and realistic. And third we got record funding for conservation programs with a significant portion of that dedicated to livestock." Flinchbaugh says he's long-run bullish on the US energy policy and its economy. FLINCHBAUGH "We have made finally a long run commitment to wean ourselves from oil from thugs." He says US agriculture including livestock can play a role in methane and wind power and he insists it can be done in the marketplace without subsidies, tariffs or mandates. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott