07/25/08 CRP and environmentalists

So-called environmentalists sure have a way of getting in the way. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back to tell you about a situation where they should get out of the way. First, there was talk of trouble with the haying and grazing program on Conservation Reserve Program acres, then newspaper and radio articles confirmed that the National Wildlife Federation had found a judge who would issue an injunction to postpone the August 1st opening of CRP acres for haying and grazing. Am I surprised they found this judge in Seattle, Washington? Not in the least! The program was to be used to help cattlemen get through a shortage of feed supplies that has resulted in very high hay costs. The National Wildlife Federation is claiming the government should have had an environmental assessment before starting the program. Maybe, just maybe, there are individuals who understand the environment and wildlife without having to have an assessment. The National Wildlife Federation members say they are concerned about sage grouse habitat. I wonder why they didn't get an injunction early in May when the program was announced? Could it be that this late little maneuver would cause more problems for ranchers who have made plans to utilize CRP acres? The NWF uses the sage grouse as a means to an end, that organization and its members could not enjoy wildlife any more than a rancher. The difference is a rancher understands how to use land to produce a commodity and produce wildlife. Our ranches have supported wildlife for years. It's time to tell these so-called environmentalists to get a life or get out of the way. I'm Jeff Keane