12/01/08 Wheat leader says it's a trying time for growers

Washington Ag December 1, 208 You know the saying; what a difference a year makes. The incoming president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Brit Ausman, certainly knows that. The Asotin county farmer says the economic situation for growers has definitely changed. Ausman: "A year ago we were looking at $15 plus wheat. Now we are looking at $5 wheat. We are looking at record input costs on fertilizer, seed. Crop insurance is higher. Though we have had some relief on fuel in the last 30 days a lot of us have the most money per acre in our crop right now than we ever had before, and now we've lost essentially $10 out of the market. So, it is a trying time." The USDA is still implementing the 2008 Farm Bill and Ausman says that's something his association will be following closely. Ausman; "There's a lot of questions about the SURE program and the ACRE program and we are encouraging all producers to make it to you local FSA meeting and we are working with our delegation to figure out exactly how the program works so it's a better fit for our producers." To avoid selling at current price levels it appears more growers are storing their grain under government loan this fall hoping for better prices. I'm Bob Hoff.