Farm bill a topic at USDA Outlook Forum

Farm and Ranch February 28, 2011 As Congress begins to look at drafting a new farm bill budget cuts and reducing the federal deficit are likely to play a big role.

Stabenow: “That’s why we need to make the best use of our limited resources and make sure we are using them on programs that are working for production agriculture today.”

That is one of the major players in the farm bill process, Chairwoman of the Senate Ag Committee Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. She told last week’s USDA Outlook Forum that even within what could be a smaller budget;

Stabenow: “We need an effective safety net so that we are not watching family businesses go under.”

Stabenow also said for the farmers who are bombarded with rules, regulations, and paperwork a farm bill should encourage;

Stabenow: “Smarter, simpler and streamlined programs and I know that is something the Secretary is leading on as well.”

And Agriculture Secretary Vilsack told reporters his department is already working on it by simplifying forms, getting technology online to reduce farmers’ trips to county USDA offices, and;

Vilsack: “Over time, hopefully, they won‘t even have to make a trip.”

Giving farmers more time to farm and be more productive.

When it comes to the next farm bill Chairwoman Stabenow said that most importantly she will be guided by the principle that farmers and ranchers know better than anyone else what works for them.

I’m Bob Hoff and that’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on Northwest Aginfo Net.

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