Happy Holidays

After the debt ceiling agreement was signed by President Obama last week several federal programs now find themselves being steered towards the chopping block. But like flashy comic book characters in spandex tights the so-called “Super Committee” is now supposed to fly in and save the day. That is, save the day for some; others will not be so lucky. The Committee, to be made up of three Republicans and three Democrats each from the U.S. House and Senate are to come up with a list of proposed federal program cuts by Thanksgiving, or a carving job usually left for the holiday turkey will ensue across the board. It is highly unlikely that Farm programs will be able to escape untouched. The timing for all this is unfortunate, when considering work on the next Farm Bill will be quickly coming on its heels. Pat Westhoff, the Program Director for the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, says the good news is the Committee’s recommendations will be known by Thanksgiving, and whether they’re approved will be known by Christmas. Not exactly the present everyone looks forward to under their Christmas tree.