All the Above & Wheat Likes New Bill
All the Above & Wheat Likes New Bill plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.
On Tuesday, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar spoke at the National Press Club about President Obama’s “all of the above” strategy for domestic energy development, including the expansion of domestic oil and gas production, and initiatives to harness renewable and alternative energy sources. Salazar told the group quote “Americans want to cut our reliance on imported oil. They know that a lot of factors affect gas prices – including world markets and international events – and that, unfortunately, there’s no silver bullet in the near term.”
A mark-up of the Senate version of the Farm Bill has been delayed but a lot of folks are excited about the proposed bill. Dana Peterson with the National Association of Wheat Growers says that after the first review - they're very pleased with the crop insurance and the commodity title because.
PETERSON: It does have supplemental coverage available for producers to buy a supplemental option on top of their current crop insurance. That supplemental coverage will have a benefit with regards to the premium share from the taxpayers and so that will hopefully help farmers meet our goal in raising the amount of coverage across the country. Our goal is 10% so hopefully that supplemental coverage will give us that option.
Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.
Right on the heels of Earth Day comes National Arbor Day, which is officially April 27, the last Friday in April. If you’re scratching your head in confusion because you were sure that different states observe Arbor Day on different dates, it’s okay, you aren’t wrong. National Arbor Day is always the last Friday in April, but many states celebrate Arbor Day when it’s the best tree planting times for their area, and that could be anytime between January and December! It’s hard to believe that it’s been140 years since the first official Arbor Day was adopted by the State of Nebraska in 1872. Other states quickly followed suit and today all fifty states have an official date for Arbor Day. It is a “tree planting” holiday for many people, but should perhaps be better known as an all encompassing “tree caring” holiday where everyone sets aside time to not only plant but care for the existing trees in their communities and the surrounding countryside. In fact, some states kick off a forest conservation week beginning the day after Arbor Day. So, this Arbor Day celebrate the beauty of trees - those incredible environmental work horses. Remember, planting and caring for trees is one of the best things we can do to enhance our world.
Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.
