Getting Busy on the Farm Bill

Getting Busy on the Farm Bill plus Food Forethought. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report.

The Farm Bill should be the topic of discussion on Capitol Hill today. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas will chair the first meeting of the farm bill conference committee. Committee members have the difficult task of reconciling a House bill that cuts 39-billion dollars from food stamps over the next 10 years and 60-billion dollars overall - with a Senate bill that cuts 4.5-billion dollars from food stamps and 24.5-billion dollars overall. No matter what anyone else might say - Lucas says ag support is necessary to assure reasonably priced food supplies and he understands what happens if Congress gets the policy wrong.

The Ag Secretary is hoping that Congress will complete the task today as well. Tom Vilsack says it is time to get the Farm Bill done.

VILSACK: Two things. Number one it's extraordinarily important that we get this done and we get it done now. We've waited far too long for a comprehensive bill to get done and I know there are differences between the House and the Senate but I want to encourage folks to basically get to a point where compromise can be obtained. because there are just so many benefits that will come from a comprehensive bill.

Also APHIS has delayed the open period for their Metastorm Farm Bill Suggestion System until sometime in November and then it will be open for comment for about 6 weeks.

Now with today's Food Forethought, here's Lacy Gray.

Is it really possible to enjoy a healthy Halloween. Halloween is about the candy, right? Well, if you're a kid it is. So how do we grownups help our little "monsters" have a healthier and still enjoyable Halloween? For starters, how about some nice warm veggie soup with whole grain crackers and a slice of cheese before they head out the door to go trick or treating. That way they aren't out collecting candy on an empty stomach. Next, whether you're walking the neighborhood trick or treat route, or one of the many downtown merchant or mall treat nights, it is a way to get some exercise, and the kids are having so much fun they won't even notice if you have them do some extra laps around the area. As far as handing out goodies to the trick or treaters that come to your front door, you can always go the non-food route by giving them stickers, temporary tattoos, pencils, creature shaped erasers, or those safety conscious glow bracelets. Remember when you get back to the house with your trick or treaters to go through and check the candy and goodies together, and set limits; two or three pieces of their Halloween candy per day should keep them in sweets almost up until Christmas!

Thanks Lacy. That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.