Budget Deal but no Farm Bill

The Senate and House Budget chairs have reached a deal and barring any major kickback from the parties Congress should pass the deal. Senate Chair Patty Murray says

MURRAY: For farm too long here in Washington DC compromise has been considered a dirty word especially when it comes to the federal budget. Over the past few years we have lurched from crisis to crisis and from one cliff to the next. That uncertainty was devastating to our fragile economic recovery. This deal builds on the $2.5 trillion dollars in deficit reduction we have done since 2011 and continues the precedent we set in the fiscal cliff deal that sequestration shouldn't be replaced with spending cuts alone.

Even though the top farm bill negotiators have made progress and continue to have productive meetings - House Ag Chair Frank Lucas says there are still some outstanding issues they are addressing. Lucas is confident they will work through them and finish a farm bill in January - but not before then. Therefore - Lucas stated Tuesday night that he will file legislation to extend the current farm bill through January this week to allow the farm bill conferees to finish their work without the threat of permanent law implementation.

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

It's that time of year again when holiday parties and family gatherings can make it challenging to eat healthy. Good news, one of the favorite food items to be served at restaurants or family get togethers during the holidays is a very good source of protein. I'm referring to that very large and succulent looking cut of roast beef known as the Steamship Round, which contains the top, bottom and eye round combined. When done just right a Steamship Round roast is crisp on the outside and medium rare on the inside. At home the closest comparison to this restaurant fav would be a top round roast, which is just under 8 grams of fat in a 3.5 ounce serving and is another good source of lean protein. Another nice plus is that the usual condiments used with Steamship Round or Top Round are also low in fat and low in calories, and generally includes different types of mustards, and horseradish. Also, this cut of meat can't be beat served just straight-up - seasoned with just a little dried onion, thyme and rosemary. The side dishes that go best with this happen to be any number of healthy nutritious veggies. Eating healthy at holiday time doesn't mean we have to sacrifice favorites or flavor.

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