05/08/06 Legislation to help young farmers

It's tough for newcomers to break into the farming and ranching business. PHILPS "We could be off someplace with higher paying jobs right now but we kind of choose to stay here." Dave Philps of Challis is a member of the Idaho Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher program. He was raised on a ranch and wants his kids to experience the same life. Now there is proposed legislation in Washington to help men and women get into and stay into farming and ranching. BARR "Eliminates capital gains taxes when agricultural land is sold to a beginning farmer or rancher. The bill would help beginning farmers acquire land they need to get started and expanding farmers the ground they need to keep their business growing and prosperous." Jerry Barr is chairman of the American Farm Bureau's YF&R program He says capital gains taxes are high because land is normally held for long periods of time. Barr believes that HR2034, the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Act is a way to help those newcomers. BARR "It is crucial to find an avenue to attract younger people to agriculture." The legislation is still being discussed on Capital Hill. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott