09/15/06 Final Paper & Animal ID

Final paper & Animal ID. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns on Wednesday released the fifth and final USDA farm bill analysis papers - this one a comprehensive analysis of key factors affecting future growth in U.S. agriculture. According to Johanns - that includes international trade - research and development - protection from pests and diseases - and the challenges of preparing the next generation of farmers. Johanns says the paper considers the evolution of the agricultural marketplace and the strategies farmers have used to meet emerging challenges. As Congress prepares to write a new farm bill - he says it`s important to identify the best way to support future growth in the industry. Agriculture Department officials are promoting a national animal ID program as needed and as something that will not cost the industry a lot of money. Under Secretary of Agiriculture Bruce Knight says it's an important program but he will have his work cut out. KNIGHT: And I want to get this moving forward so I have a chance to prove to you sir, that this is not going to be as complicated as feared. It's going to be more simple and streamlined and it's something producers will willingly participate in. Knight also insists: KNIGHT: It is not going to be a mandatory program under Secretary Johanns watch. But one Missouri livestock producer is not convinced. AUDIO: We think it's a threat to our livelihood and our freedom. Knight was attending a National Farmers Organization meeting in Washington DC. Now here's today's Washington Grange Report (GRANGE) That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.