09/25/06 NCBA testimony on farm bill

American Rancher September 25, 2006 The 2007 Farm Bill must include policies that promote a competitive and free market system. That's what National Cattlemen's Beef Association president and cattle producer Mike John told the U.S. House Agriculture Committee last week at a hearing on future agriculture policy and the 2007 Farm Bill. John: "Cyclical up and downs in the market can be harsh but the system works. And we remain steadfastly committed to a competitive and free market system. It is not in the nation's farmers or ranchers best interest for the government to implement policies that set prices, underwrites inefficient production, or manipulates domestic supply, cost, or price." John said areas where government and industry can work together to achieve mutual goals include conservation and environmental stewardship. John: "Programs such as EQIP are extremely popular with cattlemen and we hope to see this type of cost share program to expand to include more producers. Cost share and working land programs serve to protect the environment and taxpayers money." John thanked the committee for its support on many recent and current trade issues and encouraged members to continue a strong and vigilant oversight of the enforcement of trade agreements. John: "We support government programs such as the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development program which help expand opportunities for U.S. beef and we urge sustained funding for these long term market development efforts." To grow their businesses John said cattlemen have to look outside the U.S. borders to find 96 percent of the world's consumers. I'm Bob Hoff.