11/13/06 Farm Bureau convenes in Yakima

Washington Ag November 13, 2006 The 87th Annual Convention of the Washington State Farm Bureau begins at the Yakima Convention Center today and runs through this Thursday. The Farm Bureau's Gary Joiner says the theme of this year's meeting is "Taking on the Tough Jobs" like trying to get Initiative 933 passed, though it failed at the polls, and many other jobs Farm Bureau members take on daily. Joiner: "Battling local ordinances at the city and county level. Just trying to articulate the issues of Farm Bureau in many cases in an environment in which sometimes agriculture's voice is not heard as loudly or as strongly. Our Farm Bureau members have been taking on those tough jobs and we are going to recognize those people and the work they've done." In addition to hearing from speakers and attending workshops Joiner says Farm Bureau members will be working on policy issues with animal ID expected to be one of those. Joiner: "There are some efforts to perhaps change the position of the Washington Farm Bureau and also if they are so inclined to send a position to the American Farm Bureau for consideration regarding animal ID." Other resolutions will deal with water and private property. About 350-400 Farm Bureau members are expected to attend the convention. I'm Bob Hoff.