12/21/06 PNW wheat groups support NAWG

Farm and Ranch December 21, 2006 Looking back over 2006, now past president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Jerry Snyder, says it was productive because for one thing there is unity among the tri-state region on the next farm bill. Snyder: "We have all gotten behind the National Association of Wheat Growers points on $5.29 for a target price and $1.19 Direct Payment. Those points I think are very factually backed up with information concerning cost of production." Producers attending the recent Pacific Northwest Grains Conference heard economic policy analyst Ross Korves say he thinks NAWG's position is doable. Mike Noonan, new president of the Oregon Wheat Growers League thinks so to. Noonan: "Well I think so. And I think so because wheat has been at a disadvantage to other commodities. With that being said I think the USDA policy with what we can read and politically, we could lose a lot of wheat acres if we don't get that target price up. So, I think it is definitely doable." Tim Dillin, president of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, says they are firmly behind national organization positions including the National Barley Growers Association, which would like to see a higher loan rate for barley. Dillin: "Being a small commodity, barley, we are going have to at least tag on and pick and choose and try and help some other commodities and see if they will help us get what we need." I'm Bob Hoff and that's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.