01/03/07 Farm Bill, part two

Congress with its new Democratic leadership is about to begin work. In talking with Idahoans there is some concern for the unknown. Lloyd Knight of the Idaho Cattle Association says it may take some time to see the direction this Congress wants to take. KNIGHT "I think its just going to take some getting used to who that new leadership is and what their priorities are and understanding that that means for things like the farm bill and what it means for some of our issues related to trade, animal i-d, country of origin labeling and some of those issues." Idaho sugarbeet growers are hopeful that Congress doesn't rock the boat. As grower association executive director Mark Duffin sees it the 2002 Farm Bill sugar program didn't cost taxpayers a dime. DUFFIN "If we could just have something that looks very similar to what we have now we would be quite satisfied." The 2002 Farm Bill reduced support levels for wheat and barley growers and Steve Johnson of the Idaho Grain Producers Association says that issue has to be part of the '07 Farm Bill negotiations. JOHNSON "We need to increase the safety net for wheat and barley guys by increasing the target price and probably the direct payment." Democrat controlled Congress with a Republican president. It will be interesting. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott