01/30/07 Spokane Ag Expo and PNW Farm Forum

Farm and Ranch January 30, 2007 Spokane's Ag Expo and Pacific Northwest Farm Forum begin their three day run one week from today in Spokane, February 6th through the 8th. The exhibits are all under one roof at the new Spokane Convention Center Complex. Show Manager Myrna O'Leary says the opening session of the Pacific Northwest Farm Forum will include the popular Dr. Art Douglas from Creighton University, the weatherman. O'Leary: "You know he is always popular. Tends to hit it right on for the weather each year. So he will bring the forecast for 2007." The opening session will also include Tim Galvin, Agricultural and Trade Policy Consultant discussing "Transition Strategies and the 2007 Farm Bill." On Wednesday February 7th Fifth District Representative Cathy McMorris will speak in the Ag Trade Center auditorium followed by Thomas Dorr, USDA Under Secretary of Rural Development. On Thursday February 8th there will be a panel discussion about Washington State's response to the National Animal Identification System. Panelists will include Bruno Schmidt of Hunters, Washington, author of the "Farmers Field Guide to the NAIS. Of course there are the dozens of seminars, some with pesticide certification credit, a women's program and workshops, and the hundreds of exhibits. And O'Leary says. O'Leary: "One ticket sees all. Ten dollars." And free parking and shuttle service from the Spokane Memorial Arena. I'm Bob Hoff and that's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.