05/11/07 Wheat growers experience USDA crop report lockdown

Washington Ag May 11, 2007 The first production estimate of the 2007 winter wheat crop in Washington and the U.S. is being made today by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Such estimates can move markets so security is crucial in preventing someone from using inside information for private financial gain. Several members of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers who were in Washington D.C. this week got to experience that security first hand by participating in the pre-report lockdown and briefing given to the Agriculture Secretary or other top USDA official. Chris Messer, who heads up the Washington Ag Statistics Service explains how it works. Messer: "Once they receive security clearance they are escorted into the lock up area in the south building of the USDA building in Washington D.C. and they are secure in that lock up area until the report is made public." Messer says if someone were to get sick during the lockup they would be escorted out with a guard and the guard would maintain security so that nothing is divulged. Among the Washington Association of Wheat Growers scheduled to attend the lock down were President Jim White, vice president Randy Urich, past president Jerry Snyder. Debbie McGourin, Ben Adams, John White and with the Washington State Grange Scott Dalhman. I'm Bob Hoff.