07/20/07 Ag economist's view of Farm Bill

Kansas State University agriculture economics professor Barry Flinchbaugh says the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee is being torn in 100 directions. Flinchbaugh says Collin Peterson has the unenviable task of trying to get all sides and factions to sit down and talk about the new Farm Bill. FLINCHBAUGH "And to get something out of the committee that will stand the test on the floor and at the same time satisfy Madam Speaker frankly I'm not so such Jesus Christ could pull it off." Flinchbaugh says the Senate is working behind the scenes on legislation and if the House can get a bill passed prior to the August recess Congress will be on target to complete work on the farm bill between Thanksgiving and Christmas. FLINCHBAUGH "If the farm groups would just sit down and compromise it out Congress will pass it." If Congress stumbles and can't pass a new bill he says they will have to extend the current farm bill. FLINCHBAUGH "If we do a one year extension then this thing comes up right in the middle of the presidential and the congressional elections. I don't want to do one in '08. No way!" Flinchbaugh spoke yesterday at the Cattlemen's Summer meeting in Denver. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott