09/27/07 CPoW Fall Roundup; CRP and high commodity prices

Washington Ag September 27, 2007 U.S. Cattlemen's Association President, Jon Wooster, a cattle producer from San Lucas, California and Jess Peterson, USCA Director of Governmental Affairs, will speak at the Cattle Producers of Washington Fall Roundup tomorrow, September 28 in Moses Lake at the Convention Center. Wooster says U.S. Cattlemen's is pleased to participate in this event, and they are grateful for the invitation." The day-long session will also include a round-table discussion of ag issues with staff from members of Washington's Congressional delegation, a presentation by the Director of Consumer Affairs for PCC Natural Foods and an update on animal identification and brand programs from Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Leonard Eldridge. The tight supply of grains in the U.S. and world, and the subsequent high prices, has some people calling for acreage to be released from the Conservation Reserve Program without penalty. USDA acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Connor says that situation is something the department is monitoring on a weekly if not daily basis. Connor: "Not only for wheat but a number of other commodities that could be either directly or indirectly impacted by CRP acreage. To date we have seen no reason to take action at this point and therefore we haven't." But that could change with changing circumstances. I'm Bob Hoff.