10/29/07 What to expect when farm bill hits Senate floor

Farm and Ranch October 29, 2007 The Food and Security Act of 2007 passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee last Thursday could go to the full Senate this week or next. When it does a few things are certain. One, Iowa Senator Charles Grassley, with the support of North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan, will seek more restrictive payment limitations than are in the committee passed farm bill. Grassley warned his colleagues during mark up. Grassley: "Don't be surprised if we are their taking you at your word that you are going to work with us and get this job done and not try and do any shenanigans." Like the House did during its consideration of a farm bill, the Senate will see an alternative bill proposing sweeping reforms. That is Indiana Senator Richard Lugar's Farm Ranch Equity Stewardship and Health Act, or FRESH Act, which would do away with traditional farm subsidies. Lugar: "Each farmer would receive expanded county-based crop insurance policy that would cover either 85% of expected crop revenue or yield, or 80% of a farm's 5-year average adjusted gross revenue. These insurance tools already exist but our reforms would make them more effective and universally used while reducing administrative costs and saving taxpayers money." It's also possible an amendment dealing with the immigration issue could be offered on the Senate Floor. I'm Bob Hoff and that's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.