01/16/08 Ag Director quizzed on biofuels and feed costs

Washington Ag January 16, 2008 All-time record high prices have been great for Washington wheat, barley and corn growers but not for livestock producers and dairymen. The issue of feed costs, particularly as they are impacted by the growth in biofuels in the U.S., was raised at a legislative meeting in Olympia this week. North central Washington Republican Representative Joel Kretz addressed state Ag Director Valoria Loveland. Kretz: "As the grain prices have gone up the livestock industry has really taken a hit. You know the inputs for feeding livestock. A lot of people have pulled hay fields out and gone into grains. We are seeing a basically a doubling of prices of hay, which is really hurting cattle, dairy and those parts of the industry. Is there anything in the works to help balance that out or help those parts of agriculture?" Director Loveland said yes. Loveland: "The more crushing facilities that we can get up and operating in the state the by-product is excellent feed for cattle and will be very affordable." Loveland was referring there to the meal from crushing oilseeds like canola, but canola acreage in the state is still minimal. I'm Bob Hoff.