Farmer-friendly farm bill implementation needed
By John Stencel
The ink has been dry for several months now on the 2002 farm bill, and USDA staffers are settling in to the arduous task of writing the rules that will govern its provisions. Just as producers lobbied for passage of the new farm bill, they need to stay informed and participate in rule-making.
Complaints […]
Ag producers need disaster assistance for drought
By John Stencel
It is an established fact that Colorado is in a drought, possibly the worst drought on record. Wheat production is one-third normal and ranchers are selling off herds and flocks in unprecedented numbers because they cannot afford to feed them. I commend the Denver-based media outlets for raising the public’s awareness of the […]
Checkoff ruling opens door for producer control
By John Stencel
The ruling, June 21, by South Dakota Federal District Court Judge Charles B. Kornmann that the beef checkoff program is “unconstitutional and unenforceable” because it violates the First Amendment should serve as an opportunity for beef producers to control promotions of their product.
The initial idea of the checkoff—to pool producer monies in order […]
Drought cripples agriculture
By John Stencel
Weather conditions throughout the majority of Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico are now classified as “extreme drought.” While the advent of restrictions on lawn watering over the past several weeks has caused consumers along the Front Range to become more aware of the drought, farmers and ranchers throughout the region have been affected […]
New farm bill an improvement
By John Stencel
As of May 8, both houses of Congress have passed the farm bill, and President George Bush is expected to sign it.
Applicable to the 2002 crop year, the legislation—while still lacking in some areas—is a considerable improvement to the previous “freedom to farm” bill that has bankrupted family producers and cost taxpayers billions […]