Released: January 29, 2007

K-State, Nebraska to Host Farm Bill Forums

HAYS, Kan. – With a new Congress at work in Washington, the debate on the 2007 Farm Bill is ready to kick into high gear. Several factors will drive the debate, including economic, budget, trade, and political considerations. The agriculture committees will be working on proposals to fit into a new farm bill in time to replace or extend the 2002 legislation before it expires in September.

Agricultural policy specialists from Kansas State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are teaming up to deliver a series of meetings in both states focused on the issues and options in this year’s farm bill debate.

The 2007 Farm Bill Forums: Issues and Options will be held in Kansas and Nebraska in late February and early March. Dates, locations and contact information include:

Feb. 20 – Sabetha - Northridge Church, 316 Lincoln St. – contact David Key at 785-336-2184 or dkey@oznet.ksu.edu.

Feb. 21 – Emporia - American Legion, 2921 W. 12th Ave. – contact Brian Rees at 620-341-3220 or brees@oznet.ksu.edu.

Feb. 22 – Hays – KSU Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Ave. – contact Stacy Campbell at 785-628-9430 or scampbel@oznet.ksu.edu.

Meetings in Nebraska will be held Feb. 26 in Scottsbluff, Feb. 27 in Cozad; Feb. 28 in Hastings; and March 2 in Columbus. More details about the Nebraska forums is available by contacting Brad Lubben at 402-472-2235 or blubben2@unl.edu.

Each meeting will provide an overview of the farm bill debate and will focus on the mechanics and implications of the various proposals put forward at that time.

Specific topics will include potential changes to current farm programs and the mechanics of a proposed revenue safety net to replace part of the current safety net programs. Efforts to shift funding to an expanded Conservation Security Program also will be discussed. Each meeting will also provide an opportunity for producers to discuss the major options and provide feedback that will contribute to the policy debate.

Registration fees will vary at each location, depending on the level of local sponsorship.

A pre-registration fee of $7 per person for the Hays location is requested by Feb.16. Registration at the door will be $15 per person and a meal cannot be guaranteed. The registration and check for the Hays location should go to Ellis County Extension by Feb. 16 at 601 Main St. Hays, KS. 67601.

Sponsors for the Hays Farm Bill Forum include High Plains Farm Credit, First National Bank – Hays/Plainville, Golden Belt Bank – Hays/Ellis, Commerce Bank, Gorham State Bank, Bank of Hays, Ag Pro Crop Insurance, Ellis County Farm Bureau Association and K-State Research and Extension.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Stacy Campbell
scampbel@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News