Senator Works to Protect Wyoming Agriculture

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., today unveiled his priorities for the 2007 Farm Bill. In his speech to the Senate, Barrasso spoke on issues vital to Wyoming agriculture such as conservation, fiscal responsibility, country-of-origin labeling, veterinary research, and energy.

An excerpt of Senator Barrasso’s speech is as follows:

Agriculture – A Wyoming Way of Life
“Agriculture is one of the most trusted, respected, and revered ways of life in America . It is the farmers and ranchers who feed this country.

“ Wyoming agriculture is a billion dollar industry and livestock producers are at the heart of our state’s prosperity. I am privileged to represent more than 9100 farm and ranch operations in Wyoming . That is why I fight every day to ensure that our farm and ranch businesses continue to thrive.

“Agriculture is critical to Wyoming . We produce over one billion dollars of agricultural products each year. Agriculture provides more than ten percent of the jobs in our state.”

A Need for Fiscal Responsibility
“This bill also carries a huge price tag. And let’s not forget that cost is for programs targeted at the old ways of agriculture.

“I believe we need to spend our taxpayer dollars wisely. We should focus our efforts on smart growth in agriculture. We should sunset those programs of the past that fail to address the real issues facing agriculture today.”

Smart Growth Through Conservation
“I support conservation programs. I believe that providing incentive for farmers and ranchers to make improvements to their operations and to benefit the environment serves all of our interests.

“In Wyoming , we’ve seen smart growth spurred by conservation programs. Wyoming producers have implemented 2,881 Environmental Quality Incentives Program contracts over the past five years.

“Conservation programs, provided for in this farm bill, will continue the real, on-the-ground results we’ve seen in Wyoming .”

Providing Market Opportunity
“It is a victory that this bill contains meaningful implementation guidelines for country-of-origin labeling. We raise exceptional beef and lamb in this country. Our producers deserve the opportunity to label their product ‘born and raised in the USA .’ Consumers demand it and will buy it!

“I am also pleased that this Farm Bill will end the prohibition on shipment of Wyoming beef and lamb products to other states.

“Our state inspection program is more stringent than the federal program, and yet we have faced a limit on our product for years. I’m very pleased that this Farm Bill will change that.”

Promoting Veterinary Research
“I am proud to sponsor the Minor Use Animal Drug Program on behalf of Wyoming ’s 900 sheep producers. The amendment helps the American sheep industry be competitive in the world market. And I am pleased that the bill’s sponsors have included this amendment in the bill.

“Animal disease research is of utmost importance to Wyoming . Our rugged landscape is a real challenge to ranchers trying to keep their livestock healthy. To meet this need, I have cosponsored an amendment, along with my neighbors in Montana and Idaho to promote brucellosis and pasturella research.”

Enacting Commonsense Energy Policy
“I am troubled by the ‘food versus fuel’ debate. When we use so much corn to make ethanol—there is less corn to feed our cattle. The price of corn is rising and ranchers are struggling to keep their business profitable.

“I strongly support policies that advance the development of alternative and renewable energy:  solar, wind, geothermal, coal-to-liquids, biofuels – we need it all.

“There is a great opportunity before this Congress to meet the changing needs of agriculture. We need to set a standard that improves our industry for the future.”