Senator Votes ‘Yes’ to Strengthen Wyo Agriculture
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., praised the Senate’s passage of the agriculture reforms contained in the 2007 Farm Bill. The bill contains several provisions sponsored by Senator Barrasso which directly benefits Wyoming agriculture. The bill requires the President’s signature to become law.
The bill includes a Barrasso provision to promote veterinary drug research at the University of Wyoming . The provision authorizes the Minor Use Animal Drug Program allowing research aimed at developing sheep medicines and brucellosis vaccine for cattle.
“This amendment is a victory for the livestock industry in Wyoming . I am proud it has been included in this bill. The amendment is important to keep Wyoming ’s sheep producers competitive in the world market.”
Barrasso also co-sponsored legislation to allow shipment of Wyoming beef and lamb products to other states. The provision was included in the final bill.
“ Wyoming ’s state inspection program is more stringent than the federal program, and yet we have faced a limit on our product for years. Eliminating this restriction will help spur new small business opportunities for Wyoming ranchers.”
The Farm bill also mandates the implementation of country-of-origin labeling (COOL) to help American farmers and ranchers market their products.
“American agriculture sets the standard for excellence in the world. Our producers deserve the opportunity to label their product ‘born and raised in the USA .’ Consumers demand it and will buy it.”
In addition, the legislation provides for a $6.5 billion expansion of existing conservation programs.
“These programs are working in Wyoming ,” Barrasso added. “ Wyoming producers have implemented 2,881 EQIP contracts over the past five years, and protected 34,000 acres in our state through the Grassland Reserve Program.”
“I am pleased that the Farm bill contains significant reforms that will directly benefit Wyoming ’s farmers and ranchers,” Barrasso said. “The reforms in this bill are long overdue. They will go a long way to ensuring the continued vitality of Wyoming ’s agriculture industry."
