“Star-Studded” Wyoming Farm Bill Forum
 

(from left) Northern Ag Network Newscaster Justin Mills, Mark Rey, Wyoming Senator Craig Thomas, and Wyoming Department of Agriculture Director John Etchepare

The Wyoming State Fair in Douglas was the setting for a successful 2007 Farm Bill Forum hosted by USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Mark Rey. Also present for the forum were U.S. Senator Craig Thomas and Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture John Etchepare who noted comments from farmers, ranchers, and. other interested residents. Justin Mills, from the Northern Ag Network, moderated the session.

For more than two hours, Wyoming citizens stepped to the microphone responded to questions like, “How should farm policy address any unintended consequences and ensure that such consequences do not discourage new farmers and the next generation of farmers from entering production agriculture?” or “How should farm policy be designed to maximize U.S. competitiveness and our country’s ability to effectively compete in global markets?” Listening sessions are being held across the nation with feedback from participants to be considered as new farm bill policy is being developed.
Your contact is Nancy Atkinson, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 307-261-6490.