13 Jan 2014

Governor and State Leaders Announce "Hearing in the Heartland: Supporting the Renewable Fuels Standard"

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced they will lead a group of senior state officials from Iowa and the Midwest to organize and host a public hearing allowing citizens outside of Washington, D.C., the opportunity to testify about the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).  The RFS has proven an important policy framework for empowering consumers with additional and lower-cost choices at the pump, diversifying our nation's energy portfolio, reducing harmful transportation emissions, supporting the growth of the Midwest economy, and reducing our dependence on overseas oil.

Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and the entire Iowa congressional delegation sent a letter to President Barack Obama, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack on December 20, 2013, encouraging Federal officials to host a public hearing in Iowa or the Midwest to give more citizens the opportunity to provide perspective and data on the EPA's proposal to reduce volume obligation levels for 2014 in the RFS.  The White House, Administrator McCarthy and Secretary Vilsack each declined the invitation and the opportunity to host a hearing on this important issue.  Thus, Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds, along with other leaders from the Midwest have stepped up to host this important hearing event.

Governor Branstad stated the following:  "Iowans, and Midwesterners, deserve the opportunity to make the case for their futures and I was disappointed to hear that the Federal Government has declined our invitation to host a hearing in the Midwest.  We believe it is necessary to host this public hearing for Iowans and other Midwesterners to enable them to more easily provide comments on the EPA's proposal, which could cost nearly 45,000 jobs, have a negative ripple effect through the U.S. economy and would hinder consumer choice at the pump."

Branstad continued:  "It is important for Federal leaders to gain fresh perspective that is not clouded by the perpetual politics of Washington, DC.  Big Oil's army of DC lobbyists has clouded the debate on the value of renewable fuels to our nation's energy, economic and national security.  This hearing aims to clear the air and give citizens of the Heartland the opportunity to amplify their voice in this important Federal policy discussion."

Lt. Governor Reynolds added:  "So many Iowans have seen the tremendous economic benefits flowing from the biofuels and agriculture industries, including rewarding careers in rural America.  This EPA proposal is expected to cost thousands of jobs at a time when we are working tirelessly to create career opportunities throughout the state.  As elected leaders, it's our responsibility to listen to the people to ensure public policy decisions that directly impact Americans are made with the input of citizens affected.  We appreciate the help from the entire Iowa congressional delegation and leaders from other states in helping to organize this event."

Senator Chuck Grassley said:  "Too often, agencies in Washington, D.C., make decisions that affect the livelihoods of people in the rest of the country without hearing directly from those involved.  The opposite should be true.   The grass roots ought to be heard here and any time policy changes are under way that have implications on areas from local economies to national energy security.  It's truly unfortunate that the Obama Administration has refused to come to Iowa to hear grass roots concerns about its misguided proposal.  Governor Branstad is right to convene this hearing.  It will balance the big-oil bias and fill the void left by the Administration in Washington, D.C."

"Iowa's renewable fuels industry has benefited farmers, our rural communities, fuel customers and the environment, and they would be hurt if the EPA implemented the proposed rule to roll-back the RFS.  This event will be a great opportunity for Iowans to have their voice heard, let's hope the Obama administration and EPA officials in Washington are listening," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

"Minnesota is a leader in renewable energy development and the EPA proposal to reduce the RFS will thwart these ongoing efforts to grow homegrown fuels," said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. "I visited with many of our ethanol producers just last week and the negative impact this proposal could have on their businesses and the rural economy throughout the Midwest is very real."

"While this debate is happening in Washington, D.C., the effects are felt in America's heartland," said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, Lucas Lentsch.  "Even the slightest signal of hesitation can disrupt markets and suggest doubt in our homegrown energy future."

Event Logistics: The event will be held at Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa, on January, 23, 2014, with comments beginning at 8:30 AM, Central Standard Time.

Contact and RSVP Information: Interested individuals should RSVP to Julie Vande Hoef, Policy Advisor for the Governor, at Julie.VandeHoef@Iowa.gov by 9 AM on Tuesday, January 21, 2014.  Individuals should denote the following:

  • Full Name
  • Organization Being Represented (If applicable)
  • Day of Event Phone Number
  • Email Address
  • Statement whether the individual would be interested providing verbal testimony as time allows.
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10 Jan 2014

Unresolved Issues in the Farm and Nutrition Bill

By Grassley Press

Weekly Video Address

Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014

Video can be found here.

The farm and nutrition bill has yet to be finalized.  It's my understanding that a few issues have yet to be resolved, including my provisions to define a farmer and place a hard cap of $250,000 on the amount of farm payments that any one farm can receive.

It's odd that these provisions are in dispute.  The payment limits and definition of a farmer provisions were fully debated by both the House and the Senate.  There should be a "do not touch" stamp on this portion of the bill.  My position is a majority position of both houses.  Things that are the same in both bills shouldn't be subject to conferring.

It's simple.  Currently, only 10 percent of the wealthiest farmers are getting nearly 70 percent of the benefits of the farm program.  To make matters worse, some people are exploiting a loophole that allows multiple people to claim they are "managers" of a farm to collect farm payments.  This is particularly absurd because many of these so called managers have little or nothing to do with the farms they get payments for.  These non-farmer managers are taking taxpayers for a ride.  That's not how the farm program was intended to function.

I'm working to get the farm program back to its original intent - to help small- and medium-sized farms get through the tough times.

This bill is supposed to be about reform.  Reform of the food stamp program and reform of the farm payment program.  Unfortunately, the members of Congress who are advocating to close loopholes for food stamps, are also advocating to leave open loopholes for the biggest farmers to exploit taxpayers.  It's the wrong way to do business.
10 Jan 2014

Be a part of the soy checkoff's See for Yourself 2014

By Rick Martin
EVENT:
AG MEDIA: Be a part of the soy checkoff's See for Yourself 2014

Join the United Soybean Board (USB) on the 2014 See for Yourself program. This event provides 10 U.S. soybean farmers with an opportunity to see their soy checkoff in action both at home and abroad. To help show what these farmers are learning and inform other soybean farmers about the soy checkoff, USB invites two members of the agricultural media to attend the 2014 program.

If you would like to be considered for selection to attend the 10-day program, fill out the online application by Jan. 24. Selected media representatives will be contacted by March 1. Travel expenses are eligible for reimbursement by USB. To learn more about the program, visit the See for Yourself webpage on the USB website.
APPLY: Please fill out the application by 5 p.m. Central Time, Friday, Jan. 24.
CONTACT: Laura Smith, USB Communications, Laura.Smith@osbornbarr.com or 314-236-6916, or Erin Davis, USB Communications, Erin.Davis@osbornbarr.com or 314-746-1962.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard
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09 Jan 2014

IOWA FARM ANIMAL CARE COALITION CELEBRATES INAUGURAL YEAR; HELPING ANIMALS, ANSWERING QUESTIONS ON LIVESTOCK CARE

By Andrew Wheeler

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - January 8, 2014 - In its first year, the statewide network of farmers, animal well-being experts, veterinarians and industry leaders known as the Iowa Farm Animal Care Coalition (IFAC) responded to a wide-ranging series of farmer and consumer questions about farm animal care in Iowa through its 1-800-252-0577 help line or at www.iowafarmanimalcare.org.

IFAC was formed in 2013 to answer Iowans' questions about farm animal care and assist farmers with farm animal care resources to help ensure all Iowa farm animals benefit from the latest science-based animal care standards.

"In the inaugural year of IFAC, we received 15 calls, ranging from farmers seeking advice, to neighbors or people just driving by a farm, wanting to know more about animals being raised outdoors in inclement weather.  We have had farmers, sheriffs and veterinarians all weighing in on these questions and providing excellent follow-up and assistance as needed," says IFAC Executive Director Denny Harding.

IFAC was modeled after the 20-year-old Alberta Farm Animal Care program, which has grown in scope to handle hundreds of calls a year.

"Consumers have a lot of questions about where their food comes from, so it's nice to have this resource available to them," said Harding. "But it's good to know they're finding us, because until IFAC, there wasn't a centralized place where Iowans could go to find out about how farm animals respond to extremes in climate like the cold temperatures we're seeing now, or how diverse Iowa's livestock farms really are. Now, they can call if they see something they don't understand or just to learn more about how responsible livestock farmers care for their animals."

In addition to providing information on farm animal care to consumers and referrals to farmers, IFAC also provides access to animal care experts who specialize in many aspects of animal care, including animal science experts and veterinarians from Iowa State University's Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Iowa State Veterinarian office at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).  This independent team of experts makes up the On-Farm Evaluation Team and specializes in performing voluntary on-site evaluations to ensure appropriate farm animal care is being given.

IFAC has a four-person Advisory Committee including Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Animal Rescue League of Iowa Executive Director Tom Colvin, State of Iowa Veterinarian Dr. David Schmitt, and Iowa State Sheriff and Deputy Association President Jerry Dunbar.

IFAC is a collaborative effort including farmers from the Iowa Farm Bureau, the Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

For more information about IFAC or farm animal care in Iowa, visit www.iowafarmanimalcare.org or call 1-800-252-0577.

 

-30-

08 Jan 2014

USDA Announces Speakers for the 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum

By USDA Office of Communications
Secretary Tom Vilsack to Moderate Two Panels on the Future of Agriculture

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2014-The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced speakers for the 2014 Agricultural Outlook Forum, "The Changing Face of Agriculture," to be held from Feb. 20-21 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Va.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will moderate two general session panels on the Future of Agriculture. Speaking in the first panel will be Administrator of the U. S. Agency for International Development Rajiv Shah; President of the Produce Marketing Association Cathy Burns; and Kellee James, founder and CEO of Mercaris, a market trading platform for organic agricultural commodities.

The second panel focuses on young farmers and includes Executive Director of the Farmer Veteran Coalition Michael O'Gorman; Joanna Carraway, a young Kentucky farmer who won the 2013 Top Producer Horizon Award; Greg Wegis, who operates a 17,600-acre vegetable and nut farm in California; and the Interim Director of the National Young Farmers Coalition, Emily Oakley.

Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden will welcome the audience and moderate an afternoon panel titled "A Roadmap for Women in Agriculture" composed of notable young women discussing their successful careers. Panelists include corn and soybean farmer Kate Danner; Director of Government Relations for Land O' Lakes Autumn Veazey; and Director of Specialty Crops for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Debbie Hamrick.

USDA's Chief Economist Joseph Glauber will deliver the 2014 Agricultural & Foreign Trade Outlooks. The Forum's dinner speaker will be U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman.

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance will host a live streaming Food Dialogues®, (www.fooddialogues.com/) titled "Nutrition: Who Is Shaping America's Eating Habits?" Panelists will include :

  • Carolyn O'Neill, MS, RD - Nutrition Expert, Food Journalist, and Television Personality (Moderator)
  • Dr. Craig Rowles - Partner and General Manager, Elite Pork Partnership, Carroll, Iowa
  • Dennis Derryck - President and Founder, Corbin Hill Farms, New York, NY
  • Jim Call - Farmer, Call Farms, Madison, Minn.
  • Colette Rihane, MS, RD -Nutrition Guidance and Analysis Division Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, USDA, Washington, DC
  • Dr. Roger Clemens - Chief Scientific Officer for ETHorn and Adjunct Professor of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences at USC, Los Angeles, Calif.
  • Barbara Ruhs, MS, RD, LDN -Corporate Dietician, Bashas' Grocery Stores, Phoenix, Ariz.

USDA's first release of preliminary data from the new Census of Agriculture will occur at the Forum; panelists will cover the latest information on land tenure and demographic and production trends.

Speaking at the 29 breakout sessions will be more than 95 distinguished experts in the fields of international trade, forestry, conservation, invasive pests and citrus disease, nanotechnology, social media, local food systems, and food safety. The Forum continues to feature the traditional USDA commodity supply and demand, food price, farm income, and weather outlooks.

A program schedule and registration are available at www.usda.gov/oce/forum. USDA has hosted the Agricultural Outlook Forum since 1923 to provide farmers and ranchers, government, and agribusinesses with sound information for decision-making. Attendees are expected to include members of farm organizations, food and fiber firms, academia, foreign governments, and the news media.

Registration is $375 until Jan. 21, 2014, and $425 thereafter. Plenary speeches will be Webcast after 6 p.m. ET on Feb. 21, and breakout session speeches and presentations will be posted online after 6 p.m. Feb. 21.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

#
07 Jan 2014

Producer Planting Intentions Survey Results Released

By Farm Futures Magazine

Farmers Plan Huge Shift From Corn To Soybeans In 2014

Farm Futures second survey of planting intentions shows growers responding to price signals.

ST. LOUIS, MO., 7:30 A.M., CT, (01/07/2014) -- After pushing corn seedings in recent years, U.S. farmers plan a major shift to soybeans in 2014, according to the latest Farm Futures survey of growers' planting intentions for spring.

Corn acre shift indicated
Producers are ready to slash corn seedings to 92.23 million, down 3.7% from the total USDA estimated in November, and 5.3% less than originally planned by growers in 2013 before cold, wet weather prevented many fields from being planted. Still, if achieved, the 92.23 million would be the fourth most put in since World War II.

All the ground cut from corn could wind up in soybeans. Farmers indicated they want to put in 82.34 million acres of beans in 2014, up 7.6 over 2013 and easily a record. Growers have been trying to get rotations back in line for several years, and changing market conditions could finally allow the transition to occur.

Soybean indicators
Farm Futures' first survey of growers last summer found the shift out of corn already underway, with initial corn intentions put at 94.11 million, with soybeans at 78.75 million. Market signals sent a clear message to farmers, says Farm Futures Senior Editor Bryce Knorr, who conducted the research: Plant soybeans.

"When we first surveyed growers in late July and early August, the ratio of new crop soybeans to corn was trading around 2.36 to 1," said Knorr. "During December the ratio reached 2.58 to 1, providing a clear edge to soybeans, while projected corn profitability dropped to break-even levels."

Weather influences
Adverse spring weather in 2013 also prevented farmers from seeding some spring wheat and durum fields. That ground should return to those crops, helping increase total wheat acreage to 57.64 million, up 2.6%. Winter wheat acres will be up less than 1%, to 43.3 million, according to the Farm Futures survey.


Farm Futures surveyed more than 1,600 farmers by email during December. Results of the spring planting intentions survey were released Tuesday at the Farm Futures Business Summit in St. Louis. USDA releases its prospective plantings estimates on March 31.


2014 Crop Planting Intentions Projected Acres
Survey results by crop:

Crop Acreage Change*
Corn 92.23 million 96.7%
Soybeans 82.34 million 107.6%
Soft Red Winter Wheat 9.1 million 91.0%
Hard Red Winter Wheat 30.9 million 104.3%
White Winter Wheat 3.4 million 96.3%
All Winter Wheat 43.3 million 100.6%
Spring Wheat 12.2 million 105.1%
Durum 2.1 million 143.2%
All Wheat 57.64 million 102.6%
*Corn and soybean change is vs USDA Nov. 2013.

###
06 Jan 2014

A Soybean's Journey: See for Yourself

By Rick Martin
Apply now to see results of your checkoff investment

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 6, 2014) - When a farmer unloads soybeans at the elevator after harvest, it may seem like the end of a long journey that was full of hard work and patience. But the elevator is actually just the first stop on a voyage that takes U.S. soybeans to various markets domestically and abroad. For soybean farmers wanting to know more about their customers beyond the elevator, and the soy checkoff's role in marketing U.S. soy to those customers, the United Soybean Board (USB) invites them to participate in the checkoff's See for Yourself program.

All U.S. soybean farmers over the age of 18 can apply now for the seventh annual See for Yourself program. To apply, visit the USB website, www.UnitedSoybean.org/SeeforYourself, through April 4.

"The See for Yourself program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said David Hartke, chair of USB's Audit & Evaluation committee, which sponsors See for Yourself. "Participants get the opportunity to see the checkoff up close and the work it does to improve the bottom lines for U.S. soybean farmers across the country."

The program offers 10 U.S. soybean farmers the chance to learn about and evaluate specific investment areas of the soy checkoff, such as international marketing, animal agriculture, industrial uses and soybean farmers' freedom to operate.

Participants first travel to St. Louis, to witness firsthand, the operations of the checkoff and visit local sites related to domestic uses for soybeans.

Then, since about half of the soy produced in the United States is exported, participants will travel internationally to experience how international customers use soy.

"USB believes this program is important because participants not only see the checkoff first-hand, they also have the chance to evaluate its programs, as well," Hartke said. "As a USB farmer-leader, I appreciate the perspectives these farmers bring and hearing their opinions on checkoff investments."

The program is scheduled to take place Aug. 15-22 and USB will cover all related rooming, meal and travel expenses.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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23 Dec 2013

Agriculture Secretary Reports Progress at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2013-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reported progress on a number of trade issues with China as a result of the 24th U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which wrapped up today in Beijing.

 

The JCCT is the highest level bilateral forum for the resolution of trade and investment issues between the United States and China.  Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman co-chaired the JCCT with China's Vice Premier Wang Yang.

 

"My discussions with Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders laid the groundwork for future cooperation related to our shared interests in food security, food safety, and sustainability, as well as the expansion of export opportunities for American farmers and ranchers," Vilsack said.

 

At the JCCT, a number of high-priority issues for agriculture were discussed, including access for beef and horticultural products, the approval process for biotechnology products, and import suspensions for four states related to avian influenza.

 

On beef access, the United States and China reached consensus to continued dialogue, with the intention to restore market access by the middle of 2014.

 

On horticulture, the Secretary re-affirmed a pathway for re-opening China's market for Washington apples and California citrus.

 

On biotechnology, the Secretary conveyed a need to streamline China's biotech approval process, and gave his commitment to begin implementation of a pilot program on the review of biotechnology products.  China also agreed to discuss U.S. concerns regarding China's requirement for the use of viable seed in applications for biotechnology approvals.

 

On avian influenza, the Secretary raised lifting bans on poultry due to avian influenza.  China responded that they were analyzing information provided by USDA.

 

In his separate discussions with Agriculture Minister Han Changfu, the Secretary shared a proposal for a revised Memorandum of Understanding focused on science and technology cooperation in the field of agriculture.

 

The two countries also committed to hold a second High Level Agricultural Symposium in 2014, with support from the U.S.-China Agriculture and Food Partnership (AFP).  The recently formed AFP also organized a kick-off reception in honor of Secretary Vilsack's visit, including a broad range of U.S. and Chinese agribusiness leaders and high-level Chinese government officials.

 

###

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

23 Dec 2013

Iowa State Fair Earns International Industry Honors

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (12/23/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair brought home numerous honors in the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) agricultural, competitive exhibit and communication competitions, presented earlier this month at the 123rd annual IAFE Convention in Las Vegas.

In Agricultural Awards competition, the Fair collected two top honors, including Overall Program for Competitive Agricultural Exhibitors and Agriculture Photo. The Fair collected three top finishes in the Competitive Exhibit Awards competition, including honors for Participatory Contest, General Display Photo and General Display Photo Series.

In the Communication Awards category, the Fair earned five first-place honors recognizing their newspaper and magazine advertising, television commercial, electronic newsletter and website.

In addition to the 10 first-place awards, the Fair also earned two second-place and three third-place honors for fairs with attendance of one million or more.

There are a total of 13 Agriculture, eight Competitive Exhibit and 19 Communication Award categories, each divided into five divisions based on attendance. The entries are evaluated and judged by a team of industry leaders selected from the membership of IAFE, which represents more than 1,100 fairs around the world and more than 900 members from allied fields.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

23 Dec 2013

Farm & Nutrition Bill Payment Limits/Actively Engaged Update

By Grassley Press

Friday, December 20, 2013

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, one of two working family farmers in the Senate, made the following comment about the current status of the farm and nutrition bill negotiations and his provisions to place a hard cap on farm payments and the actively engaged loophole.

"As members of Congress head home for the holidays, farm bill negotiators still have a to-do list.  It's my understanding that the last remaining issue to be resolved is my provision to place a hard cap on farm payments and close the loophole that tens of thousands of people are using claiming to be actively engaged in the business of farming.  These provisions are in both bills, and should not be subject to negotiation.  They should have DO NOT TOUCH stamped across that section of the bill.  Unfortunately, the minority in both the House and Senate who voted against these provisions are a majority on the conference committee, so it remains a fight to the end.  To close loopholes for food stamps, but leave open loopholes for the biggest farmers to exploit taxpayers is the wrong way to do business.  We ought to apply scrutiny and end abuse in all programs."


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