News Update

News Update
June 6, 2007

Subcommittee Discusses Agriculture

A U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee hosted a hearing yesterday in Salina, Kan., to discuss the state’s agriculture status.

Members of the Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management participated in the event, which took place at the College Center at Kansas State University’s (K-State’s) Salina campus. The meeting was meant to give Kansas producers a chance to voice opinions regarding Title One, the Commodity Title, of the 2007 Farm Bill.

Nine “witnesses” discussed issues confronting agricultural producers in Kansas, including recovering from weather-related disasters, export barriers to Kansas-produced agricultural goods and high energy costs.

Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.), chairman of the subcommittee; Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), subcommittee ranking member; Nancy Boyda (D-Kan.); Steve King (R-Iowa); and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) attended the event.

Witness testimony is available on the committee web site, available at http://agriculture.house.gov/hearings/index.html.

ERS Releases Farm Data

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Economic Research Service (ERS) released data June 1 reflecting both structure and finances of U.S. farms, and farm program payments to farm households.

According to ERS’ 2007 Family Farm Report, most U.S. farms — 98% in 2004 — are family farms. Even the largest farms tend to be family farms. Large-scale family farms and nonfamily farms account for 10% of U.S farms, but 75% of the value of production.

In contrast, small family farms make up most of the U.S. farm count, produce a modest share of farm output, and receive substantial off-farm income.

In a separate finding, ERS reports less than half of all farms — 43% in 2005 — receive farm program payments. Large family farms represent 8% of all farms, but they receive 58% of commodity program payments going to farms.

ERS data indicate two-thirds of recipient farms receive less than $10,000 in payments, accounting for only 7% of their gross cash farm. Payments represent 13% of gross cash farm income for those that receive more than $30,000 in payments.

To view the full reports, visit www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EIB24 and/or www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/June07/Features/FarmProgram.htm.

Japan Names New Ag Minister

Norihiko Akagi was named Japan’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister late last week, according to Meatingplace.com.

According to the news service, Akagi rejected requests by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to ease the country’s import restrictions on U.S. beef.

— compiled by Crystal Albers, associate editor, Angus Productions Inc.