Open Discussion

Excerpt from Program:
"The Farm Bill will be up for re-authorization in the next session of Congress. In addition to shaping agricultural policy for the nation, the Farm Bill directs the spending of many millions of dollars on projects with the potential to address land health issues. Many contend that the interests of ranchers are under-represented in current Farm Bill programs. At the 2006 Quivira Coalition Annual Conference, we had a presentation on the Farm Bill and ideas for making it work better for the land and for ranchers. Since the issue will be front and center before the new Congress in January, we wanted to provide an opportunity for updates on the current status of Farm Bill re-authorization efforts and discussion about ways that Quivira members could engage to help improve the final outcome.

"Representatives from Environmental Defense and The Nature Conservancy, both organizations working on the Farm Bill in Washington, DC, will be present to provide updates and answer questions. Any other organizations or individuals involved in Farm Bill reauthorization are welcome to discuss their efforts."

Presentation Outline:

• Funding
• Public Benefits from Well-Managed Rangelands
• Farm Bill Opportunities to Aid Ranchers
• Rancher Voices Need to Be Heard
• Marker Bill Strategy
• What's Happening Now
• Next Steps in Congress