WV Farm Bureau Magazine August 2012 | Page 2

bytes Stallman Joins Numerous Ag Groups in Voicing Opposition to Farm Bill Extension Republican leadership pulled their proposal to extend the current Farm Bill for one year from the House floor, instead replacing it with a disaster aid package. The move was the result of a loud uproar by various agriculture stakeholders, which insured the measure’s defeat. AFBF president Bob Stallman released a statement declaring his opposition to the House proposal to extend the current Farm Bill for one year. “A one-year extension offers our farm and ranch families nothing in the way of longterm policy certainty,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “Farmers and ranchers always face decisions that carry very serious financial ramifications, such as planting a crop, buying land or building a herd, and we need clear and confident signals from our lawmakers.” One major objection to the extension was the inclusion of $5 billion in funding for direct payments, which both parties had agreed to eliminate previously. Additionally, it did not extend several programs considered to be critical for reform and economic renewal. Several other agriculturerelated organizations also expressed their opposition to the extension as well, including the American Soybean Association, National Milk Producers, and the National Farmers Union. The substitute aid package will provide some assistance for specialty crops, and restore livestock indemnity and forage programs that expired in the current Farm Bill. Floodplain Buyout Program Available in Fayette County The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide an additional $2.8 million for the Dunloup Creek Watershed Project in Fayette County, West Virginia, through its Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Dunloup Creek Voluntary Floodplain Buyout targets threatened properties within the 100Planning for the Dunloup Creek Watershed was reinitiated in 1995 the communities along Dunloup Creek. Approximately 290 properties and associated infrastructure have 2004. The most cost-effective and feasible option for the communities An updated Dunloup Creek Fact Sheet may be found at http://www.wv.nrcs.usda. gov/programs/watershed/ dunloup/12july17wvDunloup.pdf. Articles for NewsBytes must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Time-sensitive announcements must be submitted no less than 8 weeks prior to the date of the event. Electronic submissions, including photos, are preferred. Send to [email protected]. 2 West Virginia Farm Bureau News