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Farmers are worried that a World Trade Organization (WTO) final ruling on a case brought by Brazil concerning U.S. farm program payments to cotton growers could have serious repercussions throughout agriculture.
"It's overall findings were that payments that have been provided to cotton farmers through the farm bill have bascially hurt Brazilian farmers, have either caused overproduction or have caused a decrease in prices; and we still argue that they haven't," said American Farm Bureau Federation trade specialist Chris Garza.
He says even though the case hasn't yet been released to the public, it's clear it could have broad ramifications. "We are obviously very concerned with this ruling by the WTO because right now it affects cotton. But this could open up a whole litany of cases against other U.S. commodities that receive program monies."
However, the trade specialist said the case isn't over yet, as the U.S. government said the ruling will be appealed. That would mean the case would not be resolved until the end of the year.
A landmark agreement that will strengthen communication and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican agriculture was signed in June by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Mexican counterpart, the Consejo Nacional Agropecuario. The memorandum of understanding marks the first time leading U.S. and Mexican agricultural organizations have signed a working agreement.
The memorandum, signed in Mexico City by AFBF President Bob Stallman and CNA President Armando Paredes Arroyo Loza, outlines mutual objectives and terms of agreement, including a series of annual meetings between the two organizations, an exchange of information related to agricultural production and a link to identify commerce and investment opportunities between both countries.
"This agreement will open dialogue and encourage discussion among producers on unresolved agriculture and labor issues and other areas of mutual interest," said AFBF's Stallman. "By working together, both organizations will be better equipped to help the U.S. and Mexican governments during trade negotiations and policy debate."
Policy Development meetings are slated for Texas Farm Bureau districts throughout the state for the rest of the summer.
Members are urged to participate and bring up issues for discussion to determine if
TFB has adequate policy to address them. Remaining meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. with a
meal. Dates and locations are as follows:
•July 13—Dist. 8, Blackland Research Center, Temple.
•July 29—Dist. 10, Triple C Steakhouse, Devine.
•Aug. 3—Dist. 7, Cook's Fish Barn, Comanche.
•Aug. 3—Dist. 6, Big Spring Country Club, Big Spring.
•Aug. 5—Dist. 5, Mt. Pleasant Civic Center, Mt. Pleasant.
•Aug. 5—Dist. 9, 6:30 p.m., Lufkin BBQ, Lufkin.
•Aug. 9—Dist. 3, Archer City Activity Center, Archer City.
•Aug. 12—Dist. 2, 50-Yard Line Restaurant, Lubbock.
•Aug. 12—Dist. 1, Methodist Church, Panhandle.
•Aug. 26—Dist. 12, The Feedlot Steakhouse, Victoria.
•Aug. 26—Dist. 13, King's Inn Restaurant, Riviera Beach.
•Sept. 7—Dist. 11, Sealy School Cafeteria, Sealy.
The 50th annual Texas A&M University Beef Cattle Short Course will be held Aug. 2-4 at the Texas A&M University Center and Rudder Tower in College Station.
"The 2004 short course is one of the most important programs of the year for today's beef producers looking to the future," said Dr. Larry Boleman, associate head of the department of animal science.
Topics will include bovine spongiform encephalopathy (more commonly known as mad cow disease), exports, national animal identification, bio-security and management practices. Included will be discussions on genetic markers, expected progeny differences, ultrasound, reproductive performance evaluation, selection for feed efficiency, pasture and forage management, cattle handling techniques, business management, and record keeping.
The short course will also feature the annual "Cattlemen's College." Participants will be able to choose from 15 workshops on everything from genetic improvement to forage management.
More than 90 businesses are expected to have exhibits in the accompanying trade show.
The registration fee of $120 per participant includes educational materials, a copy of the proceedings, trade show admittance, tickets to the prime rib dinner and three other meals, and refreshments.
To register, call (979) 845-6931 or go to the Web at http://animal science.tamu.edu.
