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The American Farm Bureau Federation's board of directors, in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Michael Johanns, unanimously condemned the Japanese government's failure to resume beef trade with the U.S.
"There is a growing frustration and anger in the U.S. agriculture community regarding the deliberately slow response of the Japanese government," AFBF's letter stated. "Given the overwhelming evidence that U.S. beef is safe, Japanese officials must move now to reopen its market to imports of U.S. beef. Otherwise, we will be convinced that their actions on this issue have gone beyond careful scientific certainty and now function as an active trade barrier."
The AFBF board called on the administration "to work at the highest level of government to resolve the issue by November 2005." AFBF told Johanns that Japan's ban on U.S. beef imports has directly affected American beef producers and has cost the U.S. beef industry more than $1.7 billion a year.
Officials from the American Farm Bureau Federation and DaimlerChrysler recently renewed the state Farm Bureau/Dodge Incentive program for 2006. This is the 12th year of the program which provides a $500 incentive to Farm Bureau members who purchase selected Dodge vehicles.
"The strong relationship that has been built between Farm Bureau and Dodge over the years is mutually beneficial," said AFBF President Bob Stallman. "During this past year, Farm Bureau members saved more than $25 million through this incentive program. And, we are pleased to have Dodge as a strategic partner that supports our Young Farmers & Ranchers program at the state and AFBF levels."
"We were proud to share with DaimlerChrysler incentives, the value of the Farm Bureau/Dodge partnership, and we look forward to another great year," said Robbyn Shulman, communications manager for Ram Truck & Commercial Advertising, who administers the Farm Bureau/Dodge incentive program. "The $500 incentive will remain in place. The 2006 program will run through Sept. 1, 2006. We are very pleased that the partnership is continuing for another year and we will continue to strive towards always strengthening the program."
New redemption certificates and associated collateral materials are being produced for state Farm Bureaus to use. Dodge expects to deliver them to the states in the next few weeks. In the meantime, Dodge asks the states to use the 2005 certificates and collateral material.
Additional details about the 2006 program will be sent to state Farm Bureaus by Dodge.
"The Discussion Meet is an opportunity for young producers to discuss issues of importance to agriculture. The contest is not unlike the discussions that take place every morning at the coffee shop, feed store, co-op or grain elevator—but the rewards are much greater. The contest, a leadership training and self-improvement tool, is simply the presentation of well thought-out ideas for the purpose of collective problem-solving."
—Texas Farm Bureau Organization Programs Director Si Cook, reminding young producers that deadline for the Discussion Meet applications is Friday, Nov. 4. The Discussion Meet winner will receive one year's use of a Kubota M Series tractor (45-65 horsepower) with a front end loader (two wheel or front wheel assist, courtesy of Kubota; an Arctic Cat 500 4X4, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life; a $500 cash award from Dodge; and an expense paid trip to compete in the national contest in Nashville, Tenn. The three finalists each receive a $200 gift certificate from Grainger, a new pair of Justin Boots, and a plaque. Applications are available online at www.txfb.org. For more information, call Cook at 254-751-2286, or email scook@txfb.org.
Cong. Randy Neugebauer met with county Farm Bureau leaders in the
19th Congressional District to discuss budget considerations and
agriculture. Additionally, the 35 leaders discussed other issues including farm
labor, fertilizer and fuel costs, trade considerations and the next farm bill.
Pictured (left to right): TFB State Director Lloyd Arthur; Kevin Welch, Parmer
CFB; Cong. Neugebauer; William Clements, Hockley CFB: and State Directors
Lewis Lehman and Steve Cochran.
