Weekly Column

     The agriculture industry is a staple to Oklahoma's economy. According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture by the Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District is the home to over 14,000 farms occupying over 5 million acres of land. Oklahoma rank's 2nd in the nation in the production of winter wheat, 8th in the production of pecans, 1st in the production of rye, 7th in the production of grain sorghum, 7th in peanuts, 25th in peaches and 11th in watermelon. Oklahoma also is a large producer of cattle, ranking 5th in the nation. Oklahoma beef cattle, hogs and sheep produce 3.22 billion pounds of meat per year.

     America’s farm economy is a vital source of strength for our Nation, as well as a leading supplier of food for the entire world. Recently the House passed an Agriculture funding bill that provides nearly $17 billion in total discretionary resources.  This level represents an increase of $93 million over the President’s request and the same as the FY05 enacted level.  This legislation, which will not be debated in the Senate, funds priority human health and safety programs, food and nutrition programs and supporting farmers, ranchers and rural America initiatives.

A few of the highlights for farmers and ranchers include:

• Farm Service Agency salaries and expenses are funded at President’s request of $1 billion, an increase of $25 million above last year, to continue delivery of farm programs. 
• Agricultural Research Service is funded at $1.1 billion, an increase of $164 million above last year’s level and $63 million above the President’s request.  
• Conservation Operations activities are increased by $26 million over the President’s request, bringing FY 06 funding to $794 million, and a decrease of $37 million below last year.
• Rural Community Advancement Program is funded at $657 million, a decrease of $53 million below last year and an increase of $136 million above the President’s request.  Included in the increase is an additional $80 million for rural water and waste grants above the President’s request.
• Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service formula funds for Hatch Act, McIntire-Stennis, and Animal Health Disease programs are restored to fiscal year 2005 levels.  The Committee does not concur with the budget request to convert these formula funds into competitive grants.

    Another item Congress will be working on this year is reducing trade barriers to help promote American exports. I will support policies that would increase our exports, especially those that effect Oklahoma. I believe the Central American Free Trade Agreement will not only help support emerging democracies in Central America, but can also have a positive impact on our economy. I have spoken with multiple agricultural groups in Oklahoma that are very supportive of this agreement because of the increased opportunity for exporting their products.

       Ensuring the agricultural community receives the resources they need is important for the consumers and farmers alike in Oklahoma and throughout the nation. I will continue to support pro-agriculture policies that help our farmers, ranchers and producers do their job.