March 31, 1999

Glickman plows some new ground in speech.  Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman says the White House probably will propose ways to deal with the continuing low farm prices, but he believes any major revisions in current farm policy under the 1996 farm law are unlikely.  He also favors delaying the end of milk price supports until the 1996 law expires, two years more than the law now allows.

Consumer group questions safety of bottled water.  The Natural Resources Defense Council says bottled water "is not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water."  The NRDC undertook a four-year study.  The International Bottled Water Association says the NRDC's own testing shows that bottled water is safe.

Combest faults USDA for not acting sooner on loans.
House Ag Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX) wonders why the Clinton Administration "only now" is working "to cover a funding gap that has existed for well over a month."  Combest referred to USDA's announcement that a $30 million transfer of funds would support $333 million in new farmer guaranteed loans.

Clinton signs extension of bankruptcy chapter for farmers. President Clinton Tuesday signed a six-month extension of bankruptcy Chapter 12 for farmers.  The law was to expire April 1 (Thursday).  Among its provisions, Chapter 12 prohibits lenders from foreclosing on property if a farmer can make rental payments.

News from other sources:

In an analysis, Paul Eckert, Reuters, says China needs the WTO "every bit as much as the WTO needs China," but "practically every issue under negotiation" remains unresolved.  U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky left Beijing on Tuesday.

The Associated Press reports a tiny corn kernel, from a cob about the size of a child's finger, has been found in a cave in Arizona.  The kernel is 3,690 years old.  It may mean the Southwest was the "cradle of early farming," says AP.

Other WTO items: Reuters reports President Clinton has appealed to U.S. business leaders to support the administration's efforts to bring china into the WTO.  In another Reuters report, Peter Scher, special U.S.. ag trade negotiator, says many difficult issues remain in talks with China over agriculture.  Scher also is quoted in another Reuters article that the U.S. will insist that China provide favorable market access terms for soybeans in order to join the WTO.
 

March 30, 1999

USDA expects spring wheat plantings to decline.  USDA expects that Wednesday's (March 31) prospective plantings report will show fewer acres planted to spring wheat this year than last.  Winter wheat plantings declined 7% for the 1999 crop to the lowest level since 1972.

South Korea gets $1 billion in credit guarantees.  USDA has allocated $1 billion in GSM-102 export credit guarantees to South Korea for U.S. agricultural products.  The allocation is for fiscal year 1999.  A wide range of products is included in the offering.

Glickman, Browner blast Republican budget proposal.
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner are harshly critical of the Republican budget resolution pending in Congress.  It moves the country "backward," says Glickman.

Generic fluid milk sales increase from advertising.  USDA has issued an analysis of generic dairy advertising for 1984-97.  It claims generic advertising increased fluid milk sales by about 6% and cheese by about 6.9 million pounds, milk equivalent.

People in the news:

 Donna D. Beecher has been named human resources manager director at USDA.  She will be responsible for direction, leadership and oversight of human resources management policies, programs and initiatives including safety and health management and labor management.  She previously worked 12 years at the Office of Personnel Management in a variety of positions.

News briefs from other sources:

Georgia's Vidalia onion growers have formed an organization to stabilize prices and provide consumers with more consistent quality, according to an Associated Press story out of Albany, GA.  The new organization is called the Vidalia Onion Business Council.

U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky is in Beijing, China, this week hoping to wrap up 13 years of "fitful talks" on China's entry into the World Trade Organization, reports the Associated Press.  U.S. officials need new offers from the Chinese if both sides are to surmount "substantial roadblocks" before Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Washington.  A Reuters article says China is expected to make few concessions on agricultural trade.

A USDA report, apparently leaked before publication, shows electric deregulation would force the need for a "safety net" for rural areas ranging from $1 billion in 2000 to $2.4 billion in 2015 to offset rate increases, according to the Associated Press.  Lower rates would occur in the Southwest, Northeast and Southern Plains, but higher rates would occur in the Pacific Northwest, Mountain states, Mid-South, Northern Plains and some Great Lakes states.

Reuters reports from Tokyo that most rice imports have been transshipped to Asia and Africa as food aid or stockpiled in government warehouses.  What did reach Japanese wholesalers usually was blended into more expensive domestic rice to keep costs down.

The U.S. beef industry has asked the Clinton Administration to request a World Trade Organization dispute settlement panel to determine whether South Korea is violating WTO commitments to import certain quantities of beef each year, according to Reuters.

European transport ministers have postponed another potential trade dispute, according to The Journal of Commerce.  The action comes against increasing trade tensions with the United States over bananas, beef hormones and steel imports.
 

March 29, 1999

USDA transfers $30 million for farm loans.  USDA has transferred $30 million to farm loan programs, meaning $333 million in loan guarantees can be made.  USDA also will retain 700 Farm Service Agency temporary employees to help with disaster assistance and loan deficiency programs.

ITC urges lamb import restrictions.  The International Trade Commission opened the door for lamb import restrictions for Australia and New Zealand.  President Clinton will have 60 days, once the recommendations are received from ITC at the White House, to decide what action to take.

Largest wheat purchase 'ever' made by USDA.  USDA has purchased more than 1 million tons of hard red winter wheat valued at about $133.5 million.  That is the largest one-day purchase ever made by USDA.  The wheat will be donated to other countries, much of it going to Russia.  The move also should help farm wheat prices.

Food security plan seeks hunger alleviation.  Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman has announced a food security plan to help alleviate hunger throughout the world.  It seeks to improve food aid measures and promote free trade and public-private partnerships in agricultural research.

U.S. has 25% fewer dairy farms than 1993.  The National Milk Producers Federation says the United States has 25% fewer dairy farms now than in 1993.  In the last six years, U.S. dairy operations declined from 157,150 to 116,430.  USDA defines a dairy operations as a farm with at least one milk cow in a given year.

EPA urged to overhaul phosphine proposal.  The National Grain and Feed Association is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to overhaul its proposal that could preclude the use of phosphine as a grain fumigant.  EPA has proposed new restrictions on the use of aluminum and magnesium phosphide used to produce phosphine gas.

Senators urge IRS to assist farmers with new law.  Two senators have called on the Internal Revenue Service to help farmers who are using the new income averaging law.  The IRS has been "very lax" in providing rules or guidelines to help farmers, said Sens. Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Kit Bond (R-MO).

People in the news:

Richard G. Kerwin and Gary C. Martin have been named by the National Grain and Feed Association to the chairs of key committees.  Kerwin, senior vice president and general manager of the grain division for Bunge, Corp., St. Louis, MO, will chair the Committee on Strategic Issues.  Martin, director of marketing, North American Grain Division, Farmland Inc., Kansas City, MO, will chair the International Trade/Agricultural Policy Committee.

Jaime Castaneda has been hired as a senior trade policy advisor for the National Milk Producers Federation.  He has been a trade policy officer for the Foreign Agricultural Service at USDA.

News from other sources:

The Journal of Commerce, in an opinion piece, addresses the shortage of farm workers.  One requirement: a worker must be young, lithe, agile and capable of hauling a 90-pound bag of oranges down a 12-foot ladder without crashing through the branches due to his own weight.

Farm Journal's Dairy Today FAX speculates those federal milk marketing order reforms will be released sometime this week but definitely not Thursday, April Fool's Day.  USDA may offer a modified 1B option in the final version.  USDA has until April 5 to issue the final regulation.

Pro Farmer summarizes the European Union's farm policy reform proposal.  Dairy Today FAX notes the EU delayed and reduced cuts in dairy prices to 2005.  The original reductions would have cost Dutch dairy farmers $6,500 each a year.

Pro Farmer also speculates on U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky's trip to China this week to discuss U.S. access to China's markets.  USTR officials have said Barshefsky would go to Beijing only if Robert Cassidy, USTR's negotiator there, said talks had become positive.
 

March 26, 1999

Senate okays livestock in future reforms.  Four senators managed to get a sense of the Senate resolution approved as part of that chamber's version of the budget resolution that calls for consideration of livestock interests in any future reforms of crop insurance and risk management programs.

Additional billions for agriculture hailed by Combest.  House Ag Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX) strongly supports the $6 billion in new agricultural funding authority included in the House budget resolution for fiscal years 2000-2004.  It means "permanent changes" in the so-called farmer "safety net."  In the Senate, an effort to provide $6 billion a year for five years for agriculture in the budget, was defeated.

USDA proposes changes in loan, grant program.  Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman says USDA proposes changes in the 1999 "distance learning and telemedicine loan and grant program," make it more user friendly.  Uses of loan funds are expanded.

Reactions muted to USDA's kids' food pyramid.  Food and beverage organizations, reacting to USDA's new food pyramid for children, are not enthusiastic in their reactions.  One says the pyramid departs from USDA's nutritional philosophy and is not based on "accurate consumption data."

Senators urge ITC help for wool producers.  Three senators have urged the International Trade Commission to impose temporary tariffs on lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand when the ITC meets today.  Sheep producers have claimed lamb imports harm the U.S. sheep industry.

Ethanol will meet California's fuel needs.  An expected phase-down of MTBE use in California will allow the ethanol industry to meet the state's oxygenated gas needs, says Eric Vaughn, president, Renewable Fuels Association.  A phase-out of MTBE "could easily be met" with increased ethanol use, he says.

NAWG urges ag products sale approval to Iran.  The National Association of Wheat Growers has asked President Clinton to approve the sale of wheat and other farm commodities to Iran.  Two million tons of wheat could be included.

People in the news:  Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) has received the "golden plow" award for a second time from the American Farm Bureau Federation.  AFBF President Dean Kleckner says Cochran, serving his fourth Senate term, has been a prominent congressional leader on issues vital to U.S. farmers and ranchers.  "He has certainly been a vocal and effective advocate for agriculture," says Kleckner, "and he is one of the most respected and popular members of the Senate."

News briefs from other sources:

Finding ways to offset spending in the supplemental appropriations bill is proving troublesome, according to a Reuters report.  Ag interests hope the final version will include an additional $1.1 billion in farm lending authority included in both Senate and House bills.  Also, President Clinton has threatened to veto either bill.

The Associated Press reports that despite the veto threat and conservatives' upset over the offset issue, House Republicans managed to "muscle" $1.3 billion in aid to Central America, farmers and others.  The House bill includes $152 million for farmers.  With a two-week recess scheduled to begin this weekend, it was doubtful a conference committee could merge the Senate and House bills in time for President Clinton's threatened veto before the recess.

The Journal of Commerce reports that the European Union "closes in" on budget reductions for farm subsidies.  Leaders "inched closer to an agreement" Thursday in the budget deal designed to pave the way for new members to the EU.
 

March 25, 1999

House approves supplemental spending bill.  The House approved a $1.3 billion supplemental spending measure, considerably less generous than the Senate's $1.9 billion bill that was approved earlier.  Ag spending provisions are included.  The bills now go to staff for working consultations during the April recess.

No CRP bill expected anytime soon.  Those rumors and reports of a bill to revise the Conservation Reserve Program appear to be just that and no more.  Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) has been considering a bill that would offer farmers an option to enroll land in the CRP for five years.  But the costs may be prohibitive.

Lawmakers caution EPA on plant regs.  Republicans and Democrats want the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider a proposed rule on genetically modified plants.  Regulatory "excess" might "suffocate" the industry.

Lugar issues statement on sanctions reform.  Senate Ag Committee Chairman Richard Lugar (R-IN) has introduced a bill on sanctions reforms with about 30 co-sponsors.  It requires a procedural and informational process that must be met before sanctions are approved by Congress or the White House.

Glickman to unveil USDA's kids' food pyramid.  Ag Secretary Dan Glickman today announces details of a new food guide pyramid for children.  It's an "adaptation" of the original pyramid released in 1992, he says.

News briefs from other sources:

The Journal of Commerce says Clinton Administration officials have told members of Congress that there's no rush to seal a deal with China on joining the World Trade Organization before Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji visits the United States in April.

U.S. corn exporters may lose $200 million in corn sales to the European Union again this year, says the Journal of Commerce, because of EU restrictions on importing genetically modified crops.

A Reuters report quotes U.S. dairy processor Dean Foods Co., that the firm expects raw milk costs to continue to decline from record highs posted in 1998.  The high prices affected the company's fiscal third quarter profits.

The Associated Press reports that House Republicans are pushing passage of their first budget in an era of government surpluses.  It's a plan to support Social Security and increase Pentagon spending with room for sizable tax reductions.  A $1.74 trillion Republican plan for fiscal 2000 looks for a surplus of $141.4 billion.
 

March 24, 1999

Lugar urges CFTC chair nomination.  Senate Ag Committee Chairman Richard Lugar (R-IN) has urged President Clinton to nominate a chair to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.  Current chair Brooksley Born's term expires in April.

Livestock assistance gets $70 million more.  An amendment by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) was adopted as part of the Senate's supplemental appropriations bill last night, providing an additional $70 million for the emergency livestock program.  The Senate had designated $200 million for livestock assistance.

Senate should act quickly on insurance extension.  The Senate is expected to act quickly on a House-approved bill that extends the signup deadline for a particular type of crop insurance policy.  The House okayed the bill Tuesday.  It applies only to farmers who applied for the CRCPlus policy; they may now choose another policy.

Reno will examine ag concentration.  Attorney General Janet Reno told 11 farm-state senators she will examine issues raised by concentration within agriculture.  The Justice Department will gather information from the Midwest in areas directly affected by economic concentration, Reno said.

Gore asked to detail livestock feeding regs' impact.  More than 50 members of the House have asked Vice President Al Gore for a breakdown of expenses to producers and taxpayers of the regulations announced for livestock feeding operations.

Wheat growers set trade as top issue for 1999.  The National Association of Wheat Growers wants an end to trade sanctions and the immediate approval of $500 million in U.S. farm products for Iran.  "Our best hope for (price and income) recovery is to get wheat exports moving," says NAWG.

Harkin wants more ethanol used in Iowa.  Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) has urged the state legislature to set fuel standards that include a greater use of ethanol.  It would be a "sound policy for Iowa," he says.

News briefs from other sources:

EU calls U.S. sanctions procedural.  The Journal of Commerce today reports that the European Commission considers U.S. threats of trade retaliation in the hormone-treated beef issue a procedural step.  The position is seen as an attempt to dampen the growing dispute.  Reuters quotes EU sources saying the U.S. action is "excessive" and does not help efforts to resolve the crisis.

Cattlemen don't like labeling idea.  U.S. cattle producers are willing to accept part of a beef label for beef going to the European Union, but not all of it, says Reuters. "Made in the USA" is okay, but "made with artificial growth hormones" is not.

Japan told U.S. will monitor rice buys.  U.S. Trade officials have warned Japan that they expect U.S. rice exporters to maintain a significant market share of Japan's rice imports, says Reuters.  The United States has decided not to challenge Japan's new rice import regime in the World Trade Organization.
 

March 23, 1999

U.S. releases list for EU retaliation.  U.S. officials released a preliminary list of European Union export products targeted
for retaliation in a long-running beef trade dispute.  Retaliation is contingent on whether the EU continues an import ban on beef from hormone-treated cattle.  EU foreign ministers reportedly want a solution to the 10-year-old impasse.

Glickman calls for farm relief, environmental protection.
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman believes the farm price and income crisis can be addressed successfully while efforts to protect and enhance the environment continue, but the efforts will take "innovative approaches."

Grassley promotes price disclosure bill.  Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) believes a bill to require livestock market price disclosure "is a good way to prevent insider deals that undercut fair competition."

Dairy farmer group cites 1998 accomplishments.  Dairy Farmers of America President Gary Hanman listed the organization's 1998 accomplishments as DFA members met in Kansas City, MO.

House may vote today on crop insurance.  The House of Representatives is expected to vote today on a bill to allow farmers more time to choose crop insurance coverage if policy terms were changed unilaterally.  The bill would authorize more time for farmers to choose a policy other than the CRC-Plus policy.

For the calendar:

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association holds its spring conference Wednesday through Saturday this week at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington.  House Ag Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX) will speak to the group during the 7:00-9:30 a.m. session on Thursday.  Meanwhile, other farm groups are discussing the National Farmers Union’s plans for an agricultural “summit” in St. Louis in April.

News briefs from other sources:

The Associated Press says "scores of farmers" will arrive in Washington, DC, to appeal for more government financial relief to help survive another year of low commodity
prices.  Members of the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union will visit the nation's capital.

The Journal of Commerce reports from Ojai, CA, that cotton exporters are mounting an "all-out effort" to convince Congress to reauthorize a subsidy program to help them compete with low-priced cotton from other producing nations.  The subsidy refers to additional funds for
the cotton Step 2 program.

The United States has decided not to object to Tokyo's proposed rice tariffs.  Reuters reports from Tokyo that the decision was applauded by Japan's Agriculture Minister
Shoichi Nakagawa.  Japan claims the tariffs are based on World Trade Organization standards.

Speaking in Ames, IA, Vice President Al Gore says federal farm programs should be expanded to provide a "safety net" for farmers, but he provided few details, says a Reuters
report.

New U.S. food aid will be provided North Korea, where famine remains a "dire" problem, according to a Reuters report.
 

March 22, 1999

Feds plan provisional sanctions against EU in hormone-treated beef issue.  U.S. officials are preparing a provisional list of sanctions against the European Union in the long-running dispute over hormone-treated beef imports by EU nations.  Several ag groups urge officials to retaliate "broadly" for EU's failure to end the import ban.

House ag panel chief calls on administration to modify ag sanctions.  House Ag Committee Chairman Larry Combest (R-TX) has called on the Clinton Administration to "modify" farm product sanctions on Iran, Libya, North Korea and Sudan.  U.S. ag exports were reduced by at least $500 million in 1996, he says, because of the sanctions.

USDA expected to announce final rule on milk marketing order reform.  The National Milk Producers Federation says USDA may announce its final rule on federal milk marketing order reforms later this week.  A major issue is the establishment of Class I differentials for milk.

Farm group calls for funding for inland waterways.
American Farm Bureau Federation wants more funding "soon" to finance renovations to the country's inland water system.  It's needed, says AFBF, for farmers to remain competitive.

Glickman announces advisory committee on biotech.
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman says he is creating a USDA panel to review ag biotechnology issues.  The committee also will advise on policy related to biotech issues.

EU challenges U.S. limits on imported wheat gluten.  Reuters reports the European Union is challenging the United States on its wheat gluten imports.  The complaint was filed with the World Trade Organization.  The EU wants consultations with the U.S. officials first, the usual procedure in the dispute settlement process.  The United States imposed three-year quota restrictions on wheat gluten imports last June.

U.S., Russia agree on final terms for U.S. aid package.  The United States and Russia have agreed on terms of a U.S. meat aid package for Russia.  Purchase authorizations should be released this week, says Reuters, with shipments to begin in April.

Grain buyers say farmers need to know GMO crops can be marketed.  Meeting in San Francisco, delegates to the National Grain and Feed Association were told that farmers need to know if they choose to plant genetically modified crops they will be able to market their production, Reuters reports.  The delegates also went on record opposing a Clinton Administration proposal to subsidize on-farm grain storage.

Citrus disease emergency declared in Florida.  An emergency has been declared in Florida because of a rapidly spreading disease that threatens the state's $8 billion citrus industry.  Reuters reports about 500 square miles in Dade and Broward Counties, 60 square miles in Manatee County, two citrus groves in Collier County and two commercial groves and several residential properties in Hendry County have been found infected with canker, a disease that harms the fruit but is not harmful to humans.

Senate approves $250 million more for hog farmers.  The Senate has approved another $250 million in relief for the nation's hog farmers.  The money was added to a $1.9 billion emergency spending bill.  The House should consider its version of the supplemental spending bill this week.

Glickman to address conservation district session.  Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman is scheduled to address the annual spring legislative conference of the National Association of Conservation Districts today at 2:30 p.m.  The conferences will be held at the Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Ave., NW, in the grand ballroom.

People in the News
 

March 17, 1999

Soy group hopeful USDA will donate $1 billion in products.
American Soybean Association leaders met Tuesday with Ag Secretary Dan Glickman and after the meeting said they were "cautiously optimistic" that USDA would buy $1 billion in soybeans, soy oil and soy meal for overseas donation.  ASA had written Glickman last week urging the donations and increased use of biodiesel blends in government's diesel-fueled vehicles to help increase farm income.

Harkin plans bill on food safety. - Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) says he will introduce a bill to help assure the safety of food with stronger federal standards.  The lack of standards for fresh fruits and vegetables "is a problem that hampers our ability to assure safety," he says.

U.S. dairy officials disappointed in EU's delay of dairy reforms. - Dairy processor and producer officials express disappointment and raise troublesome trade questions over the European Union's failure to implement dairy reforms immediately.

EU crisis probably won't trade talks with U.S.  - U.S. trade special negotiator Peter Scher says trade negotiations with the European Union on beef and bananas probably won't be affected by the mass resignation of the European Commission.

EU Ag Commissioner Franz Fischler likely to be reappointed.  - Bloomberg reports the EU's $44 billion farm subsidy program unlikely to be derailed by the commission's resignation but perhaps slowed when ministers meet next week in Berlin.  Fischler was not implicated in the fiscal mismanagement and fraud scandal.  The resignations came early Tuesday.

USDA expects to finalize an agreement on meat aid to Russia soon. - Reuters reports that USDA expects to have a final agreement on meat aid to Russia  by the end of this week.  USDA officials met with Russian counterparts in Washington last week.   Beef, pork and poultry are included in the package.
 

March 12, 1999

Glickman criticizes European Union's agricultural policy reforms.  Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman criticizes ag policy reforms approved by the European Union.  EU member nations, however, enthusiastically support the plan, for the most part.

FAPRI unveils new baseline; sees little hope for short-term price recovery.  The University of Missouri's Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) sees a mixed outlook for crop and livestock prices from fiscal 1999 through fiscal 2008 with only gradual price increases.  Exports are clouded by European competition, but corn exports could increase as China becomes a net corn importer.

USDA announces its own crop insurance, risk management reforms.  USDA has announced its own proposal to reform crop insurance and risk management.  It would "make crop insurance more affordable and more worth buying," says Secretary Dan Glickman.

Soybean industry wants more use of biodiesel fuels plus donations to help prices. The American Soybean Association has asked that USDA initiate a $1 billion purchase and donation foreign assistance program for soybeans and soybean products and also requested that the government introduce biodiesel-blended fuels for half the government's vehicles.

House panel to grill Glickman of ag disaster assistance delays.  The House Agriculture Committee holds a hearing March 18 to hear agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman explain why disaster assistance has taken so long to reach farmers.  Farmers won't see their checks until June, and livestock payments will be less than expected.
 
 

March 8, 1999

Exports expected to decline below $50 billion. USDA forecasts fiscal 1999 ag exports at $49 billion. That’s $4.6 billion less than fiscal 1998.

Glickman will ask Congress for more production authority.Ag Secretary Dan Glickman wants Congress to "meet (the) emergency circumstances that farmers and ranchers are facing" by giving USDA more authority over production.

Schumacher calls for more money for farm loans. USDA Under Secretary August Schumacher, Jr., wants Congress to appropriate more money for direct and guaranteed loans to farmers this year. "Credit is no substitute for income, but credit is essential in any farm operation," he says.

Virginia economist looks at two policy alternatives on price discovery. Wayne Purcell, Virginia Tech economics professor, tells USDA ag forum two policy alternatives exist on livestock price discovery, one of which he believes would lead to the disappearance of price discovery if allowed to develop.

Consultant says traditional commodity markets no longer provide enough information. Frank Beurskens, a consultant, tells USDA ag forum that commodity markets no longer transfer enough information among the producer, processor and end user to ensure that grain and oilseed content is matched to end-use applications.

Dairy industry will be driven by food companies. USDA economist Jim Miller says the dairy industry will be driven by the food industry’s need for specialized products. Milk production will expand but gradually. Smaller dairy farms will continue to go out of business.

Keep best farm land for farming; technology may not help.Ralph Grossi, president, American Farmland Trust, tells ag forum that technology may not keep pace with the continued loss of prime farm land to urban development despite the prevailing opinion that new technologies can maintain productivity gains even on less than prime land. Containing urban growth makes environmental and fiscal sense, he says.

How farmers can benefit from agrobiotechnologies. Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes, University of Missouri agbusiness professor, believes farmers can benefit from the next generation of "agrobiotechnologies," but they must become involved in "value distribution" to be in a strong negotiating position for a share of the benefits.