A sense of the Senate resolution has been approved as part of the budget resolution that calls for livestock producers to be included in any future reforms of federal crop insurance programs.  Sponsoring the resolution were Sens. Mike Enzi (-WY), Craig Thomas (R-WY), Charles Grassley (R-IS) and Kent Conrad (D-ND).

The resolution directs the Senate to consider ranchers, in addition to farmers, in any reforms of federal crop insurance and risk management programs.  Ranchers are not included in insurance programs aimed to protect agricultural products.

Thomas and Enzi said cattle, sheep and the lands grazed are "just as susceptible to harsh weather and insect infestation s the land farmers use to grow crops."