NCGA Presdient Gerald Tumbleson (right) shared NCGA’s message on trade and farm policy at the Farm Journal Forum in Washington, D.C., yesterday. Other panelists at the AgDay TV WeekEnd MarketPlace taping, entitled “U.S. Farm Report’s Agribusiness Roundtable Discussion,” included (from left) Dave Frederickson, National Farmers Union president; Bob Stallman, American Farm Bureau Federation president; and show host Al Pell.

NCGA’s Tumbleson Featured Speaker at Farm Journal Forum (12-7-05)

Highlighting the importance of farm policy and trade, National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Gerald Tumbleson told attendees at the 2005 Farm Journal Forum in Washington, D.C., Tuesday that corn growers are committed to promoting forward-looking ideas for the next farm bill.

Tumbleson, part of a three-person panel taped for the AgDay TV WeekEnd MarketPlace, noted NCGA is working toward developing a strong 2007 farm bill that touches on effective risk management tools, a reliable safety net, expanded market access, and economic, conservation and research programs.

“NCGA is continuing to promote a dialogue on forward-thinking ideas for the next farm bill among our state organizations and grower members as well as other agriculture organizations,” he said. “NCGA is prepared to engage heavily in discussion that will shape the 2007 farm bill. There are a number of issues that are important here. The world is short on energy and protein, both presenting challenges and many value-added opportunities for agriculture.”

Tumbleson said NCGA discussions will include a closer look at rural development and energy title programs and direct more time on U. S. Department of Agriculture programs focused on encouraging more investment in the rural communities.

Tumbleson also fielded questions from the audience regarding conservation programs, stating NCGA believes conservation is important to the future of agriculture. “We certainly will be working toward securing conservation programs and proper funding to be included in the farm bill,” he said. “Growers want conservation programs that work on working lands.”

Tumbleson was joined by American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman and National Farmers Union President Dave Frederickson.

The live taping of the special edition show, entitled “U.S. Farm Report’s Agribusiness Rountable Discussion,” was hosted by Al Pell and can be viewed on AgDay TV WeekEnd MarketPlace Dec. 11. To find local listings of the program in your area, visit www.agday.com.