2006 KASCOE Legislative Report 
KASCOE Convention 2006
October 20, 21, 2006
 

2006 KASCOE leadership returned to WDC

For the 2006 NASCOE legislative conference, the KASCOE delegation, consisting of Darin Slack, Linda Richardson, our very own SWA executive Myron Stroup, and myself, started our week of congressional persuasion early on Monday morning, February 27, 2006.  In reflecting on my last trips back to WDC, I was anxious for the days ahead.  Holding true to previous legislative visits, everyone traveled to WDC on Monday.  We then attended informational meetings on Tuesday to review the provided position papers and meet distinguished guests, including Secretary Johanns, FSA’s administrator Lasseter, the NASCOE leadership, and representatives from RASCOE, NAFEC and JM Marketing.  This left Wednesday and Thursday for visits to Capitol Hill and travel home. 

Early Tuesday morning, many were quietly conferring as to whether our time in WDC could be effectively persuasive.  NASCOE’s own professional legislative consultant, Bob Redding, quickly snuffed any lingering concerns and promptly provided sound assurances that the timing of the 2006 NASCOE legislative conference would be perfect, as congress was in the middle of a six  week comment period concerning the presidential budget.  In contrast to years past, this year NASCOE only presented two position papers.  Both focused on the sole message that FSA must obtain more resources so that we can serve our producers in the best manner possible.

After receiving comments from Redding, our group’s attention was quickly directed to our new FSA administrator Mrs. Lasseter.  From her first words, it was apparent to me that she brings something that FSA desperately needs: a sense of hope.  Lasseter, who has a 30 year working history with FSA (including past NASCOE membership), confided that her current business travel agenda has been grueling.  She admits that in WDC it is easy to forget (the soundness of the county contribution and/or input) and she is working hard to ensure that the local perspective is maintained and considered.  With that said, bold changes in agricultural policy are needed and the farmers are speaking loudly on FSA’s behalf.  FSA’s number one concern is to be poised and ready for what the future may bring.  FSA’s structure needs to reflect the efficiencies of the ag industry.  If the ag industry were to administratively embrace the efficiencies that are already becoming a common method of commerce, FSA would quickly be perceived as being outmoded.  We must communicate to legislators that this generalization is inappropriate.  Every concern, whether it is by state, by county, or by farmer, is uniquely distinctive.  Therefore we must retain what is needed as long as it is done within the allotted budget (based on WL and the number of work days).  Our leadership appreciated Mrs. Lasseter’s words of support and also her introduction of the members of NASCOE as “her family” to Secretary Johanns. 

Johanns spoke in a very affable manner and stated that he was/is committed to public service and to the farmers for the greater good at the highest possible level.  At this time Secretary Johanns just completed his 52^nd listening session and noted that FSA was being widely praised.  Secretary Johanns acknowledged that farming has become more sophisticated and the administrative consolidation efforts are simply following congressional change.   He stated that budget projections for 2007 are three billion less than in 2006, 92% of the current subsidies are being disbursed on only five crops, specialty groups (i.e. fruit and vegetable producers) are pressuring legislators and the current farm bill is based on 1930 agriculture production. 

2006 NASCOE/KASCOE Legislative Planning

The NASCOE legislative team just returned from the organizational meeting in Columbus and following were the points of attention: 

During my involvement with KASCOE in the past two years, I have attended three WDC legislative trips, two southwest area (SWA) rallies, one national convention and led the bid for a national convention.  Based on these experiences, I can say with full conviction that we all have a great career opportunity with FSA, and I greatly appreciate the membership, and the executive board, for allowing me to serve in this capacity. 

Respectfully Submitted,  

Sean M Rafferty

Sean M Rafferty
KASCOE Vice President –Legislative Chairperson

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