01/20/06 McMorris on some ag issues

Washington Ag January 20, 2006 Even though the USDA made an upward adjustment in the loan rate for soft white wheat for 2006 there is still a difference in the price support program that favors hard red wheats to the disadvantage of most Pacific Northwest growers. Speaking at this week's Pacific Northwest Farm Forum in Spokane, Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris said she's told USDA that is unacceptable but urged wheat industry unity in order to get further action on the issue. McMorris: "The best thing that could happen is just to make sure that all of you who grow soft white wheat are in agreement and the voice is united. The national wheat grower's president testified that he thought it was appropriate we have a study. We need more than a study. We need action. We needed action. I would just encourage to continue to put the pressure on the national association." The U.S. House passed an Immigration Bill last session but didn't include a guest worker program. McMorris said it should have. McMorris: "I had conversations with the Speaker. I had conversations with the Majority Leader that I really did believe we needed to address the work force issue too." I'm Bob Hoff.