Debate on Trade Promotion Authority Moves Forward; 6.5 Million Dollars to Be Invested in Water Conservation and Water Quality

The Senate passed a motion by a vote of 65 to 33 last week to move forward with debate on trade promotion authority. The Senate also voted to pass the trade preference bill by a vote of 97 to 1 and the customs bill by a vote of 78 to 20. California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger spoke of the need for trade promotion authority saying farm exports have a real impact across the country - creating demand for crops, meat and other products - which helps sustain millions of American jobs. For agricultural trade to continue growing - he says the seeds must be planted today by Congress passing TPA.

USDA is investing 6.5-million dollars in the Ogallala Aquifer region to help farmers and ranchers conserve water and improve water quality. The Aquifer supports nearly one-fifth of the wheat, corn, cotton and cattle produced in the U.S. - but it is being depleted at an unsustainable rate. NRCS Chief Jason Weller says drought conditions have prevailed in the Great Plains region in recent years - and while USDA can’t change the weather - it can help producers be ready for it.