2010 News Releases
Alfalfa study not worth a straw
Two groups representing farmers, ranchers and consumers have urged the Department of Agriculture to redo its study on the deregulation of Monsanto’s genetically modified alfalfa.
Study shows need for changes to federal oil and gas bonding program
A new report released today by the Government Accountability Office found that oil and gas bonds were insufficient to pay for reclamation, but were based on minimum regulatory amounts.
Statement by WORC on decision to drop the animal identification program
I and my fellow members of WORC are pleased with Secretary Vilsack’s decision to scrap the proposed National Animal Identification System. Livestock producers from across this nation recognized that this proposal was intrusive, expensive, and unworkable, and we told this to Secretary Vilsack in as clear as terms as possible.
Resistance to genetically modified wheat still strong in foreign markets
Introduction of genetically modified (GM) wheat would drastically drop the price of wheat for farmers in the United States, according to a report released by WORC. A Review of the Potential Market Impacts of Commercializing GM Wheat in the U.S. concludes the price of U.S. hard red spring wheat would fall 40%, and the price of durum wheat would drop 57%.
2009 News Releases
Groups seek review of phased development for coalbed methane in Powder River Basin
Landowner and environmental groups are asking the federal government to use phased development as a means to lessen the impacts of oil and gas development on water, farmers and ranchers, and wildlife. The groups filed an appeal today to a recent court decision on coalbed methane development (CBM) in the Powder River Basin. (1/22/09)
2008 News Releases
Small scale biodiesel could fuel your truck and feed your cows
New WORC report provides ranchers with nutritional information about using oilseed meal byproducts from biodiesel production from crops in the Northern Great Plains. (3/05/08)
Loss of packer ban won’t slow efforts for fair and competitive markets
Western ranchers plan to keep pushing for livestock market reforms despite the failure of the Farm Bill Conference Committee to ban meatpacker ownership of live cattle prior to slaughter. (5/2/08)
Ranchers want JBS merger stopped
In written testimony submitted today, WORC told a Senate subcommittee that acquisition of two large meatpackers by JBS Swift would mean lower prices paid to cattle feeders and independent producers and that the merger should be stopped. (5/7/08)
Statement on Final Farm Bill
he Farm Bill has missed opportunities in two key areas. First, the bill fails to make livestock markets fairer and competitive. Second, the Farm Bill did not set up a biofuels feedstock reserve policy to help control price spikes and market volatility. (5/9/08)
WTO Talks Should Cease
WORC today called on U.S. trade negotiators to abandon current World Trade Organization (WTO) talks. (7/25/08)