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I am a 4th genertation farmer Northeast of Salem.  We do not practice field burning, we are orchardist.  It is my understanding that that proposed bills would eliminate all agriclutural burning.  We burn trees when we renew orchards, we also burn diseased trees to eliminate  pathogens. 

The burning of the Willamette Valley prairie grasses was practice for millenia by Native Indians.   The burning practices used by todays farmers are regulated and safe.

posted 4 years, 1 month ago
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The last ag bill, which was prior to Secretary Vilsack's appointment, showed progress in recognizing commodities other than wheat, corn, cotton, and soy beans.  It may have a small positive impact for farmers in Oregon where over 200 different commodities are grown.  What is  Secretary Vilsack's perspective on expanding the impact of the farm bill to benefit more farms throughout all of the United States?

Many farmers are property rich but poor in cash and liquid assets.  Will Secretary Vilsack be an advocate for the American farmer as inheritance taxes are reviewed by the new administration when the Geo. Bush tax plans sunset?

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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