The Daily Skunk

The following is an email I received today.  I would encourage everyone to think about supporting conservation programs of the farm bill. 

 After months of waiting it looks like the Senate is finally moving on the farm
bill.  Please join an unprecedented alliance of sustainable farmers, ranchers and
conservationists nation-wide in a nation-wide “Commit to Conservation Call-in 
Day” to urge Senators to provide at least $5B in additional funding for 
conservation programs. All the info you need is below
 
Let’s work together to help create a farm bill that begins to grow healthy 
farms, food and environment for us and wildlife!
 
To reach your Senator call the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.  Ask 
to speak to the agriculture Legislative Aide.  To find out who your Senator is 
go  to www.congress.org
 
National Commit to Conservation Call-in-Day
 October 17, 2007
 
The Farm Bill is moving through the Senate now and it is vital that every 
senator hears from their constituents about the importance of these programs 
because they are in jeopardy of being cut. You can use the following talking 
points or develop your own to call your senators offices to urge them to 
stand up for farmers and their great conservation efforts by providing the 
funding they need.  All the info you need is below including numbers.
 
For more information, please visit 
www.defenders.org/ag_conservation.
 
My name is [NAME] calling from [CITY] to urge Senator [NAME] 
to support the incredibly important, but inadequately funded 
conservation programs in the Farm Bill.
 
�    Despite their huge success, conservation programs in the Farm Bill 
are woefully under funded. In fact, two out of three farmers wanting to 
take actions to help the environment are turned down due to lack of 
funds.
 
�    Please support $5 billion in additional funding for the conservation 
title as the bill moves through the Senate in the coming days and weeks. 

 �    This is the minimum amount needed to continue excellent programs 
like the Wetlands Reserve Program and Grassland Reserve Program and 
to begin to address the unmet needs for farmers� conservation efforts. 
 
�    Any less is unacceptable and will set back efforts to improve water 
quality, reduce soil erosion, and protect habitat as well as hurt family 
farms.