releaseno.0516.05.docVIP

Release No. 0516.05 Transcript of the Missouri Farm Bill Forum with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Moderators Tom Steever, Brownfield Network and Suzanne Hubbard, KKOW Springfield, Missouri November 4, 2005 MS. HUBBARD: First off is Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns. Lets give him a round of applause. (Applause.) MS. HUBBARD: We also have our Congressman, Senator Jim Talent. The Hon. Senator Jim Talent is with us today. (Applause.) MS. HUBBARD: And Representative Jo Ann Emerson, from the Eighth District. (Applause.) MS. HUBBARD: Before we begin today, it is only appropriate that we honor our country. And we have several folks with us here today to help us do just that. We have to present the Colors the Willard High School Navy Junior Reserve Color Guard. Then, to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, we will have Missouri 4H Council Secretary Elizabeth Shellhorn, and Missouri FFA Secretary Jordan Haymes. And then, to lead us in the National Anthem, Joanna Bellis, from Mount Vernon High School. She serves as their FFA President. Please stand as we salute our country. (Pledge of Allegiance is recited.) (National Anthem sung.) (Applause.) (Colors are presented.) MS. HUBBARD: You may be seated. Well, good afternoon. And I am very excited to be here for the next three hours, as I am sure several of you are excited to make comments here today. Before we begin listening to you, though, I thought it best to start out with some comments coming from our representatives. And we will begin today first with Representative Jo Ann Emerson. REP. JO ANN EMERSON: Thank you, all. Secretary Johanns, I want to thank you on behalf of my colleague, Roy Blunt, in whose district we are today, and apologize that he cannot be here. But he is busy back in Washington and will be back later tonight. We had a couple of votes this morning, which obviously people know I skipped because I am here with you. But needles