11/09/05 Johanns doubts help for high energy costs

Washington Ag November 9, 2005 Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns heard plenty of calls for financial assistance, particularly from wheat growers, to help with high fuel and fertilizer costs during his recent eastern Washington visit. But in an interview following his farm bill forum in Cheney, Johanns didn't hold out much hope for help, particularly as Congress tries to reduce the federal deficit. Johanns: "Whether there would ever be any kind of financial package it just seems unlikely in this atmosphere that it would happen. We have seen some improvement in fuel prices. My hope is that you are going to continue to see those prices come down. I have said I will do everything I can with the Department of Energy if there are regulations or something that we can help. I will do everything I can to help these folks." Representatives of Washington's wheat industry have been in Washington D.C. recently working on getting some assistance and the National Association of Wheat Growers is working on an energy assistance package. Well, farming with $3 Diesel is the topic of a workshop being held by Washington State University Extension in Spokane County tomorrow November 10th from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Harvester Restaurant in Spangle. Its free and open to the public. A banker plus fertilizer and chemical dealers will be part of a panel discussion. I'm Bob Hoff.