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SPRING 2012 One thing to be certain of - "uncertainty" – by Geoffrey T. Ruth, Rising City, NE, NSA President As I transition over to president of the Nebraska Soybean Association, there is one thing to be certain of – “uncertainty.” We begin 2012 not knowing what the year holds. Yes, we know market volatility will be at all time highs, weather will be unpredictable, and that farm policy will be hard to come by in an election year. However, there is one other known certainty, the Nebraska Soybean Association will be monitoring and influencing agricultural policy all the way from the farm to the Capitol on behalf of Nebraska’s soybean growers. I would like to take a moment and look down the road at what faces your association this year. At the state level, we will be monitoring and weighing in on numerous bills before the unicameral this 60 day session. There will be opportunities to work on legislation to lower property taxes, a reduction in the inheritance tax, as well as exempting soil sampling and placement of soil moisture probes from the Diggers Hotline (One-Call) Requirement. Nationally, we have a steep hill to climb. 2012 is supposed to be the year we get a new farm bill. ASA has been very active in submitting ideas that would create a strong safety net for soybean growers. We will also be working very hard to renew the Biodiesel tax credit, as well as submitting comments as to where the biodiesel levels should be within the Renewable Fuels Standard. With fellow Nebraskan Steve Wellman acting as ASA President I think we can all feel confident that ASA will be well positioned on any issue that arises on the national scene. Finally, NSA and ASA have worked hard to make sure that the EPA and USDA understand the concerns soybean producers have with regulations that affect our business and our families. Child labor laws, pesticide permitting, and fuel containment requirements continue to be front and center issues that NSA and ASA address on a continual basis. We appreciate your involvement in the Nebraska Soybean Association and want to encourage you to make your stories and voices heard. I would like to say how excited and honored I am to serve as your president in 2012. |