We appreciate the Commission?s diligence in conducting its analysis and reaching a decision based on real, farm-level conditions.

By its decision, the State Tax Commission has recognized that Missouri?s farmers and ranchers are facing potentially long-term pressure on productivity due to input costs, market variability, and weather-related disasters.

Farm Bureau worked for eminent domain reform for the last three years in Missouri, and we are pleased such comprehensive legislation is being considered by the Missouri General Assembly. The general public wants these reforms implemented, and our organization is going to do everything we can to see that appropriate legislation is approved.

Based on current conditions, however, it appears that the soybean prices need to be at a level to discourage a large increase in U.S. acreage in 2006.

It was a surrender and it was based on some negotiations that we've been conducting over the last few days,

The theft of cattle in our state is a serious problem and should in no way be tolerated. State law enforcement officials are committed to bringing these thefts to an end, and we want to provide citizens with an incentive to keep a watchful eye for suspicious activities in their communities.