The mission of Pacific Northwest Grain and Feed Association is to organize, promote and serve the mutual needs of firms involved in the processing, handling and merchandising of grain, feed, and other agricultural commodities within the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.Pacific Northwest Grain & Feed Association

 

 

Bi-Weekly NewsBulletin                         Volume 1, Issue #10 - 11/8/2005

 
Topics in this Issue:
1. BNSF to Switch to Mileage-Based Fuel Surcharge
2. The Industry Speaks Up:  FSA Reverses Position on Closures 
3. Country of Origin Labeling - Delayed 2 Years
4. Check Out the US Wheat Associates "Wheat Letter" 
5. USDA Sets Ag Outlook Forum for February 16th & 17th
6. Not Too Late to Advertise in the PNWGFA 2006 Directory!  
7. Warehousemen's Planning Meeting - November 11th

 

Industry News:

BNSF to Switch to Mileage-Based Fuel Surcharge
Effective January 1, 2006, BNSF will switch from its current surcharge practices to a mileage-based fuel surcharge.  It will be the first mileage-based surcharge in the industry.  Visit the BNSF Website for the entire Press Release. 


Farm Service Agency to Reverse Position on Closures 
The original plan called for a third of the FSA offices across the nation to be closed.  The industry acted swiftly to halt the implementation of this plan.  They were met with so much criticism that the USDA has shelved the plan.  


Country of Origin Labeling -- Delayed 2 Years
The issue of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) has been delayed two more years.  The issue is whether of not COOL should be mandatory or voluntary for fresh meat, fruits & vegetables.  The delay of two years will coincide with the new language for the Farm Bill.
US Wheat Associates -- "Wheat Letter" 
Dawn Forsythe, Directory of Public Affairs with the US Wheat Associates has graciously allowed us to post their "Wheat Letter" on our website.  Please visit this link to read the entire update.  

USDA Sets Ag Outlook Forum for February 16th & 17th
The United States Department of Agriculture announced that its annual Agricultural Outlook Forum will take place at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia on February 16th & 17th.  Some of the topics include:  rural America, globalization, conservation, science, markets & farm policy.  For updates on this forum, send an e-mail to agforum@oce.usda.gov.  To preview the program topics please follow this link. 

 

Association News:
PNWGFA Annual Directory
It's not too late!!!  If you are interested in running an ad please contact the Association office today!  The advertising contract is posted on our website for you to download. After this week, I won't be able to get you in the Directory, so call NOW!

Warehousemen's Conference
The Planning Committee will be meeting this Friday, November 11th to outline some of our speakers and topics for the 2006 Warehousemen's Conference.  If you have an idea for a topic or speaker, please send me an e-mail at Becky@pnwgfa.org.

GREAT NEWS:  The Resort was able to book Sammy Eubanks (Fabulous Blues Man) to play in the lounge on the nights we are at the Resort, so bring your dancing shoes!

As many of you already know, we will be at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in February 2006 for our Warehousemen’s Conference.  Please mark your calendar with the following dates: February 9-10, 2006 . Our conference rate is $89 for economy rooms, $109 for Deluxe rooms and $119 for Premier rooms.  (They are in the process of renovating their economy rooms, so all rooms will be great.)  For reservations please call 1-800-688-5253.

 

Contact Us:

Pacific Northwest Grain & Feed Association
Becky Andrews, Association Director

200 SW Market Street, Suite 190, Portland, Oregon 97201
Phone: (503) 227-0234, Fax: (503) 227-0059, e-mail: Becky@pnwgfa.org