John Block Reports from Washington

Hello everybody out there in farm country. This radio commentary is brought to you by Monsanto, and John Deere. They are all friends, supporters, and allies of a healthy farm economy and prosperous rural America. Thank you. The sound (audio file only) may be a little different today because I am talking to you on the phone – from the farm in Illinois.

And now for today’s commentary—

There is nothing more exciting, exhilarating, or rewarding than bringing in the harvest. After a whole year of planning, buying seed and plant protection chemicals, working the soil, applying fertilizer, and planting the crops – then you pray for rain when needed and pray that rain stops before the river floods the bottom land. The anxiety is heavy.

Finally, the crop is ready to harvest and the combines roll. That golden corn streaming into the truck headed for the grain elevator is – mission accomplished. That’s where we are down on the farm in Illinois today. This is the best corn crop we have ever raised and one of our best soy bean crops. I know that prices have taken a dive this year, but we are grateful. Hogs are happy with 10 litters born in the last 2 days.

I’m headed for Kansas City tomorrow to the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Convention. I have been going for 25 years. You will never find anyone better informed, supportive, hard-working, or loyal to the ag industry, farmers, and ranchers than the farm broadcasters. I know they will be asking me what this Republican wave election will mean for our industry.

First, at last, we have a chance to pass Trade Promotion Authority. Senator Harry Reid refused to allow it to come to a vote in the Senate. Next year, Reid will no longer be the Senate leader. It will be voted on – passed and, I expect President Obama will sign it. Then, our Trade Ambassador will be negotiating with other countries from a much stronger position.

I would like to say that the new Congress and the President could negotiate an immigration reform package. However, if President Obama chooses to act on his own as he has threatened – without working with the Congress – I have no idea what will happen.

I think the Republican Congress will put a bill to authorize the Keystone Pipeline on the President’s desk. That could deliver thousands of new jobs and improve our energy security.

Finally, I would hope that next year we could reform our complicated, full-of-loopholes tax system. We shall see.

Next week, I will be back in Washington. If you would like to review my radio shows going bac more than 20 years, just go on-line to www.johnblockreports.com.

Until next week, I am John Block down on the farm