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TOP HEADLINES
Event to address SQ 777:
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau will hold Get on Tap with 777 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at McNellie’s Abner Ale House, 121 E Main in Norman. The event is an informational session for the public to learn more about State Question 777, about the “right to farm,” which will be on the November statewide ballot [The Oklahoman].
Which presidential candidate is better for the food and beverage industry?:
Typically overshadowed by topics like foreign policy, national security, taxes and healthcare, food and farm issues never seem to get equal time during a presidential election, even though they play an integral part in many of those other matters. This election cycle is proving to be no different [Food Processing].
FEDERAL
Vilsack pressed on economy, regulations:
In what could be his final appearance on Capitol Hill, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack defended the farm economy as basically sound but appealed for flexibility from Congress to aid dairy producers and other struggling sectors [Agri-Pulse].
Biden sees ‘less than even chance’ of U.S. Congress approving TPP deal:
Vice President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he sees a “less than even chance” that the U.S. Congress approves the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact before the next administration takes office in January [Reuters].
Who hates free trade treaties? Surprisingly, not voters:
Few issues in this campaign cycle seem as toxic as trade: Both major-party presidential candidates oppose President Obama’s 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, and congressional leaders, having refused all year to vote on the trade accord until after the election, say they will not do so even then — potentially killing the largest regional trade pact in history. So that must mean voters are overwhelmingly opposed, right? Wrong [New York Times].
STATE
Inhofe-Boxer: Proof politicans can disagree but still get along (editorial):
Amid the din of this polarizing presidential campaign, the U.S. Senate approved a giant piece of legislation last week written by two members whose worldviews couldn’t be more different. Yes, compromise and comity are possible on Capitol Hill [The Oklahoman].
Strong to leave water for wildlife:
Oklahoma Water Resources Board Executive Director J.D. Strong has been picked to lead the state’s wildlife agency. After closed-door deliberations among the Wildlife Conservation Commission Wednesday morning, Strong was the favored candidate over three other applicants [Journal Record].
State eyes tougher rules on hunting guides to lessen confrontations:
Rogue hunting guides are crossing private farms more frequently in rural Oklahoma, as they lead clients to prized prey. Illegal hunters are increasingly getting into face-offs with game wardens and landowners, so much that lawmakers are considering whether to license guides to add an extra layer of accountability [Claremore Progress].
