Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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CLAREMORE, OK - The Cherokee Nation is sponsoring an outreach meeting for interested people at the Claremore Expo Center, October 24 at 3:30 p.m to discuss the farm bill that was recently signed by President Bush.

"This is probably one of the most complicated farm bills," said Steve Swogger, agriculture liaison with the Cherokee Nation. "We want to make sure that everyone understands it. There are a lot of people with small acreages that can benefit from it."

According to President Bush, the farm bill (Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002) will strengthen the farm economy over the long term. It helps farmer independence, and preserves the farm way of life for generations. It helps America's farmers, and therefore it helps America.

Speakers from USDA Natural Resouces Conservation Service (NRCS) will also be on hand to address Title II Conservation and explain the role of NRCS in implementing conservation on your land. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will discuss Title I Commodity Programs to include direct payments, and counter-cyclical payments along with marketing assistance loans and load deficiency payments. USDA Rural Development (RD) will discuss Title 6 Rural Development and provisions that affect the delivery of rural programs including rural utilities services and rural business services.

"It's just going to be a big outreach meeting," Swogger said. "There will be a lot of folks there, door prizes, and a free meal. Plus, a lot of good farm information."

For more information, contact Steve Swogger, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext. 2546).