By Gabe Bullard
Louisville, KY – The Kentucky Farm Bureau will update its positions on various federal and state policies this week. The bureau's annual convention begins in Louisville today, and runs through Saturday. Executive Vice President David Beck says setting legislative priorities is one of the bureau's chief concerns each year.
"Every agency of the federal government touches agriculture in some fashion: not just the USDA, the human services, Environmental Protection Agency, the revenue picture, all these agencies in the federal government as well as the state level affect production agriculture."
Beck says the bureau will review aspects of the upcoming farm bill as well the provisions in the healthcare overhaul law that take effect in the coming year. On Saturday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and 6th District Congressman Ben Chandler will speak with attendees. Agriculture Commissioner and candidate for Lieutenant Governor Ritchie Farmer will also make an appearance as part of his duties as commissioner.