106 



Aside from those problems to be worked out. we have several recommendations In light of this 

 yeafs scab problem: 



1. Assimilate qualSy adjustment factors. We would like to know why ASCS did not use quaJlty 

 adjustment procedures similar to the FCIC. Further, why Is tnere a differenca in grade 

 adjustment factors <or wheat and com? Sami^le grade wheat has an adjustment factor of 75 

 peicent. wfiile sample cam has a grade ad|ustment facjor ot 60 percent. 



2. We question whether Northern Piairc wheat growers wouka have recerved quality loss 

 ad^Btments if the Com Belt had not been flooded. Once again, the defiaie over federal crop 

 irourance and disaster assistance is resurreaed. Let 1993 be the impetus for federal oop 

 Insurance reform. We strongly urge Congress to enaa a vlatsie, attractive federal crop insurance 

 program using the savings derived from eliminating disaster assistance programs. Participation 

 should remain voluntary, however, and should not be required for parricipation in fami programs. 

 fncMdlng conservation compliance. 



3. Implement a study on this year's grain discounts. Most infeaed grain we tamers sold at feed 

 prices win not end up in feed channels. It will be sold into milling channels. Wheat growers would 

 be very interested in knowing what the real value of their wheat is when it is milled. 



4. We must not allow the scab disease to steer U.S. wheat down the same road as the Irish 

 potato famine inttie I840s. Federal research on scab and vomrtoxin is needed, including the 

 development of resistant wheat varietes, production management practices to minimize risk, the 

 effect of vomitoxln In animal rations, and the use of infected grain for ethand. 



5. Create a feed wheat program for gnawing seasons such as this, to isolate poor grain. This 

 would help prevent discounts on the faimgale price and protect our export reputation with 

 overseas wheat Buyers. 



6. Finally, we are corcemed that the Unied Stales is subject to grain infected with scab and 

 vomittHin coming down from Canada, when U.S. maiketing channels are burdened vvith our own 

 Infeaed v»heat Measures must be taken to assure similar quality and inspection standards, as 

 wen as to ensure that our marketing system will not be swoQen by poor quaifty grain from Canada 

 In years such as this, which may result in price injury to our own producers. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, for allowing this opportunity to 

 hear our concerns. We look forward to your working with the Administration in addressing these 

 mattsrs. 



