Northeast Texas farmer attends NFU fly-in

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

September 26, 2002 -- "We did what we set out to do. We were successful," said Jimmy West, Roxton native and National Farmers Union (NFU) representative, upon returning from the annual NFU legislative fly-in.

The fly-in, held Sept. 8 through 11, gave the members the opportunity to discuss with legislative officials concerns affecting the agricultural community.

One success has been the passage of the Daschle amendment. This amendment provides assistance to both crop and livestock producers in declared disaster areas.

"I believe there will be some assistance coming. I just don't know when," West stated.

West continued by saying congressional representatives have tried to help but have been unable to do so because of opposition.

Opposition, according to West, has been the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). "I believe the USDA is interpreting the new farm bill in the most unfavorable way for the producer"

"But overall, I am happy. Now, it is back to making a living," West said before heading back out to harvesting his crops.