| LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 |
P.O. Box 658
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Jefferson City
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MO
| Zip Code |
65102
| Country |
USA
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3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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| 5. Senate ID# 400275270-12
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| 6. House ID# 400270000
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| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year |
2011
| Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
| 10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
| 11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
| INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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| 12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
| INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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| Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income from the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
| Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
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| Signature |
Digitally Signed By: James Garrett Hawkins, Director of National Legislative Programs
| Date |
07/15/2011
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LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code ANI
16. Specific lobbying issues
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) proposed rulemaking: USDA-GIPSA, at the direction of Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill, is proposing to add/revise regulations in the Packers and Stockyards Act to clarify conditions for industry compliance, specifically aimed at meat packers, live poultry dealers and swine contractors. As an organization that represents beef, pork and poultry producers, we closely follow proposals that affect livestockmarketing and prices received by farmers and ranchers.
The Veterinary Services Investment Act (S. 1053): Legislation that would authorize annual appropriations for a competitive grant program for states to relieve veterinary shortage situations and support veterinary services. The organization is concerned about the shortage of large animal veterinarians and supports efforts to recruit/retain practicing veterinarians to work in underserved areas.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code CHM
16. Specific lobbying issues
"Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011" (H.R. 872): Legislation that would amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) to clarify that CWA permits are not needed when a pesticide is applied in accordance with the FIFRA-approved label. The organization supports the bill because requiring CWA permits is duplicative and costly for farmers. (continued)
The organization also supports S. 718 that clarifies that lawful application of pesticides under the FIFRA does not trigger regulatory requirements in other programs.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Pending trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama: The organization supports the trade agreements because economic analyses estimate substantial gains in sales of U.S. agricultural commodities and products to the three countries once the agreements are fully implemented. The organization is urging Congress to approve them soon as implementing legislation is submitted by the president.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Reauthorization of the "Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU): Legislation that establishes surface transportation policies and authorizes projects for a multi-year period. Of particular interest to our organization are provisions in the federal highway bill applicable to farmers who haul their own commodities to market.
(continued)
Regulatory Guidance: Applicability of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to Operators of Certain Farm Vehicles and Off-Road Agricultural Equipment: A proposed regulatory guidance regarding agricultural transportation was published for public comment by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation. The organization is interested in the guidance because FMCSA is examining intrastate versus interstate commerce, crop share agreements and implements of husbandry--all issues affecting our farmer members. The organization urged Members of Congress to request additional time for public comment.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code CAW
16. Specific lobbying issues
National Amibient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10): In recent years the organization has commented on proposed changes in the NAAQS for PM 10. Reducing the current standard will affect rural counties, and farming and ranching operations in those counties. The organization supported the Lugar-Conrad letter to the Environmental Protection Agency expressing concern about a more stringent standard.
Chesapeke Bay Total Maximum Daily Load: The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for nutrient loading from the six states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The organization is concerned about validity of the science used and the approach taken by EPA.
"Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011" (H.R. 910/S. 482): Legislation to prohibit EPA from regulating greenhouse gases under the federal Clean Air Act based on climate change considerations, and other purposes. The organization opposes the regulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and the Clean Air Act due to the impacts it will have on energy prices and
potential implications (financial and regulatory) on farm and ranch families. The organization supported the McConnell amendment to S. 493, which contained the text of the "Energy Tax Prevention Act."
"Defending America's Affordable Energy and Jobs Act" (S. 228/H.R. 750): A bill prohibiting the Executive Branch from promulgating, implementing or enforcing regulations to control emissions of greenhouse gases based solely on climate change, and other purposes. The organization opposes the regulation of greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
"Clean Water Protection Guidance": An EPA and Army Corps of Engineers guidance document that addresses how the federal government will determine the jurisdictional status of waters and implement the Supreme Court's decisions in SWANCC and Rapanos. The organization opposes efforts to expand the reach of the Clean Water Act to waters currently regulated by the states. The organization encouraged House members to cosign the Gibbs-Holden "Dear Colleague" letter to the EPA concerning the guidance.
"Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011" (H.R. 1633): Legislation that would temporarily prevent the EPA from changing the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) for coarse particulate matter for one year. The bill would also exempt "nuisance dust" from regulation, unless nuisance dust was found to cause serious adverse health effects, and the benefits of regulation exceeded the costs. The organization supports H.R. 1633.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code NAT
16. Specific lobbying issues
Missouri River Authorized Purposes Study (MRAPS): The organization opposes MRAPS and supports efforts to eliminate federal funding. Our members believe navigation and flood control should remain the dominant purposes of the Missouri River reservoir system. A provision to defund the study was included in the continuing resolution to fund the government for the remainder of the 2011 fiscal year; the organization supports continuing the funding prohibition in the FY 2012 Energy & Water Appropriations Bill.
Missouri River environmental mitigation projects: The organization closely monitors mitigation projects along the Missouri River because of potential implications on flood control and navigation. The Jameson Island mitigation project in particular has raised concerns amoung our members because of problems with a levee across the Missouri River resulting from a chute constructed by a federal agency.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Army - Dept of (Corps of Engineers)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
"Domestic Energy Promotion Act of 2011" (S. 884): Legislation that would incrementally reduce and ultimately phase out the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC). The bill also reduces the general rate of duty on ethanol imports, continues the tax credit for cellulosic ethanol, increases the tax credit for alternative fuel pumps and establishes a new tax credit for dual-use refueling property. (continued)
Coburn-Feinstein ethanol amendment: An amendment was offered to S. 782, the Economic Development Revitalization Act of 2011, to eliminate the VEETC on June 30, 2011, and remove the current tariff on imported ethanol. The organization opposed the amendment.
McCain amendment: An amendment was offered to S. 782 to prohibit the use of federal funds to build ethanol blender pumps or storage facilities. The organization opposed the amendment.
The Ethanol Reform and Deficit Reduction Act (S. 1185): Legislation that would end the VEETC and tariff on imported ethanol prior to December 31, 2011, the current expiration date. Savings generated will be used to keep in place the small ethanol producer tax credit, cellulosic production tax credit and blender pump and alternative fueling infrastructure tax credit. The remaining funds will be applied toward deficit reduction. The organization supports S. 1185.
S. 700/H.R. 1747: Legislation to provide a five-year depreciation for agricultural equipment. Five-year depreciation was allowed for one year, 2009, but the provision was not extended by Congress in 2010. S. 700/H.R. 1747 would permanently reinstate the tax provision.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code EDU
16. Specific lobbying issues
The "Office of Rural Education Policy Act" (S. 496): Legislation that establishes an office of rural education policy within the current office of elementary and secondary education at the U.S. Department of Education. The organization believes rural schools face unique challenges and are often able to provide unique benefits to their students, hence our support for S. 496.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2012 (H.R. 2112): The organization is interested in FY 2012 funding levels for farm, conservation, rural development, food safety and other programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We opposed several amendments offered during floor debate that would have made changes in the farm program safety net ahead of the farm bill reauthorization in 2012.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code DIS
16. Specific lobbying issues
Response to natural disasters: The organization has been in contact with members of the Missouri Congressional delegation and federal officials concerning flooding along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and other natural disasters that have occurred this spring. Discussions have pertained to damage assessments and recovery needs. A letter was sent to President Obama from multiple state Farm Bureaus urging support for rebuilding/restoring levees along the lower Mississippi River.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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James
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Hawkins
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
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22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
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FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
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