Monsanto paid lobbyist $120,000 in 2007

Agricultural products maker Monsanto Co. paid Ogilvy Government Relations $120,000 to lobby the federal government in the first half of 2007, according to a disclosure form.

The firm lobbied on legislation dealing with patent reform, the farm bill, endangered species and other matters, according to the form posted online Aug. 7 by the Senate's public records office.

Julie Dammann, former chief of staff for Sen. Christopher Bond, R-Mo., is among those registered to lobby on behalf of Monsanto.

Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.

Monsanto is based in St. Louis.