12/18/08 New USDA Nominee

President elect Obama's choice for Ag secretary, former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack, shows great promise for America's farmers who have been facing numerous obstacles in the agricultural industry. Not the least of which would be the huge challenge he faces of putting into practice a politically popular yet highly criticized farm bill. He will also have the hurdle of putting out fires over trade, food safety and animal welfare. Vilsack will have the opportunity to put his first hand knowledge of agriculture to work helping farmers and ranchers improve their profitability and opportunity in the ever challenging and volatile ag industry. Most farmers across the nation seem to be pleased with the choice of Vilsack, and feel he will be an avid spokesperson for agriculture. Obama and his advisors seem to have taken a large step in the right direction to help American agriculture move into a brighter and better future.