Trying to Make it Work
Trying to Make it Work. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Line On Agriculture.
In my working career I have been between a rock and a hard place more times than I care to think about. Trying to get people to work together can be a lot like herding cats, it’s very nearly impossible. And when you mention the word politics, well, need I say more? USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional assistance to Livestock producers after adding another 200 counties to the growing list of areas across the United States adversely affected by the drought. Vilsack says he was doing everything possible to assist producers who are facing sky-rocketing feed and hay prices. Vilsack voiced his dismay over the inaction by Congress - especially in light of the drought and the stress it’s causing producers. He applauds the numerous agricultural coalitions who stood their ground opposing the one-year extension versus passing a five-year Farm Bill.
VILSACK: More power to those ag groups because they’re basically saying to the House, get your work done. You know it’s all fine and dandy to talk about a one-year extension but the reality is if you are going to put the work into getting a one-year extension, why not put the work into getting the whole Food, Farm and Jobs bill through the process? And they’re absolutely right about that. Whatever differences there are among Republicans about this bill needs to be worked out. Whatever differences there are to get enough Democratic votes needs to be worked out and then whatever differences there are between the House and the Senate, that too needs to be worked out. We want Congress to work.
Regarding the Meatless Monday memorandum - Vilsack says two engineers - whose job is to make the USDA facility more green - got carried away. When he found out about it - Vilsack worked to correct the mistake. He says it wasn’t approved or sanctioned - but just the opinion of two men who decided to put that opinion into a newsletter.
VILSACK: It was inappropriate. it was certainly poorly timed. Livestock producers are stressed. The last thing they need is the Department of Agriculture not supporting them and I have actually had conversations with the folks at the cattlemen’s association to express my apologies for this snafu.
Vilsack says he took care of the matter personally. While no one lost their job over the incident - he says the two men who came into his office walked out a little shaky.
That’s today’s Line On Agriculture. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.
