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Former Ag Secretary says USDA staff dedicated, will catch up

The former Secretary of Agriculture says now that the government has reopened, the USDA staff has their work cut out for them.
Tom Vilsack says, “They have a tremendous amount on their plate. They’ve got to implement the new rules on the farm bill. They’ve got to reopen the FSA offices and deal with farmers who are concerned about whether or not their deals are going to go through in time for spring planting. It’s a heavy workload, a lot of pressure, they still haven’t gotten a paycheck, so my heart goes out to all of them and  I hope, obviously, at the end of this process that we’re not faced with yet another shutdown.

Vilsack tells Brownfield most people at USDA are career professionals that do their best regardless of which party is in control of political policy. “Whether it’s protecting our forests or making sure that our natural resources are conserved, or getting that farm loan, or allowing that young couple to buy a home in a small town, they are very committed to the job of keeping us safe and keeping rural America prosperous.”

Vilsack says it’s a great department and it’s a shame USDA staff could not work for 35 days, but he’s glad they’re back to work today.

Tom Vilsack is now the President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.