Vilsack Weighs in on Farm Bill

Ag Secretary Vilsack, speaking to grain farmers at this year’s Commodity Classic said, “America needs a farm bill, and we need it now.”

The former farmer and governor of Iowa then pointed the finger of delay straight at the U.S. Congress. “Saying budgets are tight and complaining about how hard it is to pass a farm bill won’t make it any easier next year, and we do not need an extension of the current farm bill,” Vilsack said.

Not finished with blaming Congress the Secretary continued, “Today’s legislators need to quit pointing the finger of blame and the difficulty of our economic times and get things done. The legislature of 150 years ago passed legislation that provided an investment in the future of America, and our current legislators need to take a cue from their predecessors and get some things done in Washington.”

“The new farm bill also must provide resources for us to continue to build agricultural markets — both in the U.S. and in foreign countries. Farm exports of more than $42 billion last year contributed significantly to the U.S. balance of trade and continues to play a key role in the recovery of the U.S. economy,” the Secretary said.

“The congress that will be charged with passing a new farm bill must recognize that American farmers and ranchers are the best stewards of soil, water and air. They must have regulatory certainty of the rules in any conservation programs included in the new farm bill,” he said.

The Secretary’s remarks are reported to have played well in the hall but are likely to have been even better received at home. Christie Vilsack, wife of the USDA Secretary, is challenging Rep. Steve King for Iowa’s new 4th Congressional District in what the Secretary has been quoted as calling “a holy war.” Press reports also indicate that the former governor is eyeing a 2014 run for the U.S. Senate.