World Perspectives

Fiscal Cliff Outcome Predicted

Ag Secretary for USDA USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack's heavily reported comments at last week's Farm Journal Forum were at once instructive and disappointing. On the positive side, he is correct in asserting that the agriculture sector is defensive and needs to learn how to better communicate with the majority of Americans who live in urban areas. The secretary should know that the effort actually already has begun since it involves the use of checkoff funds overseen by USDA. However, a "proactive" message need not mean capitulation to radical groups like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). He argues that efforts to rebuff regulations and animal welfare are alienating the rest of the country, but most urbanites are oblivious and...

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