Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns resigned from office on Sept. 20, reportedly to seek an open U.S. Senate seat in Nebraska.
In announcing the resignation, President George Bush said Johanns “brought focus and energy to the department,” but was “serious about going home and possibly serving the nation in a different capacity.”
Bush announced Johanns’ resignation at a Rose Garden ceremony. He said Deputy Agriculture Secretary Charles Conner would assume the duties as acting secretary.
Several state officials said that Johanns is expected to seek the Senate seat being vacated at the end of next year by Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE).
Several officials criticized the departure of Johanns prior to Congress’ completion of the new farm bill, a goal he said he wanted to reach by the end of the year. The current version expires Sept. 30.
There was a lot to be positive about in the pork industry the last week of October. I realize it is difficult to be optimistic when you are still losing $25 to $30/head. I also realize that positive news at this point could be as dangerous as it is welcome. But facts are facts, and we must recognize them.
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As I begin this week's column, I"m reminded of two different "flip side" statements that may help characterize the topic at hand. The first is the old Archie Campbell schtick - "That's good - no that’s bad," which I have used before. The second reflects President Truman's frustration with economists' incessant use of the qualifier - "on the other hand" - to introduce the contrary opinion on a given topic. President Truman once demanded in his usual colorful language: "Will someone please find me a *!&%$*?>
