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New singer, same tune?By Seymour Klierly Is change on the horizon? Former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer is officially the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, but so far there's nothing new about his message. Shortly after he was confirmed questions arose as to whether Schafer would fall in lock step with now Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner's vehement opposition to both the House and Senate farm bills. Schafer did not waste any time clearing up his position. It was reported that he and Conner were working side by side on the farm bill, like geese flying in a "V" that rotate the lead spot. The day after his confirmation, Schafer met with President Bush to discuss priorities and strategy. In interviews following this discussion, Schafer said the president's message was also clear. "Go out there, and get it done." He also said that their conversation did not include a directive to compromise with Congress. Now maybe Secretary Schafer is able to interpret this message clearly but I'm having a bit of trouble. I understand that President Bush wants the new Secretary to "go out there" and meet with Chairmen Peterson and Harkin, but how is Schafer going to "get it done" if he isn't able to show any willingness to compromise from the White House's veto position? Seems a little unrealistic to me. After all, it's not like the House and the Senate are unified in their approaches to farm policy. The coalition that came together to pass two different versions of the farm bill is fragile at best. Many members, including those in leadership positions, would prefer to see no farm bill or one that only provides funding for food stamps and energy programs. Those who want a good farm bill that provides some safety net for producers are now fighting a battle on two flanks. They have the anti-agriculture crowd on their left, and the administration's "no new revenue and the lower the payment limits the better" veto threat on the right. Now I'm no military strategist, but I've watched enough films and read enough war books to know that fighting a battle on two flanks isn't an easy task and often leads to defeat. We all know this battle for the farm bill will end on March 15, but what we don't know is the outcome. Will the pro-agriculture crowd be able to defend both flanks and get a bill done, or will they be out flanked by their opponents? Who knows? There is one more scenario that could play out here. What if the pro-ag community and the administration joined their forces? What if the administration's new ag leader was able to bridge the divide between the veto threat and the bills passed by Congress? Wouldn't that be a great day for agriculture? Let's keep our fingers crossed. 2/4/08 Date: 1/30/08
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