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Agricultural and Food Policy
 Agri Outlook
Radio
Number 80
Policy: President Bush Announces Resignation of Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns (3:35 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. Bobby Coats
Extension Economist
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
President Bush announced the resignation of USDA’s Secretary of Agriculture
Mike Johanns. I’m Bobby Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
[Picture of President Bush speaking at press conference]
President Bush announced the resignation of Secretary of Agriculture Mike
Johanns on September 20, 2007. The President said. “Mike Johanns has informed me
that he plans to return home to Nebraska, which means that his service as
Secretary of Agriculture must come to an end. Mike has been an outstanding
member of my Cabinet.”
[Picture of President Bush accepting Mike Johanns resignation]
“So I accepted his resignation and Laura and I bid Mike and Stephanie a warm
farewell. And I thank him from the bottom of my heart for leaving a state he
loves to come to Washington, D.C to work as the Secretary of Agriculture. You
know, Mike brought with him a lot of practical farm experience. After all, he
was the proud son of a dairy farmer. He understands the importance of the land.
He worked tirelessly on behalf of farmers and ranchers.”
[Picture of President Bush walking with Mike Johanns]
The President continues, “Mike Johanns did an outstanding job as the
Secretary of Agriculture. He brought focus and energy to the Department. He was
a champion of renewable fuels. He expanded the Department's commitment to
conservation. He worked endlessly to open foreign markets for American beef. He
provided timely assistance to farmers and ranchers devastated by natural
disasters. I couldn't have asked for a better Secretary of Agriculture.”
[Picture of Acting Secretary of Agriculture, Charles Conner]
The USDA Secretary of Agriculture will be replaced by USDA’s current Deputy
Secretary Charles F. Conner. Mr. Conner will serve as acting secretary. Mr.
Conner was sworn in as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture on May 2, 2005.
Acting Ag Secretary Conner grew up on a family farm in Benton County,
Indiana. Their farm produced corn, soybeans, and cattle. Today, Mr. Conner's
brother, Mike, still operates the family farm.
Prior to coming to USDA, Mr. Conner held several positions:
He served on the National Economic Council beginning in
November 2001 as a Special Assistant to the President for Agricultural
Trade and Food Assistance. In this position primary focus was Farm Bill
issues.
From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Conner was President of the Corn
Refiners Association, Inc.
Prior to his tenure with the Corn Refiners Association,
Conner held several staff positions with the Senate Committee on
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Mr. Conner served as both the Majority Staff Director from
1995-1997 and the Minority Staff Director from 1987-1995, on the Senate
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
From 1985 to 1987 Mr. Conner worked as a Professional Staff
Member for the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.
Prior to working for the Senate Ag Committee, Mr. Conner
worked as an Agricultural Legislative Assistant to Senator Richard G.
Lugar.
This has been Bobby Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas Division
of Agriculture.
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Food Policy Radio
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