By:  Doug Busselman, Nevada Farm Bureau

When President-elect Obama made the announcement of who he wanted to head the key posts of Secretary of Interior and Secretary of Agriculture, main-stream agriculture cheered and some others complained.  American Farm Bureau Federation President, Bob Stallman said that he thought both were outstanding selections. 

Farm Bureau statement: http://www.fb.org/index.php?fuseaction=newsroom.newsfocus&year=2008&file=nr1217.html

It also was interesting that according to some reports, a few environmental zealots weren’t too happy with the idea of Ken Salazar being Secretary of Interior and a group of organic-true-believers are announcing their plans to raise organic cane over the selection of the former Governor of Iowa, Tom Vilsack being named as Secretary of Ag.

Organic Consumers Association reaction:  http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1783

It will be interesting to witness how effective the soon-to-be President will be able to work within the main-stream of society but keep the fringes (who he appealed to the most) happy.

When a radio reporter for Nevada’s Public Radio network contacted us regarding our reaction and hopes for the upcoming administration, we shared our thoughts that as long as we can be part of the decision processes, have our say and get a fair hearing for those ideas, we’ll be looking forward to working with whoever is in charge of whatever agency.