Johanns draws criticism for timing of departure, with Farm Bill still in flux

With the resignation of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns (in an Associated Press photo by Nati Harnik) last week, many are praising his work, but others are saying his departure leaves uncertainty at the Department of Agriculture and less chance of change in commodity support programs, reports The Washington Post.

Johanns’ tenure brought successes such as doubling of acres in conservation initiatives or the opening of foreign markets to U.S. exports, Paul Lewis reports. His most visible acts were the Farm Bill forums he held for farmers all over the country, but with the legislation still in flux, he has been criticized for his decision to return to Nebraska for a possible run for the Senate seat being vacated next year by Republican Chuck Hagel.

"It is completely irresponsible for the secretary of agriculture to leave his post right in the middle of negotiations in Congress over the next Farm Bill," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D, a senior member of the Agriculture Committee and one of several lawmakers to release statements condemning the resignation. (Read more)

This week, Johanns defended his decision to leave the USDA now, telling Omaha's KMTV, "I've built a great team there. We've influenced the farm debate already. Typically the USDA doesn't even put a proposal in." KMTV reports that Johanns said he "will get around the state and will confirm the worst kept secret in the state of Nebraska, that we're heading out to do a Senate race."