Last week I made my annual pilgrimage to Kansas City for the National Assoc. of Farm Broadcasting meeting. This was my 30th consecutive appearance at this event. Through the years, this event has evolved from a reunion of colleagues to a major gathering of national agricultural leaders, businesses and government agencies.

One thing that has not changed about the NAFB convention is the passion for agriculture that everyone at the meeting has. For three days, the main topic of conversation in the halls, at banquets and in the press room is agriculture.

From the newest farm broadcaster to the President of AFBF, passionate support for the American farmer is common. That is what made the appearance by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack noticeably different.

It has been traditional that the Secretary of Agriculture make an appearance at the NAFB meeting. The room is usually packed with broadcasters from all over the country, all of whom are hanging on the words of the head of USDA.

All of the reporters’ questions deal with agriculture, without the insipid questions network television reporters ask.

This year the questions at the 45-minute press conference were pointed, specific and relevant. Unfortunately, the answers we got from the Secretary were not.

The first dealt with a forum the USDA is going to host with the Humane Society of the United States.

According to a memo signed by Undersecretary Edward Avalos, the USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is authorized to conduct an animal welfare scientific forum which is to be planned by HSUS.

This organization is not a scientific organization but a political one and has the stated goal of abolishing animal agriculture. So, why would USDA allow this group to direct a USDA-sanctioned forum on animal welfare? A legitimate question. The secretary put on his political tap shoes and danced around the issue.

During his long and rambling response, the Secretary said the memo, “Should not have been released.” He also said USDA has to listen to all voices. While this is true, there is a difference between listening to all voices and actively working with an activist organization like HSUS. Also lacking from Vilsack’s remarks was a strong defense of the livestock industry and the animal husbandry of livestock producers.

Another question asked of the Secretary dealt with a proposed rule by the Labor Department that would place restrictions on the kind of farm work children and young people can do. This is an issue that farm families are deeply concerned about and that could impact many farm families and many farm traditions.

Since this is a Labor Department issue, Vilsack was able to sidestep any personal involvement. I could not help but think back to the way Earl Butz and Jack Block handled actions by other cabinet agencies that negatively impacted agriculture. Vilsack’s political correctness overshadowed any passion for agriculture.

Other department heads of the Obama administration are willing to stand up and speak out for their sectors, so why doesn’t the Secretary of Agriculture?

With so many activist forces aligned against agriculture, it would be nice to have a strong voice at USDA speaking unequivocally for U.S. farm families. Mr. Vilsack, put the politics aside and speak with pointed passion in defense of American agriculture.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World.

Readers with questions or comments for Gary Truitt may write to him in care of this publication.