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Russell: Congress will shape USDA budget

An ag lobbyist says he’s not too concerned about the proposed spending cuts at the USDA for the next fiscal year, because historically “the executive branch proposes and the legislative branch disposes.”

Randy Russell with the Russell Group says it’s important to look beyond the specifics of the budget proposal, and evaluate the administration’s priorities, like restructuring of the USDA.

Russell says protecting and supporting USDA’s mission staff, especially in field offices, is important.

“I actually think NRCS may be the bigger issue out in the country. And you have all these critically important cost share programs that are critically important on the ground. We need to have staff in the county offices in order to make sure that farmers have their access to these critically important programs.”

He says lawmakers will evaluate the administration’s priorities, and ultimately, make the final decision on the next fiscal year budget.