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USDA move could benefit Indiana agriculture

Indiana state officials say the USDA’s relocation plan is a win for the ag industry.

Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, says the move is a way for the agency to be better connected to America’s farmers and ranchers.

“Farmers are good at knowing what they need,” he says. “Often times there’s a disconnect between the government level and the farmer level. I think if you get back to that face-to-face communication, you get back to that opportunity to make your voice heard and build a relationship with somebody. If they were here, it would be easier.”

He tells Brownfield he would like to see representation from each division of USDA included in relocation efforts. State ag leaders recently met with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to pitch Indiana as one of the five hub locations.

“Every part of USDA would affect us in one way or another,” he says. “Having rural development here close to us would be a benefit. I’d love to have APHIS here, when I think of Corteva and Elanco. Our whole idea was to say, hey, if you’re really going to do this, let’s come to Indiana. It’s a great spot to be.

Governor Mike Braun told farmers during the Indiana Ag Policy Summit on Wednesday he’s excited for the opportunity.

“I love it, and I love the fact that we’re one of five states, so it’s going to be a significant move,” he says. “I think it’s over half of the current employees are going to be closer to the people that they serve.”

The USDA says it plans to reduce 4,600 to 2,000 employees located in Washington D.C. and the surrounding hub locations. 

Some members of the U.S. Senate Ag Committee say they’re frustrated by the lack of communication from the agency about the announcement.

During a recent Senate Ag Committee hearing, Deputy Undersecretary Stephen Vaden says reorganization efforts will occur in phases and the department’s move is based on input from current employees.

In addition to Indianapolis, other USDA regional hub locations will be located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Kansas City, Missouri, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

AUDIO: Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture