Key Tasks Ahead for USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue

The former Georgia governor has a lot of work ahead of him, including some of the following key issues:Staffing: Perdue will have a say on some but certainly not all key USDA political appointments. But his trusted confidents will be part of his inner office.Budget issues: He will likely not defend too much the major spending cuts Trump proposed for agriculture. Congress will not go along anyway.New farm bill: As a former governor, Perdue knows well the interrelationships of the grain and livestock sectors and the importance of inputs... seed, fertilizer, equipment, etc. Cotton and dairy producers expect him to push for better safety nets the last farm bill was deficient in providing. After a new farm bill is signed into law, USDA must implement the many programs. Former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack took an active interest in this during his tenure.Regulations: Less of them and getting rid of or significantly modifying existing ones, such as the Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule. While USDA does not have jurisdiction in this and some other regulatory areas, Perdue and USDA certainly will have a voice in how they are dealt with via the Trump administration and Congress.Education: Educating the White House, Cabinet and Congress about the business of agriculture — what is needed and what is not. He comes to the office with good communications skills based on our talks with people in and outside Washington.