RFD America

On July 1, 2009, the USDA announced that the Obama Administration is appointing fifty State Executive Directors for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA. According to Vilsack:

"These individuals have a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America."

Really? Wouldn't you think people who are in charge of the agency that makes loans to farmers who can't get credit anywhere else would know a thing or two about farming? Nah. Don't be silly. If the FSA were staffed with people who actually have hands-on farming experience, they wouldn't be making loans to farmers who consisitantly make bad financial decisions. So who are these genuises that Vilsack and Obama think know more about farming than actual farmers? Have a look:

COLORADO

Trudy Kareus: Kareus most recently worked as the Colorado Western Slope Director for then-Senator Ken Salazar where she conducted outreach throughout the region. She has worked with the USDA since 1998, first as a Southwest Area Director for the Farm Service Agency. In that role she worked closely with producers, implemented farm programs and supervised state directors in southwestern states, including Colorado. Her additional roles at USDA include a term as the Director, Native American Programs Office, and as Director, Food Supply Working Group, where she assessed awareness and readiness of the domestic food supply system. Kareus has worked for a variety of elected U.S. officials and provided guidance on issues of agriculture and rural development. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Colorado State University.

IDAHO