Some bold budget-cutting moves in the U.S. Department of Agriculture were announced last week by Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. A total of 259 offices, labs and other facilities will be closed, affecting 46 states, including South Dakota. Seven foreign offices will also be shut down.
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/01/VILSACK1.mp3|titles=VILSACK1]Vislack says 131 Farm Service Agency offices around the country will close, including those in Jerauld, Campbell, Jackson and Harding counties in South Dakota….
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/01/VILSACK2.mp3|titles=VILSACK2]A public hearing will be held in Wessington Springs, Janurary 23rd at 1:30 PM in the Ag Building. Vilsack says the closures will happen quickly….
[audio:http://prprt.itmwpb.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/688/2012/01/VILSACK3.mp3|titles=VILSACK3]Vilsack says the goal is to save 150-million dollars a year in the agency’s 145-billion dollar budget.
(courtesy KWAT Watertown)