March 9, 2008

 Dear Members,

Has anyone out there been blessed with Spring yet?  It seems like no matter where you live in the nation
you have been experiencing a last bout of bad winter weather.  At least we hope its the last bout!

What's been happening the past couple weeks affecting NASCOE members?

Of utmost importance to all of us, the Farm Bill.  Anyone who has been trying to keep up with the Farm Bill
gyrations the past couple weeks has my admiration.  It seems each day we have conflicting reports -
some say no way will we have a farm bill anytime soon, others say within days or weeks, and still others
insist the President will veto anything that comes before him unless it conforms to Administration's stated
desires.  At this point, we will probably be looking at an extension of the farm bill - the duration of the
extension is up for debate also.   

Eighteen of the 22 offices with zero permanent employees (as of 2/7/7)  have been closed during the past
two weeks.  The language in the Approps bill allowed these offices to close without public hearings and
with little notice.  Three offices in WV, four in TN, and 5 in TX; with the remainder spread around the country. 
The reaction I've heard from membership has been varied.  The one common concern is for our farmers
that may have to travel great distances to receive service.  I think this brings the total of offices closed to
about 92 or 93 since each state was asked to write a restructuring plan.  Farm Bill language will dictate 
any future office closings.   

The House Ag Chairman has indicated once again that he intends to tackle USDA Reorganization as soon
as the Farm Bill is signed.  The task force members charged with looking at USDA reorganization has been
very busy.  A webpage has been established on the NASCOE web site.  A NASCOE Look at USDA
Reorganization - check it out.  Read the Task Force report, the Chronology Summary of Past NASCOE
positions.  Additional resource documents will be added.  A Frequently Asked Questions area will also be
added.  Click on the web-page e-mail button to let us know your thoughts on any possible USDA
Reorganization, ask questions or offer suggestions.  Membership input is vital to this process.  This will be
discussed at all of the area rallies.   

VP Myron and I will be in WDC March 10&11 for our quarterly visit with management.  We have several
appointments and two pages of subjects to discuss.  We will prepare a report for membership on the visits. 
We will also be visiting with NAFEC and Bob Redding while we are in WDC.  This visit is at NASCOE
expense so we try to accomplish as much as possible in a short amount of time.

 Many of you expressed your frustrations with AgLearn during the recent required training.  We will
continue to visit with management on this subject.  

States are beginning to schedule conventions.  I would encourage you to contact the folks you wish to
invite as soon as possible to avoid scheduling conflicts.  I plan to attend the All South Rally, the MWA Rally,
the NWA Rally in addition to some state conventions.  I had a prior commitment so Myron will be attending
the NEA Rally along with some state conventions.  If invited, I will make every effort to attend your state
convention in accordance with the NASCOE Travel Policy.   

The Spring NASCOE Newsletter will soon be arriving.  Information and registration for the National
Convention is included.  Plan now to attend!  NASCOE Now continues to be published twice a month for
your reading pleasure.   

Diane Holowaty our webmaster informed me this morning that we have almost 500 folks signed up to receive
the e-mail updates to the web page.  If you haven't subscribed, go to www.nascoe.org and sign up.   

Thank you for your membership and support of NASCOE!

Think Spring!