Government Boosts Prices for Struggling Dairy Farmers

"Costs More To Produce Milk Than You Get Paid"

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to help struggling dairy farmer survive plunging milk prices.

But a Polk County Dairyman says the solution doesn't address the long term problem of saving the family farm.

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The federal government has approved price hikes for the next three months -- but Congressman Roy Blunt said they should at least be in place for the next year.

"My view is that they haven't made a long enough commitment at this point to stick with this," Blunt said of the three month price policy. "I think the government in recent years has not concentrated enough on how to keep that price stable enough to keep dairy farmers in business," he added.

Steen Tapped For Top Ag Slot

Former Camden County State Representative Don Steen has

been tapped by Gov. Matt Blunt to lead the state Department of Agriculture.

Steen will replace Katie Smith, who is stepping down in anticipation of an addition to the family.

"Mr. Steen’s lifelong farm experience, history of public service, and active involvement in all that is Missouri agriculture will build on our successful efforts to Missouri agriculture,” Gov. Blunt said. “I appreciate Katie Smith’s service to our state and Missouri agriculture and wish her and her growing family the very best," Gov. Blunt said in a statement Wednesday.

The 58-year-old Steen is from Eldon. He's been in the turkey business for 35 years and holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Missouri. From 1990 to 1998, he served in the Missouri House, representing citizens from Cole, Camden and Miller counties.

Steen's appointment is subject to Senate confirmation and is effective July 7, 2008.

Senate Confirms Katie Smith

The Missouri Senate has approved Katie Smith to be the director of the Department of Agriculture.

Despite some questions about Smith's qualifications, the 29-year-old was approved by a voice vote with only one Senator expressing opposition, according to the Columbia Tribune Politics Blog.

“Katie Smith has a proven record when it comes to agricultural issues, and I am pleased she agreed to serve our state and work to further Missouri agriculture interests and values,” said Gov. Matt Blunt in a statement. “Mrs. Smith will be a great leader and champion for Missouri agriculture.”

Dems Ask: Is Katie Smith a Farmer?

The Rural Democratic Caucus wants to know where Governor Matt Blunt's new Department of Agriculture nominee stands on key issues before she's confirmed to lead the agency.

Blunt named 29-year-old Katie Smith of Platte City to the post last week, pending approval by the Missouri Senate.

State Rep. J.C. Kuessner, the Rural Democratic Caucus chairman, said the next agriculture director faces many challenges to restore the reputation and effectiveness of the department and should be thoroughly vetted.

“Given the department’s recent troubled history and the challenges ahead, it is appropriate to determine if the governor’s nominee is the right person for the job," Rep. Kuessner.

Specifically, rural Democrats want to know if Smith is a farmer, as required by state law, according to Rep. Kuessner.

Smith has spent most of her career working in the federal government, for Sens. Bond and Talent, as well as doing some work in the Department of Energy.

“Although the nominee grew up on a farm and has an impressive political resume, we so far have seen nothing to indicate that she is a working farmer as the law requires,” Kuessner said. “If that is the case, it would appear she does not meet the basic statutory qualification for the post.”

House Democrats also want Smith to detail her stands on agriculture issues, like concentrated animal feeding operations, the establishment of a national animal identification system, the future of tax incentives to promote biofuel production and the appropriate use of other tax breaks related to agriculture and agribusiness.