Daily News Update, Jan. 18, 2008

Cattlemen's Capitol Concerns: Hearing scheduled on Schafer nomination

The Senate Ag Committee has scheduled a hearing on Thursday, Jan. 24 to consider the nomination of Edward Schafer to be U.S. secretary of agriculture. President Bush announced his nomination on Oct. 31, 2007.

Schafer served as governor of North Dakota from 1992 to 2000. During that time, he gained experience dealing with issues such as disaster assistance, international trade and renewable energy policy–all issues facing today's cattle producers.

If confirmed, Schafer would replace former Ag Secretary Mike Johanns, who resigned in September to pursue a Senate bid. In the interim, Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner has been serving as acting secretary.