RMFU Disappointed by Resignation of Ag Secretary Johanns

Denver, September 20, 2007 — Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) President Kent Peppler described the news that Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns was resigning as “a disappointment.” Peppler, a Mead, Colo., Farmer, was in Washington, D.C., with a delegation of RMFU members visiting legislators and administrative officials about the farm bill.

“In his short tenure as the leader of the Department of Agriculture, he listened to those of us who produce America’s food, fuel, and fiber,” Peppler said. “It’s a real disappointment to farmers and ranchers, that he would quit in the middle of the farm bill debate to pursue a personal interest.”

The former secretary is expected to run for the U.S. senate seat vacated by the retirement of Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.). He previously resigned as governor of Nebraska in 2005 to join the Bush Cabinet.