Secretary Ann M. Veneman

As America’s farmers return to the fields to plant this spring, employees of the Farm Service Agency are busy updating crop bases and crop yields as required by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002

FSA has the biggest task in implementing the new farm law but the Natural Resources Conservation Service also has a tremendous responsibility. The new law is very broad and contains many new programs to assist America’s farmers and ranchers. To help them find out what they need to know about the new law, we have created a website--Farm Bill 2002--that will serve as a repository of information as we begin vigorously implementing its provisions. Look for the logo on www.usda.gov.

I have said this before but it is worth repeating, I am so impressed with the spirit in which our employees have tackled this new responsibility, coming as it does well into the current crop year. It required long hours of preparation and now, once the details are known, it will require even more time to make sure our producers have all the information they need to make an informed decision about participation.

Despite these additional pressures, I have been delighted to learn about the great amount of volunteer work that goes on among the agencies regardless of other demands.

In particular I want to recognize the efforts of the FSA office in Kansas City, Mo., and the fine work they’ve done reaching out and improving the lives of school children in the area.

President George W. Bush has challenged each of us to try to give back, to help our communities, and become mentors to help children. In response to that charge, I launched our “Leaders of Tomorrow” initiative last fall. My goal is to help inspire young adults to be more involved, encourage public service and teach them more about agriculture, one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy.

To accomplish this, several 4-H and FFA students accompany me to events and meetings when I travel. I also will deliver a series of lectures at agricultural colleges and universities around the country. And this summer we will hang the Children’s Gallery of Agriculture in the portico of the Jamie Whitten Building, at USDA headquarters in Washington, DC, for the enjoyment of all employees and visitors.

The work of USDA employees touches almost every American. We all know work can be rewarding. But so is mentoring and it’s fun, just ask your colleagues in the Kansas City office. If your office is involved in mentoring, please let us know what your agency is doing to help the “Leaders of Tomorrow.” •