SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - State Agriculture Secretaries across the nation are meeting in Washington D.C. as the Trump Administration continues setting up the federal agency that feeds the United States.
South Dakota Ag Secretary Mike Jaspers says there's more cooperation among differing crop producing states as a new farm bill looms.
Jaspers says whether it's in cotton or corn, producers and industry leaders have a great deal of optimism for the future.
The State Ag Secretary says he has not met with anyone from the Trump administration representing agriculture and he attributes that to staffers who are busy gettting the agency posts filled. He doesn't anticipate meeting with ag nominee Sonny Perdue this visit because he's preparing for the hearing.
Jaspers says the confirmation hearing for Sonny Perdue is one of the last to be held.
Jaspers says it's important for the Trump administration to respect the idea of cooperative federalism. He says national, state and local governments work best cooperatively and collectively to meet the challenges facing agriculture.
Jaspers admits that President Trump does employ a different style of leadership.
Jaspers is attending the Nation Association of State Departments of Agriculture conference.