Washington listens to rural interests

Sadly, the American system of government has become far too bureaucratic. Because of that, it is all the more satisfying when grass roots citizens stand up for themselves and are successful in stopping unwanted government action.

We are referring specifically to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to drop plans for the closure of up to 713 local Farm Service Agency offices.

The threatened shutdown would have seriously harmed service to sparsely populated rural counties, including Hayes, Hitchcock, Red Willow and Perkins in Southwest Nebraska.

The office closings were stopped because farmers and their friends immediately recognized the injustice of the move and appealed to their representatives in Washington -- both in the House and Senate -- to stop the service cutback.

To their credit, the senators and representatives quickly heeded the farmers' message, speaking out in clear, united fashion about the damage the office closings would do to rural America.

In the face of the opposition, ag department officials did an about face and announced last Tuesday that they were scrapping the plan to shut down 713 offices. "We recognize that opposition has developed," said Ag Undersecretary J.B. Penn. "We thus are prepared to set aside the 'FSA Tomorrow' approach and timetable.

"Farmers in this area are very pleased," said Deb Clifford, executive director of the USDA Service Centers in Hayes and Hitchcock counties. "They appreciate the local service, they enjoy working with the staff and they like the fact that the offices are close to home," Clifford said.

Also, she emphasized, the offices provide a business boost to small town communities. Both Trenton and Hayes Center have nice, new-looking office buildings and each employ three full-time staff members. The offices help with farm programs, conservation reserve programs and commodity loans and payments.

The decision to call off the closures was a relief, especially since sign-ups are just now beginning for the new farm program year. Farmers have enough other problems right now, as they are struggling to cope with rising prices of fuel, fertilizer and other products.

But it's good to know -- even in these times -- that voices from the grass roots of American can help stop hurtful government action.