Posted: 06.25.2010

The third in a series of anti-trust workshops conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice is underway at Memorial Union Theatre in Madison.

U.S. Ag Secretary, Tom Vilsack has been joined by Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice.  Eric Holder, Attorney General bowed out of attending the event after the death of a close friend.  Also joining the two at the head table for opening comments are Wisconsin Ag Secretary, Rod Nilsesteun, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, Governor Jim Doyle as well as U.S. Senator Herb Kohl.

Vilsack stressed to the audience that these workshops are not intended to diminish the importance of cooperatives in today's agricultural operations.  In fact, he says, they anticipate that this will enhance the communications between the agencies.

Vilsack jokingly acknowledged that Governor Jim Doyle would be addressing the audience before U.S. Senator Herb Kohl due to a scheduling conflict. "I love governors", Vilsack said as former governor of Iowa, "but the senator's in charge of my budget - really in charge of my budget.  So Mr. Senator, I hope you'll take that into account regarding today's speaking order."

Keep checking back for audio samples and pictures from the days workshop.

Christine Varney said that the workshops have been incredibly helpful for the DOJ - and that they've already formed a working committee to address the enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. Varney also commented on the DOJ's work in reviewing the purchase of fluid bottling facilities in Wisconsin by Dean Foods from Foremost Farms. She said they are still reviewing the materials.  Varney also noted that Wisconsin is well represented by Senators Kohl and Feingold.  Varney said every time she see's them "they ask me what I'm doing for dairy".

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