Kennedy dismissed any notion that HHS and USDA would have conflicts over ag policy.  Rollins testified she would staunchly support the interests of agriculture.

While growers were moving toward no-tilled soybeans in a big way during the 1990s, no-tilled corn acres remained somewhat flat. Many farmers feared problems when they tried to no-till corn into cold, wet ground covered with residue. As a result, strip-till soon emerged as a compromise.

The plight of U.S. farmers -- who are facing low crop prices, high input cost and interest rates, and consecutive natural disasters – is clearly on the minds of the Senate members, as is the current $45 billion agricultural trade deficit and failure by Congress to reauthorize the Farm Bill last year.