Schafer speaks in Bismarck

Former governor Ed Schafer returns to North Dakota for his first public appearance as US Ag Secretary Good afternoon I m Tom Gerhardt in for Donnell Preskey Thanks for joining me Secretary Schafer is meeting with farmers today in Bismarck to talk about the federal Farm Bill The original March 15th deadline has been extended to April 18th But all indications are a preliminary agreement has been reached Schafter says with that in mind it s good to be back home and his new job is going well Ed I ve been in the office two months today It s been terrific I love the job it s really good But I have to tell you I was looking for that honeymoom period you know the first day in office I was presented the videotape from the humane society showing mistreatment of animals which led to the largest meat recall in history it really tested our department and in a lot of ways and trial by fire for sure in a real difficult situation Schafer also is scheduled to speak at the North Dakota Republican convention in Fargo on Sunday