MAJOR CUT-BACKS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.   AG SECRETARY TOM VILSACK SAID MONDAY THAT HIS "BLUEPRINT FOR STRONGER SERVICE" PLAN WILL CLOSE 131 COUNTY FARM SERVICE AGENCY OFFICES AROUND THE COUNTRY.  ANOTHER 131 COUNTY OFFICES WILL BE CONSOLIDATED.
   

THE GOOD NEWS IS:  WALKER COUNTY DODGED THE BULLET.  THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY OFFICE, LOCATED ON NORTH DUKE STREET IN LAFAYETTE… IS NOT AMONG THE OFFICES TO BE CLOSED.  IT IS THE CLOSEST FARM SERVICE AGENCY OFFICE FOR MANY CHATTOOGA COUNTY FARMERS.
   

VILSACK SAID THE CUTS ARE PART OF THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S CAMPAIGN TO CUT WASTE.  THE USDA CUTS ARE EXPECTED TO SAVE 150-MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY.