The Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration enforces the Packers and Stockyards Act and oversees grain weighing and prompt paying. Its acronym is GIPSA, but could just as well be FEMA.

From 2001 to December 2004, Donna Reifschneider headed the agency. She was president of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) in 1999. NPPC has worked diligently to prevent aggressive competition enforcement. Accordingly, GIPSA did nothing during her tenure.

GIPSA was leaderless until October 17, when NCBA committee member James Link was named Administrator. One might think Secretary of Agriculture Johanns would name a person with an antitrust law or economics background. One would be wrong.

Mr. Link had this insightful comment for Chris Clayton, DTN reporter: "As I learn what the operation is, I’ll be able to determine what my role is." Link will be paid $150,000 per year.