Agriculture Loses a Great Leader

March 21, 2002

Former Senator Herman Talmadge, who served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry from 1971 to 1980, died at his home in Hampton, GA at 12:03 a.m. today. He was 88 years of age. He was a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee from the time of his election to the Senate in 1957 until his defeat in 1980.

Talmadge also served on the Senate Finance Committee and other Committees. He achieved fame for his penetrating questions as a member of the Senate Watergate Committee. However, his first love was agriculture. Ordinary farmers were always welcome in the office. During his tenure as committee chairman, there were several innovations in farm policy, including the target price program. In this program, commodities were allowed to seek their own price level in the market and farmers were paid a subsidy for the difference between the loan level or market price and the target price. The conferees on the current farm bill are currently considering a return to that system under the term “counter-cyclical payments”.

In addition, the Senate Agriculture Committee also adopted new and expanded food stamp and child nutrition programs, including the W.I.C. program during his leadership. Congress passed the Rural Development Act of 1972 as a collaborative effort by Talmadge and Senator Hubert Humphrey. In addition, Talmadge led the passage of landmark legislation for the modern management of our national forests. He also led the passage of the Eastern Wilderness Act of 1975.

Prior to Talmadge’s election to the Senate, he had a colorful career as a Governor of Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Lynda, son, Gene Talmadge and several grandchildren.