USDA’s annual outlook forum this week is marking the department’s 150th year since President Lincoln founded the agency in 1862. The highlights - seven former ag secretaries with an eighth - Bob Bergland - on his way to the hospital with a medical emergency - more than 2,000 attendees - and an Abe Lincoln actor to introduce a USDA mini-documentary.

Secretary Tom Vilsack outlined another strong year for ag trade with near-record exports, expanding markets at home and the second highest net cash income. But there are still storm clouds…