Missouri’s man on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee is optimistic President Bush’s nominee to head up the Department of Agriculture will have no trouble being confirmed. Confirmation hearings held by the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee are usually less contentious than those staged by other committees. Such was the case with Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns, President Bush’s nominee to become Agriculture Secretary. Senator Talent – Missouri’s man on the Committee – says Johanns is well acquainted with alternative fuels and other concerns of Missouri agriculture. Talent says becomng Agriculture Secretary would mean more than just a cabinet post for Johanns. Talent says the nomination could be voted out of committee and sent to the full Senate later this month. He expects easy confirmation.