So you've got an inferiority complex. I get it. I graduated from a Land Grant too. My oldest son is graduating from a Land Grant with a PhD. The "big boys club" is about who you know and who your family knows, and somewhat how amoral you're willing to be. It doesn't have a hell of a lot to do with competence, in my experience. The people at the USDA, by and large, are dedicated and good at what they do. To suggest otherwise, I dunno. Jealousy?