The White House is close to announcing nominees for political appointments within the Department of Agriculture, as reported by Agri-Pulse. Rumored for the number two spot at USDA, Steve Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association, is expected to be nominated for the USDA deputy secretary position. Current Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey is expected to receive the nominee for a nearly created post as undersecretary for farm production and conservation. Northey said on Facebook: “I love my job as Iowa secretary of agriculture and I am anxious to support the President, Secretary Perdue and USDA’s mission in whatever role I am in — either within USDA or outside.” Indiana Agriculture Department Director Ted McKinney is expected to be nominated as undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Finally, Sam Clovis, who has served on the USDA transition team is being considered as the next undersecretary for research, education, and economics.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.