IL CORN PLEASED TO SEE SENATE CONFIRM NORTHEY TO USDA POST

Tricia Braid

Feb 27, 2018  |  Today's News |  Legislation & Regulation |  Farm Policy

Earlier today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm President Trump’s nomination of Bill Northey, presently serving as Iowa Agriculture Secretary, to be U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Northey’s confirmation was on a four-month forced hold by Senator Ted Cruz, of Texas, due to conflicting interests of oil and ethanol. Once that hold was lifted, Northey’s confirmation passed easily on a voice vote.

 

“Mr. Northey is a great choice for this position at USDA,” said Illinois Corn Growers Association President Aron Carlson, of Winnebago. “We’ve been supportive of this nomination from the beginning. It was so tiresome to see big oil politics holding up the process to approve Mr. Northey’s nomination. We need these positions at USDA filled so that the Agency can fully carry out its mission in the countryside. We’re ready to get to work, and we’re sure that Mr. Northey is, too.”

 

“Corn farmers convened Corn Congress this morning to develop grassroots policies for the coming year. Farm Bill, ethanol, conservation interests, trade, and waterways infrastructure are top of mind for us, especially in how these issues relate to profitability,” Carlson continued. “Big Oil profits aren’t at risk, so maybe that’s why they have time to mess around with these kinds of political games. But corn farmers are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work to improve profitability for our farmers. Mr. Northey will be a great asset in that effort.”