Vilsack to remain during Obama's second term

Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack announced that he will remain in his role during President Barack Obama's second term in office.

"President Obama and I share a deep appreciation for rural America and its unlimited potential in the years ahead to feed a growing world population, revolutionize America's energy, further protect our natural resources and create more jobs here at home," said Vilsack in a statement.

Vilsack further stated, "We will continue to urge Congress to pass a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that will help us continue USDA's wide range of efforts to support this work. As we look ahead to a promising future in our small towns and rural communities, I am pleased to continue working alongside President Obama to grow more opportunity in rural America."

The secretary will join ASA members at the upcoming Commodity Classic, Feb. 28-March 2, in Kissimmee, FA.



New GOP Members Named to Subcommittee

Reps. Kevin Yoder of Kansas, Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska, Tom Rooney of Florida and David Valadao of California have been announced as the new Republican members of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which writes budgets for USDA, FDA and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Bob Aderholt of Alabama will assume chairmanship of the subcommittee, and joins Tom Latham of Iowa and Alan Nunnelee of Mississippi as the other GOP members of the subcommittee.