TFB celebrates next Secretary of Agriculture
(WACO, Texas)–The state’s largest farm organization is applauding the U.S. Senate’s approval of George “Sonny” Perdue of Georgia as the next Secretary of Agriculture.
“We’re pleased the Senate today officially confirmed Sonny Perdue. The nation has gone too long without a leader at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA),” Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) President Russell Boening said.
Perdue was confirmed Monday afternoon. He is expected to be sworn in Tuesday.
“With farm bill, budget and trade talks underway, Secretary Perdue will provide a voice for America’s farmers and ranchers. We support the secretary and look forward to working with him on issues important to Texas and American agriculture,” Boening said.
Perdue is the fifth Agriculture Secretary in American history who has been a farmer. He’s the first southerner in more than 20 years to hold the position.
Perdue, a Republican, grew up on a dairy and diversified row crop farm in rural Georgia.
He holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine and is the founder and operator of three agribusinesses and transportation firms serving farmers across the Southeastern United States.
Perdue was nominated for the position as head of USDA on Jan. 19, the day before President Donald Trump’s inauguration.