The U.S. Senate has confirmed three undersecretaries at the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday:

• Richard Fordyce as Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation
• Dudley Hoskins as Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs
• Scott Hutchins, Ph.D., as the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education and Economics.

All three will officially assume their new roles with USDA once they are sworn in.

Several ag leaders expressed their approval for the confirmations of these three key USDA leadership positions.

Kenneth Hartman, Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA):

“We applaud the Senate for approving the nominations of these leaders, all three of whom have extensive experience in agriculture and have shown a commitment to American farmers and rural America. We look forward to working with them to advance the interests of the nation’s 500,000 corn farmers.”

Stephen Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association (ASA):

“Richard, Dudley and Scott are trusted leaders with deep agricultural experience and proven records of service,” said ASA CEO Stephen Censky. “I had the privilege of working closely with all three during my time at USDA, and I know they are outstanding public servants. Richard’s background as a farmer and former FSA Administrator uniquely positions him to guide FPAC programs that farmers rely on. Dudley’s policy expertise and understanding of MRP’s role will benefit farmers and ranchers across the country. Scott’s leadership in REE will ensure science-based research and innovation continue to drive agriculture forward.”

Nathan Lane, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs with the National Beef Cattlemen’s Association (NCBA):

“America’s cattle producers rely on the Farm Production and Conservation team at USDA to manage local Farm Service Agency offices, support risk management offerings, and manage voluntary conservation tools through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. NCBA is grateful to see a qualified nominee like Richard Fordyce receive confirmation as Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation to lead these efforts. NCBA looks forward to Under Secretary Fordyce supporting family farmers and ranchers in accessing disaster relief, risk management and voluntary conservation tools that support healthy ranches and healthy rangeland.”

“NCBA congratulates Dudley Hoskins on his confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. As a staff member for the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, Under Secretary Hoskins has supported America’s cattle producers and advanced critical Farm Bill programs. With his previous experience at USDA and at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Hoskins is a highly qualified nominee, and we look forward to him supporting the economic health and security of the U.S. cattle industry.” 

“As a scientist and researcher, Dr. Scott Hutchins has dedicated his career to protecting American agriculture and advancing gold standard research. The innovation and information provided by the Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area of USDA is critical to the success of family cattle farmers and ranchers. NCBA congratulates Dr. Hutchins on his confirmation and looks forward to working with him.”

Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA):

“NASDA members work collaboratively with our federal partners for shared goals such as food safety, animal and plant health, agricultural statistics and many other areas across the industry. State departments of agriculture need the strong leadership of highly qualified individuals like Mr. Fordyce, Mr. Hoskins and Dr. Hutchins who understand the challenges and opportunities facing American agriculture. Their confirmation will strengthen the partnership between USDA and state departments of agriculture and help ensure we are prepared to meet the needs of farmers, ranchers and consumers across the nation.”