U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

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S. HRG. 115–601 

NOMINATION HEARING: 

GREGORY IBACH, TO BE 

UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE 

FOR MARKETING AND REGULATORY 

PROGRAMS, AND 

WILLIAM NORTHEY, TO BE 

UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE 

FOR FARM AND 

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICES 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, 

NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY 

UNITED STATES SENATE 

ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS 

FIRST SESSION 

OCTOBER 5, 2017 

Printed for the use of the 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 

( 

Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov/ 
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY 

PAT ROBERTS, Kansas, Chairman 

THAD COCHRAN, Mississippi 

MITCH MCCONNELL, Kentucky 

JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas 

JOHN HOEVEN, North Dakota 

JONI ERNST, Iowa 

CHARLES GRASSLEY, Iowa 

JOHN THUNE, South Dakota 

STEVE DAINES, Montana 

DAVID PERDUE, Georgia 

LUTHER STRANGE, Alabama 

DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan 

PATRICK J. LEAHY, Vermont 

SHERROD BROWN, Ohio 

AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota 

MICHAEL BENNET, Colorado 

KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND, New York 

JOE DONNELLY, Indiana 

HEIDI HEITKAMP, North Dakota 

ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., Pennsylvania 

CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, Maryland 

JAMES A. GLUECK, JR., MAJORITY STAFF DIRECTOR

DANITA M. MURRAY, MAJORITY CHIEF COUNSEL

JESSICA L. WILLIAMS, CHIEF CLERK

JOSEPH A. SHULTZ, MINORITY STAFF DIRECTOR

MARY BETH SCHULTZ, MINORITY CHIEF COUNSEL

(II) 
(III) 

C O N T E N T S 

Page 

HEARING(S): 

Nomination Hearing: Gregory Ibach, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture 

for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, and William Northey, to be Under 

Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services ............ 1 

Thursday, October 5, 2017 

STATEMENTS PRESENTED BY SENATORS 

Roberts, Hon. Pat, U.S. Senator from the State of Kansas, Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry ................................................. 1 

Stabenow, Hon. Debbie, U.S. Senator from the State of Michigan ..................... 2 

Fischer, Hon. Deb, U.S. Senator from the State of Nebraska ............................. 4 

Sasse, Hon. Ben, U.S. Senator from the State of Nebraska ................................ 6 

Grassley, Hon. Charles, U.S. Senator from the State of Iowa ............................. 7 

Witnesses 

Ibach, Gregory, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and 

Regulatory Programs ........................................................................................... 8 

Northey, William, to be Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 

Services ................................................................................................................. 10 

APPENDIX 

PREPARED STATEMENTS: 

Ibach, Gregory .................................................................................................. 26 

Northey, William .............................................................................................. 32 

DOCUMENT(S) SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD: 

Roberts, Hon. Pat: 

Former Chiefs of the Soil Conservation Service and Natural Resources 

Conservation Service, letter of support ....................................................... 38 

Growth Energy, letter of support .................................................................... 39 

Nebraska Cattlemen, letter of support ........................................................... 40 

Iowa Corn Growers Association, letter of support ......................................... 41 

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, letter of support ............................. 42 

Agriculture Coalition, letter of support .......................................................... 44 

Nebraska Soybean Association ........................................................................ 46 

Sand County Foundation ................................................................................. 47 

5-day letter, Committee questionnaire and Office of Government Ethics 

Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 

by Gregory Ibach ........................................................................................... 49 

5-day letter, Committee questionnaire and Office of Government Ethics 

Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report filed 

by William Northey ...................................................................................... 79 

QUESTION AND ANSWER: 

Ibach, Gregory: 

Written response to questions from Hon. Pat Roberts .................................. 110 

Written response to questions from Hon. Debbie Stabenow ......................... 113 

Written response to questions from Hon. Joni Ernst .................................... 121 

Written response to questions from Hon. Steve Daines ................................ 122 
Page

IV 

Ibach, Gregory—Continued 

Written response to questions from Hon. Patrick J. Leahy .......................... 123 

Written response to questions from Hon. Michael Bennet ........................... 128 

Written response to questions from Hon. Kirsten Gillibrand ....................... 129 

Written response to questions from Hon. Robert Casey, Jr. ......................... 131 

Written response to questions from Hon. Chris Van Hollen ........................ 134 

Northey, William: 

Written response to questions from Hon. Pat Roberts .................................. 135 

Written response to questions from Hon. Debbie Stabenow ......................... 138 

Written response to questions from Hon. John Boozman ............................. 147 

Written response to questions from Hon. Joni Ernst .................................... 148 

Written response to questions from Hon. Steve Daines ................................ 149 

Written response to questions from Hon. Patrick J. Leahy .......................... 150 

Written response to questions from Hon. Michael Bennet ........................... 157 

Written response to questions from Hon. Kirsten Gillibrand ....................... 159 

Written response to questions from Hon. Robert Casey, Jr. ......................... 160 

Written response to questions from Hon. Chris Van Hollen ........................ 162 
(1) 

NOMINATION HEARING: 

GREGORY IBACH, TO BE 

UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE 

FOR MARKETING AND REGULATORY 

PROGRAMS, AND 

WILLIAM NORTHEY, TO BE 

UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE 

FOR FARM AND 

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICES 

Thursday, October 5, 2017 

UNITED STATES SENATE, 

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY, 

Washington, DC 

The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:33 a.m., in SR– 

328A, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Pat Roberts, Chairman 

of the Committee, presiding. 

Present: Senators Roberts, Boozman, Hoeven, Ernst, Grassley, 

Thune, Stabenow, Brown, Klobuchar, Bennet, Gillibrand, Donnelly, 

Heitkamp, and Casey. 

STATEMENT OF HON. PAT ROBERTS, U.S. SENATOR FROM THE 

STATE OF KANSAS, CHAIRMAN, U.S. COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY 

Chairman ROBERTS. I call this hearing of the Senate Agriculture, 

Nutrition, and Forestry Committee to order. 

I thank my colleagues for joining me in reviewing the nominations of the individuals before us today, Mr. Gregory Ibach of Nebraska for the position of Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Mr. William Northey of Iowa for the position 

of Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services. 

This Committee has been reviewing nominations expeditiously on 

a bipartisan basis. It is crucial to have leadership tending to these 

very important mission areas at the Department of Agriculture. 

Secretary Perdue, the Department’s 29 agencies and offices, and 

nearly 100,000 employees have been covering the bases. However, 

they need help in carrying out these missions on behalf of America’s farmers, ranchers, growers, consumers, and businesses. 

The Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, to 

which Mr. Ibach has been nominated, oversees key programs and 

offices at the Department. This Under Secretary leads activities related to plant health, animal care, veterinary services, wildlife 
2 

management, the promotion of U.S. commodities, regulation of 

biotech and its labeling on food, organics, and many other responsibilities. That is quite a job. 

This diverse range of responsibilities requires an individual at 

the helm who has equally diverse skills and experience. Anyone familiar with Mr. Ibach and his background knows he is well suited 

to this role. 

The position of Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, to which Mr. Northey has been nominated, oversees 

the commodity and producer lending and crop insurance—that is 

crop insurance, the most important mismanagement tool in the 

farmer’s toolbox. It is called ‘‘crop insurance.’’ 

Senator STABENOW. Crop insurance? 

Chairman ROBERTS. Crop insurance. 

Senator STABENOW. Crop insurance. Okay. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Especially for cherry trees. 

[Laughter.] 

Chairman ROBERTS. —conservation and disaster programs. 

While the Committee is considering the nomination for the 

Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services role, 

the expectation is that subsequent legislation will officially change 

the name of the role to Under Secretary for Farm Production and 

Conservation. 

Along with the Farm Service Agency and the Risk Management 

Agency, Secretary Perdue’s proposed reorganization will also bring 

the Natural Resources Conservation Service into a producer-and 

customer-focused mission area. 

Both Mr. Ibach and Mr. Northey have valuable boots-on-theground experience. They are both farmers. They know what weighs 

on the minds of farmers and ranchers, the challenges they face on 

daily basis, and the focus and drive that they put into their life’s 

work. Significantly, they are both dedicated public servants who 

have led their home State’s agriculture departments. That is 

unique. That is special. 

I am pleased the Committee is considering your nominations 

today. Getting you both to work at the Department is critical because the roles to which you have each been nominated carry out 

functions related to the Department’s day-to-day interaction with 

farmers, ranchers, and growers that impact their daily lives. 

These nominees have the support of more than 60 farm and conservation organizations. Without objection, I am entering the letters of support into the record at this point. 

We have a good record to date, and it is my hope that the Committee consider and approve your nominations as quickly as possible so we can send them to the full Senate for consideration. 

I look forward to your testimony. I now turn to my distinguished 

colleague, Senator Stabenow, for her opening remarks. 

STATEMENT OF HON. DEBBIE STABENOW, U.S. SENATOR 

FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN 

Senator STABENOW. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, 

and I am very pleased to be here as well with colleagues to consider two more USDA nominees. 
3 

Mr. Northey and Mr. Ibach, congratulations to both of you. Welcome to your families. I enjoyed very much speaking with both of 

you. 

As we have heard from farmers and ranchers all across the country, we know that American agriculture is facing tough times. Low 

commodity prices have pinched margins, and extreme weather has 

decimated crops from the High Plains to the Southeast. 

I know that both of you are farmers. You understand these challenges and know that our farmers need leaders that will speak up 

for them when their voices are not being heard. Our farmers deserve strong and qualified leaders who will fight for all of American 

agriculture. 

Mr. Northey and Mr. Ibach, with your Iowan and Nebraskan 

roots—and it is wonderful to have our Senate colleagues here with 

us today as well—I know you understand that production agriculture is an important component to our farm economy. However, 

the true strength of American agriculture is rooted in the diversity 

of what we grow. 

My home State is very proud to have more crop diversity than 

any other State except California, and we are working on that. 

Driving down the road, you will see corn and soybeans and wheat 

on one side, and you can see apple orchards and asparagus and 

cherry trees on the other side. 

However, past Farm Bills have been focused on commodities. For 

example, risk management programs were only available to traditional commodity farmers on one side of the road until we worked 

together in the last Farm Bill. But what you grow should not determine about whether or not your farm can be protected from losses. 

All farmers deserve a safety net, which is why I am so pleased 

we are able to expand access to tools like crop insurance for specialty crop growers, and importantly, I believe we need to take that 

step for dairy farmers as well. 

Mr. Northey, if confirmed to lead USDA’s farm services and risk 

management agencies, we need your commitment to make crop insurance stronger and more accessible to every farmer, no matter 

who they are and what they grow. 

You will also oversee the Natural Resource Conservation Service, 

which means you will have to balance a lot of responsibilities, 

which we talked about in my office. 

I represent the Great Lake State. The Agriculture Committee 

also represents our Great Lakes system, and for me, no matter 

where you are in Michigan, you are no more than 6 miles away 

from a body of water. So protecting our rivers, lakes, and streams 

is incredibly important to me and to the people in Michigan. I 

know as well it is important to other Members of the Committee. 

I know you personally understand that agriculture needs to be 

a part of the solution in addressing water quality issues, and if confirmed for this role, I urge you to continue to prioritize the protection of our land and our water. 

Mr. Ibach, if confirmed, you will be overseeing a very large and 

diverse mission area as well. One minute, you will find yourself enforcing international trade agreements, safeguarding our agreements, and at the same time, you will be safeguarding the integrity 

of the National Organic Program abroad. 
4 

The next minute, you will be providing guidance to help farmers 

transition to organic production and tap into new markets at home. 

At all times, you will be on call to defend our food system against 

some of the most pressing threats to animal and plant health. Specialty crops are particularly susceptible to invasive pests, and we 

have seen devastating impacts on cherries and other fruit and 

vegetables in my State. 

Your portfolio would also put you in the driver’s seat of many exciting opportunities for American agriculture. The growing demand 

for local food has created new ways for our farmers to connect to 

consumers, especially new and beginning farmers as well. 

Back home, I see more and more Michigan-Made signs in grocery 

stores, and we like to see that. This is a trend that I hope will continue, and I hope you will commit to supporting our local food system economy. 

Mr. Northey and Mr. Ibach, if confirmed, your work and leadership will have a tremendous impact on my State, on the States of 

the Members of this Committee, and all of American agriculture 

and, frankly, all of American families. 

When Secretary Perdue came before this Committee earlier this 

year, he pledged to be a strong and tenacious advocate for American agriculture. Today, we ask that you join him in that commitment and fight for the resources that our farmers and ranchers 

need and deserve. 

Thank you. 

Chairman ROBERTS. As is our tradition in the Agriculture Committee, I would like to recognize the family and friends of the nominees who have gathered here today. Please stand and be recognized. Do not be bashful. 

[Applause.] 

Chairman ROBERTS. It is also a privilege to welcome Congressman Adrian Smith from Nebraska here to support his friend and 

colleague, Greg Ibach. 

Congressman, if you would stand, please, and be recognized. 

Thank you for coming, sir. 

[Applause.] 

Chairman ROBERTS. I know it is tough to get up in the morning 

and figure out you have to come to the upper body. 

[Laughter.] 

Chairman ROBERTS. Sorry about that. I used to be over there. 

Thank you all for joining us at this important hearing. 

Greg Ibach will be introduced now by Senator Deb Fischer and 

Senator Ben Sasse. 

Senator Fischer, it is an honor to have you with us today. 

Senator Fischer is an honorary member of the Agriculture Committee, I would tell the Ranking Member, you know that. Thank 

you for taking the time to introduce Mr. Ibach. You are recognized 

at this particular time. Thank you, ma’am. 

STATEMENT OF HON. DEB FISCHER, U.S. SENATOR FROM THE 

STATE OF NEBRASKA 

Senator FISCHER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member Stabenow and to my colleagues here on this Committee. I 

thank you for inviting me here today. 
5 

I am honored to introduce my fellow Nebraskan and my good 

friend, Greg Ibach, the nominee to serve as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. 

Greg is no stranger to agriculture. In the beef State, we are 

home to the Nation’s top cattle producers and best Ag leaders. 

Some of you may remember our great friend, Nebraskan and 

former Member of this Committee, Senator Mike Johanns. As a 

former Secretary of USDA, he knew a thing or two about agriculture. When Senator Johanns was Governor of our State, he appointed Greg to serve as assistant director for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. 

Senator Johanns made an excellent choice because Greg went on 

to serve as Nebraska’s director of agriculture, a position he has 

now held for the past 12 years. Every step of the way, Greg has 

demonstrated his dedication to the unsung heroes of the American 

dinner table—our farmers and ranchers. 

I am also pleased to introduce Greg’s wife, Teresa, and his 

daughter, Emily, who are with him here today. I thank both of 

them for sharing Greg with the State of Nebraska over the years. 

I think everyone in this room today can agree our successes 

would not be possible without the sacrifices of our loved ones, so 

I thank them. 

Growing up on his family’s cow-calf and row-crop operation outside of Sumner, Nebraska, laid a strong foundation for Greg to 

serve his fellow agriculture producers. He understands the unique 

challenges our farmers and ranchers face because he is completely 

immersed in this industry. 

As Nebraska’s director of agriculture, Greg has worked tirelessly 

to promote common-sense policies that allow producers to do what 

they do best, to feed the world. This includes opening foreign markets for Nebraska’s high-quality agriculture products and hosting 

international trade groups at Nebraska ranches, feed yards, and 

food manufacturers. 

Under Greg’s leadership, Nebraska gained market access in regions of the world that had previously been shut off to American 

producers. For example, Greg and I worked together to reopen the 

Israeli market to Nebraska beef for the first time in 13 years. 

Throughout this process, Greg demonstrated his unique capacity to 

work with many different stakeholders at the local, State, and national level to ensure that producers prospered. At the USDA, he 

will serve America’s farmers and ranchers with the same knowledge, passion, and dedication. 

The last few years have been tough for agriculture. To continue 

being global leaders in food, fiber, and fuel production, Nebraska’s 

and America’s producers need regulatory certainty. For too long, 

USDA has been encased in bureaucratic ambiguity. This does not 

garner confidence from those in rural America who earn their living off the land. But fortunately, under Secretary Perdue’s leadership, that status quo is changing. 

As State Ag director, Greg was charged with regulatory responsibilities in the areas of animal and plant health, weights and 

measures, as well as food safety and consumer protection. He has 

an uncanny ability to build relationships by communicating with 

regulators and also with producers. This is a needed skill for the 
6 

next Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory 

Programs. I am confident that Greg’s experience leading the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, coupled with his real-world, personal understanding of farm country, make him highly qualified to 

serve at the USDA. 

There is much at stake for agriculture in America right now. Mr. 

Chairman and Ranking Member, I urge you and the Committee to 

quickly approve Greg’s nomination and bring it to the floor of the 

Senate so that we can vote on this confirmation. Secretary Perdue 

needs his team in place to better serve our farmers and ranchers 

so that they can do their job of feeding the world, and Greg’s role, 

if he is confirmed, is critically important in executing this mission. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Senator Fischer, thank you for that very 

fine introduction, and I will turn to Senator Sasse. 

Senator Sasse, welcome back to the Committee. We have missed 

your pertinent, unique, and 35-cent word commentary, and we 

would like to—you might want to consider coming back. We welcome you now, sir, for any remarks you would like to make on behalf of Mr. Ibach. 

STATEMENT OF HON. BEN SASSE, U.S. SENATOR FROM THE 

STATE OF NEBRASKA 

Senator SASSE. Thank you, sir. I feel like I need to do math 

around 35 cents times how much money I owe you for the notes 

you have slipped to me for words to work in today, but, Chairman, 

thank you, Ranking Member, Members of the Committee. It is 

great to be here, and it is a privilege to follow my senior Senator 

and be able to introduce Greg Ibach. 

As you know, Greg has been nominated to be USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Nobody outworks 

Nebraskans, and nobody knows this better than Greg Ibach. Greg 

has built his entire career and his whole life on honesty and on 

hustle. He is the man for the job, and Nebraskans could not be 

prouder of the President’s selection. 

A Nebraskan through and through, Greg has served our State 

and our agriculture community very well. As has been mentioned, 

he served three different governors in our State department of ag, 

and it is a confluence of his life’s work, farming, ranching, and promoting Nebraska agriculture. 

Nebraskans know that our State’s agricultural trade has grown 

in the global marketplace partly because of Greg’s tireless efforts 

to promote our commodities across the globe. Greg built and maintained stakeholder relationships and initiated strategies to promote 

Nebraska ag, both domestically and internationally, allowing us to 

become the breadbasket of the world. 

Greg will bring a personal vigor to the USDA as he analyzes 

issues, develops strategies, and creates solutions for many of these 

global initiatives. Greg has a proven public service record that is 

defined by executing innovative strategies and consensus among 

broad and diversified and often competing constituencies and 

stakeholders. 

Greg has empowered the employees that have worked with and 

for him at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to achieve the 
7 

shared visionary goals that you have heard Secretary Perdue lay 

out before this Committee for the U.S. Department of Ag, both to 

promote more economic opportunity and to help rural America 

thrive. 

Greg’s unrelenting work has expanded youth involvement and 

leadership in agriculture as well. For years, he has brought high 

school juniors and seniors from around our State together to explore careers in Ag through the Nebraska Agriculture Youth Institute, an institute that is now 46 years old, the longest-running 

youth institute for agriculture in America, and Greg personally 

brings more than 200 students every year to Lincoln to explore careers in Ag across our State. Greg understands what the future of 

agriculture looks like, and his leadership at the USDA should bring 

comfort to hardworking producers and to hungry consumers across 

the country. 

Again, Chairman and Ranking Member and Members of the 

Committee, it is a pleasure on behalf of the State of Nebraska to 

introduce Greg to you and his wife, Teresa, and I am absolutely 

confident that all of you will find it a great privilege and pleasure 

to be able to work with Greg. 

Thanks for having us. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Thank you, Senator. 

It occurs to me with two Senators, Mr. Ibach, that perhaps you 

have enough significant influence to bring Nebraska back to the 

Big 12 where you belong. 

[Laughter.] 

Chairman ROBERTS. I now turn to Senator Grassley to introduce 

our next nominee, Bill Northey from Iowa. 

Senator Grassley. 

STATEMENT OF HON. CHUCK GRASSLEY, U.S. SENATOR FROM 

THE STATE OF IOWA 

Senator GRASSLEY. First of all, let me explain to the nominee and 

to the Committee that after I introduce him, I will not be back because I have all four of my committees meeting today and particularly the Budget Committee that will take hours and hours, so I 

hope you will understand that I do not think any less of your nomination because I am not here to hear everything you say, but I 

know you well. 

Also, to the Members of the Committee, it is an honor for me to 

introduce Bill Northey, Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, to this 

Committee. I consider him a friend as well as our Secretary of Agriculture, and let me explain to the Committee that this is a special 

honor for me to introduce him. It kind of returns a favor because 

his dad, 30 years ago, served on my Agriculture Committee for the 

campaign, my first campaign for the Senate, and you do not forget 

people like that because I was not the candidate of the Iowa Republican establishment at that particular time, and so I feel a 

great closeness to the Northey family. 

Mr. Northey has been nominated to serve as Under Secretary for 

Farm Production and Conservation at our USDA, and he has been 

our Iowa Secretary of Agriculture since 2006. During his tenure, he 

has focused on soil conservation and helping develop a robust renewable energy industry that we have in Iowa. He was also in that 
8 

position when he had to deal with a very serious crisis that we had 

for chickens and turkeys with the high-path avian influenza outbreak, which occurred in 2015. 

Secretary Northey understands agriculture. He is a fourth-generation farmer from Spirit Lake, Iowa, where he raises corn and 

soybeans. He appreciates the ins and outs of farming and what it 

is like to put your life savings on the line every year to grow a crop 

in rural America that will feed and fuel the world. 

Secretary Northey has served on the Iowa Farm Service Agency 

Committee for his county and also for the State and was president 

of the National Corn Growers Association for the years ’96 and ’97. 

He has also traveled the world visiting over 15 countries to promote U.S. agriculture. 

Secretary Northey graduated from Iowa State in 1981 with a degree in Agribusiness and has an MBA from Southwest Minnesota 

State University. 

Perhaps his most important quality is his vision that he has 

shown leading the Iowa Department of Agriculture. As an example, 

Bill was focused on water quality issues in Iowa years before many 

farmers and press outlets became engaged, and I say that and emphasize it for the benefit of my colleague from Michigan. 

I cannot think of anyone better equipped to ensure our Nation’s 

farm programs are properly administered than this Iowa Secretary 

Northey. We are lucky to have someone of his capability ready to 

lead the agencies he will be responsible for. 

So, Secretary Northey, welcome to the Committee. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Thank you, Senator. We appreciate your 

commentary. 

As is the tradition and custom of the Committee before nominee 

witnesses are to provide their testimony, I must administer the 

oath. If both of you could please stand and raise your right hands. 

First, do you swear that the testimony you are about to present 

is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help 

you God? 

Mr. NORTHEY. I do. 

Mr. IBACH. I do. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Second, do you agree that if confirmed, you 

will appear before any duly constituted committee of Congress if 

asked to appear? 

Mr. NORTHEY. I do. 

Mr. IBACH. I do. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Thank you. 

We look forward to your testimony. 

Mr. Ibach. 

TESTIMONY OF GREGORY IBACH, NOMINEE TO BE UNDER 

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR MARKETING AND REGULATORY PROGRAMS 

Mr. IBACH. Good morning, Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member 

Stabenow, and Members of the Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss my desire to serve 

the American public as President’s nominee—President Trump’s 

nominee as the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. 
9 

I am honored to be nominated by the President and humbled by 

the trust and confidence that Secretary Perdue has shown in selecting me for this position. 

I also want to thank Senator Fischer and Senator Sasse for their 

very kind introductions and their steadfast support of me throughout the nomination process. 

I also want to thank Congressman Smith, who is here today, for 

his support of my nomination as well. 

I am honored to have Steve Nelson, Craig Uden, and Lynn Crisp 

representing Nebraska’s production agriculture community in attendance as well today. 

I am joined today by my wife, Teresa. Her support and love for 

the last 29 years has provided me the opportunity to serve as the 

assistant director and director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for almost 20 years. 

We are the proud parents of triplets, who are 25 years old. Our 

daughter Emily, from Denver, is with us here today, and our son 

Evan, who lives in Minneapolis, and son Alec and his wife Meredith, who live in Carney, Nebraska, were unable to attend. I am 

proud that my children represent the fourth generation on my 

mother’s side of the family and the fifth generation on my father’s 

side of the family to farm and ranch in northeast Dawson County, 

Nebraska, near the small town of Sumner. 

Our family farm consists of row-crop and cow-calf enterprises. As 

is the case with many farm operations in our country, our farm has 

weathered many difficult times because of persistence, communication, and teamwork. I look forward to bringing those same principles to USDA, if I am confirmed. 

The principles of hard work and dedication that I learned working alongside my parents growing up nurtured a love of agriculture 

and led me to attend the University of Nebraska, where I majored 

in animal science and agricultural economics. 

Following graduation from college in 1984 during the heart of the 

historic farm crisis, I spent 6 years working for the farm credit system in Iowa and Nebraska. I then returned to the farm to pursue 

my love of production agriculture, and with the assistance of my 

parents and grandparents, Teresa and I started our own family 

farming operation and raised our three children. 

Those years also provided key opportunities to become involved 

in the organizations that represented our family’s farm operation. 

I was involved in our county and State Farm Bureau; our county, 

State and national cattlemen’s organizations, where I achieved 

leadership positions at both the State and national levels. 

I was honored in 1999 to be asked by Governor Mike Johanns 

to serve as assistant director of Department of Agriculture and 

then by Governor Dave Heineman and Governor Pete Ricketts to 

serve as director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. During my tenure as director, I was also elected to serve as president 

of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. 

I have approached my tenure at the department with service to 

Nebraska’s nearly 50,000 family farm and ranch families in mind. 

I believe my status as an active producer has been essential to my 

role within the department. That said, however, I also recognize 
10 

and have an appreciation for the structure of government and its 

role in protecting and serving all citizens. 

The MRP mission area is comprised of many programs focused 

on improving market competitiveness for the overall benefit of consumers and producers of American agriculture. If honored to receive your confirmation, I will work faithfully to implement the authorities outlined by Congress. 

Balancing two priorities—the first representing and promoting 

the interest of farmers and ranchers; and the second, overseeing 

entities that regulate them—can be a difficult task. However, the 

word ‘‘balance’’ is key to that equation. 

By maintaining balance, MRP can achieve Secretary Perdue’s 

Department-wide goals of supporting job creating, prioritizing customer service, and ensuring our communities access to a safe and 

secure food supply. 

I am also committed to promoting the market opportunities and 

protecting the integrity associated with the organic seal, while 

maintaining and preserving and protecting our natural resources. 

I am also keenly aware of my responsibility to maintain plant 

and animal health and well-being as well. 

Each day, my decisions will be tempered by two principles: How 

will regulatory programs and promotional activities improve the 

opportunities not only for my neighbors in Sumner but also Americans across the country? I recognize the weighty responsibility to 

maintain consumer confidence in the products produced and the 

production methods implemented. 

If confirmed, I pledge to be available to listen to you, other Members of Congress, and the many diverse voices of agriculture who 

will have ideas and input for the programs under my supervision. 

Thank you again for your attention and consideration of my nomination. I will be humbled to serve, if confirmed, and would look 

forward to working together to serve American agriculture. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Ibach can be found on page 26 

in the appendix.] 

Chairman ROBERTS. We thank you, Greg. 

Mr. Northey. 

TESTIMONY OF WILLIAM NORTHEY, NOMINEE TO BE UNDER 

SECRETARY FOR FARM AND FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL 

SERVICES 

Mr. NORTHEY. Well, good morning, Mr. Chairman, Ranking 

Member Stabenow, and distinguished Members of the Committee. 

I am honored to appear before you today as the President’s nominee for USDA FFAS having responsibilities for the farm production 

and conservation mission area with responsibilities for Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, and Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

I thank the President for nominating me and appreciate Secretary Perdue’s support and trust in my ability to take on this new 

role. 

I thank Senator Grassley for his kind words of introduction this 

morning and Senator Ernst for her support and encouragement. I 

am humbled. 
11 

I want to thank my wife, Cindy, and daughter, Katie, who are 

with me here today. Cindy, without your sacrifice and love, I would 

not be here today. I also want to thank our daughters, Jessica and 

Emily, their husbands, Thomas and Eric, our five grandkids. I 

thank you my parents as well, Wayne and Margaret Northey, my 

sister, Nancy, who are all sitting in front of their computers at 

home in Spirit Lake intently watching this hearing. 

I am a corn and soybean farmer from Northwest Iowa. My farming roots go back several generations on both sides of my family. 

Cindy and I raised our three daughters on the farm my grandfather bought in the 1930s. On my mom’s side of the family, a farm 

first bought by her great-grandfather celebrated its 150th year in 

our family and is now owned and operated by my mom’s cousin. 

I began serving in the Iowa Corn Growers boards of directors in 

the 1980s and eventually served as president of both the Iowa Corn 

Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association. 

I was involved in some of the early important work on ethanol, 

the development of an awful important industry to many of us in 

this room. I also worked on Farm Bill, trade and environmental 

policies while at Corn Growers. 

I served 8 years on the local soil and water conservation district 

board and 5 years on the State Iowa Farm Service Agency Committee. 

In 2006, I was elected president of the—or I was elected Iowa 

Secretary of Agriculture and reelected in 2010 and 2014 and still 

serve in that capacity today. 

I have continued farming while serving as Secretary of Agriculture, getting most of my farming done on weekends and at 

nights. 

Being Secretary has given me the opportunity to visit lots of 

parts of Iowa, including what we call the ‘‘full Grassley’’ in Iowa. 

That is visiting all 99 counties at least once every year. I have done 

it for 10 years. The Senator has done it for over 30 years. It is one 

of the best parts of the job to be able to understand and see the 

folks in the countryside. 

But being Secretary has also given me the opportunity to be able 

to travel to many of your states and meet some of your producers, 

certainly develop friendships with other State Secretaries, directors, and commissioners of agriculture. 

If confirmed, I look forward to being able to travel more and be 

able to better understand the needs of your producers, to be able 

to meet more of our great producers across this country. 

You have heard Secretary Perdue and his goal for better customer service, and certainly, customer service improvements must 

be measurable. They will require better cooperation between agencies, and I believe housing NRCS, FSA, and RMA in the same mission area is a step in that right direction. 

We also need to engage new technologies to be able to allow efficiencies and the responsiveness improvements that need to happen 

as well. 

I thank you for the time and your staff’s time in meeting and 

leading up to this hearing and sharing your thoughts and concerns 

about RMA, FSA, and NRCS. I heard strong support for NRCS and 

its mission and both concern and support for the combination of 
12 

NRCS with FSA and RMA. If given the opportunity to serve, I look 

forward to strengthening each of these agencies to ensuring that 

this move leads to better customer service and reporting back to 

this Committee on the progress of such efforts. 

In our meetings, many of you commented on the operation of 

FSA disaster programs as well following the wildfires, droughts, 

and hurricanes, including the challenges faced by producers in 

Puerto Rico. While I have not been briefed on the efforts within 

USDA to address these issues, I believe certainly FSA, NRCS, and 

RMA have important roles to play, and if confirmed, ensuring our 

producers in these areas are getting all the support they need from 

USDA will be a top priority. 

I will read it as I wrote it: Crop insurance is the most important 

part of the farm safety net, Mr. Chairman, and through RMA, we 

need to ensure that we maintain this vital tool for producers. While 

our farm safety net has worked for many, many producers, I do 

also hear that there are producers that are left out, and I am committed to this Committee to work with all of you to make sure that 

all producers have the risk management tools that they need. 

So I will be an advocate within the administration for the producers in the countryside. I look forward to working with all of you, 

and I appreciate this tremendous opportunity to be involved and 

serve our country’s producers. 

Thank you. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Northey can be found on page 32 

in the appendix.] 

Chairman ROBERTS. We thank you, Mr. Northey. 

Unfortunately, we have three votes that are scheduled. These are 

15-minute votes, which means they are 30-minute votes, and we 

will do the best that we can here going to vote and coming back. 

I know also that several Members are on the Budget Committee. 

They have a very important meeting today as well, so we are going 

to get through this as best we can. 

Mr. Ibach, foreign animal disease threats are a growing concern 

for producers and animal health experts. In recent years, outbreaks 

of disease such as avian influenza have demonstrated the vulnerability of animal agriculture to these threats. If confirmed, you will 

be leading the Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service, known as APHIS. Can you briefly describe some priorities 

you will pursue as Under Secretary that relate to safeguarding animal, agriculture, and our national security as a result? 

Mr. IBACH. Yes. Thank you. 

APHIS is perhaps maybe one of the most important roles that I 

will serve in USDA because if we are not able to keep diseases and 

pests that are not in the United States out of the United States or 

control and contain the ones that we do have, we put our Nation’s 

farmers, ranchers, and producers at great risk. 

So we will take that responsibility very seriously. I look forward 

to learning more about each and every program that addresses 

those concerns and issues and working with producers to implement proper biosecurity across the board to be able to help 

produce, protect, and safeguard our Nation’s crops and livestock. 

Thank you. 

Chairman ROBERTS. I appreciate that. 
13 

The vote has been called. I am going to vote, but I am going to 

ask you one more question here and then come back and allow the 

distinguished Ranking Member to cast her vote as well. 

While farmers and ranchers feel stifled by many government regulations, to say the least, every now and then, there are those regulations that actually help streamline business and can reduce burdens. One example is a proposed rule pertaining to APHIS, categorical exclusions from certain review processes. The effect of implementing this rule will be quicker development and deployment of 

important veterinary biologics, such as vaccines that are used in 

managing animal disease outbreaks. Can you commit to shepherding this rule through the Government review process? 

Mr. IBACH. I was—thank you for that question. That is an important issue. 

I must admit I am not fully briefed on that, and I realized during 

our conversation, you were—that was an important issue to you as 

well. I do pledge to become very informed on that issue and work 

with you and other Members of the Committee to understand your 

priorities and make the best decision possible, if confirmed. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Mr. Northey, you have already—I think you 

have answered this question with regards to crop insurance, but 

basically, if confirmed as Under Secretary, will you protect crop insurance from attacks like premium subsidy reductions, caps, or adjusted gross income limits? How will you work to improve these 

risk management tools for producers across the country? 

Mr. NORTHEY. I look forward to working with you, Mr. Chairman, the Committee as well, Members of the House to support the 

very important risk management tool that crop insurance is. 

Chairman ROBERTS. As Iowa Secretary of Ag, you have direct experience working on conservation issues in your home State. If confirmed, you will be overseeing conservation programs nationwide 

administered by both the Farm Service Agency and the NRCS. 

How will you work to ensure that the USDA voluntary conservation programs—voluntary conservation programs, you have background in this—are administered in a balanced approach that 

meets natural resource needs? 

Mr. NORTHEY. You know, I think it is—Mr. Chairman, so many 

partnerships are important to be able to deliver these programs. 

So in the State of Iowa, we have been able to partner with 

NRCS, with private organizations, and be able to create watershed 

projects. 

The voluntary nature of these programs is what engages producers, and so it is very important that these programs work well 

for producers, such that they are interested in participating. Part 

of that is being able to understand the relevance and making sure 

that these are working in all parts of the country. 

I am very familiar with some of the issues within the Midwest. 

I need to do more homework and understand some of the issues in 

other places as well. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Thank you for that. 

Senator Stabenow. 

Senator STABENOW. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 
14 

We know that you both understand that it is a busy day with a 

lot of things happening, and so we apologize for the comings and 

goings. 

But I want to take a moment to talk about the budget. The 

President had originally proposed a huge cut to the Farm Bill, including a $29 billion cut to crop insurance and $6 billion to conservation. The Congress is rejecting that level of cut, but today, I 

am going to be going to the Budget Committee, where there is built 

into the baseline, a $21 billion cut in farm programs. That does not 

count the cuts to nutrition programs, which are separate. 

I am heartened by Chairman Roberts and Chairman Conway in 

the House indicating they believe there is some flexibility in that, 

but I am very concerned about what is going to be happening here. 

The fact that we in the last Farm Bill, if you count the direct cuts 

and the savings and the policy that we put in place, the budget office says we will have saved over 10 years about $100 billion, which 

is unique to committees to be able to do that voluntarily. 

Given what is happening with farm prices and the challenges 

that farmers have, I am very concerned that we should not be put 

in a position to be cutting more from supports for farmers and conservation and so on. 

Let me just take a moment. I am going to ask just very quickly, 

to hear your position on the following issues. Mr. Northey, you 

have talked about crop insurance, we know you support crop insurance. But just yes or no, do you support opening up crop insurance 

to more crops so that more types of farmers can participate? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Yes. 

Senator STABENOW. Thank you. 

Do you support working lands conservation programs? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Yes. 

Senator STABENOW. Thank you. 

Do you support conservation partnerships that leverage Federal 

dollars with private dollars to help farmers address issues like 

water quality, drought, and wildlife habitat? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Sure do. Yes. 

Senator STABENOW. Thank you. 

Mr. Ibach, do you support programs that help specialty crop 

growers access new markets, protect against pest and disease, and 

promote their products? 

Mr. IBACH. I do. 

Senator STABENOW. Thank you very much. 

Do you support Farm Bill programs that promote direct-to-consumer markets, including farmers markets? 

Mr. IBACH. Yes. 

Senator STABENOW. Do you support continued development of 

local and regional food systems? 

Mr. IBACH. Yes. 

Senator STABENOW. Do you think Americans living in a food 

desert should have access to healthy, affordable food? 

Mr. IBACH. Of course. 

Senator STABENOW. So just to both of you, given the budget situation that we are in right now, will you each advocate strongly to 

the White House to protect the USDA’s budget and commit to sup-
15 

porting the programs that are authorized and appropriated by Congress? 

Mr. Ibach? 

Mr. IBACH. I commit to doing the best job with the resources that 

the Congress designates to my programs within MRP, and I also 

commit to looking for efficiencies moving forward that allow us to 

do more with less. 

Senator STABENOW. We certainly want efficiencies, and we need 

strong advocacy as well, so thank you. 

Mr. Northey? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Yes. I look forward to certainly supporting Secretary Perdue’s comments and be an advocate for agriculture in 

those needs in agriculture and working with this Committee and 

Members of the House as well and being able to make sure that 

we stretch that budget as far as we can, but we have the resources 

necessary as well. 

Senator STABENOW. Thank you very much. 

I have additional questions, and in the interest of time, so my 

colleagues can ask questions, I will submit them to the record. 

I just want to indicate I have enjoyed very much having the opportunity to meet privately with you and to address issues in particular that are of concern to Michigan, and I look forward to supporting you as you move through this process. 

Mr. NORTHEY. Thank you very much. 

Senator STABENOW. I think Senator Thune is taking over from 

here. I am told to turn to Senator Thune—— 

Senator THUNE. [Presiding.] Okay. 

Senator STABENOW. —and then to Senator Klobuchar. So, Senator Thune, I am passing the gavel to you. 

Senator THUNE. Thank you, Senator Stabenow, and to you and 

the Chairman for holding this hearing, and thanks to our nominees 

for your willingness to serve. We are grateful for you brining your 

skills to bear on the important work of American agriculture. 

Mr. Northey, you have worked at USDA now—with USDA, I 

should say, over three terms as the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, 

and I am sure that you have been frustrated as I have over the 

bureaucratic processes that sometimes hamper achieving desired 

results. 

As an example, during this past drought-stricken summer in the 

Northern Plains, extreme forage and grazing shortages forced 

many grazing livestock producers to reduce their herds. 

CRP emergency haying and grazing was a critical source of feed, 

and I appreciate Secretary Perdue’s cooperation in opening CRP for 

haying and grazing, yet it took weeks for approval to open up all 

reasonably available acres. 

As one of your first priorities, I want to urge you to review administrative processes in the three mission areas under your jurisdiction and see what we might be able to do to expedite some of 

these administrative authorities when needed. Is that something 

you would commit to doing? 

Mr. NORTHEY. I would. Yes, Senator. 

Senator THUNE. Pending your confirmation—well, let me skip to 

this next question. Based on your experience as Iowa Secretary of 

Agriculture, would you agree that more flexibility in the manage-
16 

ment of CRP, such as allowing CRP practices to be grazed on a limited basis or hayed one-third of each contract every year would enhance the productivity and simplify the management of the CRP 

program? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Yeah. I think there is certainly—it is important to 

be able to understand the needs and opportunities for producers 

that provided some flexibility within the guidelines of the program, 

and so if confirmed, I am very interested in being able to talk 

about additional flexibilities and understand what the law allows 

and what would be beneficial to producers and to managing that 

natural resource. 

Senator THUNE. Good, good. 

Well, and to the degree that you have authority—and we think 

that you do—we have been trying for a long time to get greater 

flexibility in management, particularly as mid-contract management practices, which are just completely contrary to we think 

what is sound in terms of promoting not only good wildlife production but environmental practices and everything else that goes with 

it. 

There are certain CRP practices that are designated as environmentally sensitive, and there appears to be an interim administrative action that USDA has imposed over the years, which limits the 

use of these so-called designated areas and management practice. 

Would you support removing these environmentally sensitive designations on CRP acres? These are practices that, again, have been 

applied in the past, but we do not think make a lot of sense and 

have been very hard to get freed up for emergency haying and 

grazing through the years when we have had circumstances that 

required it. 

Mr. NORTHEY. I am not familiar with that issue. I would certainly look forward to being briefed. If confirmed, I would love to 

be able to work with you and your staff in understanding the needs 

of your producers, but I would need to do some homework on that 

issue. 

Senator THUNE. Well, I would just point out that in 2012 and 

2017, which were drought years, these environmentally sensitive 

acres, CRP contracts were opened up for emergency haying and 

grazing, without negative consequences that I am aware of. In fact, 

in most cases, we were able to get the wildlife groups in support 

of that, and I think that the record will show that was not something that had any adverse impact. 

So, again, it is another one of those bureaucratic sort of administrative roadblocks that we think make it more difficult to meet the 

needs to producers out there who in drought conditions for sure are 

suffering and need some relief. 

Let me just ask one more question. I am sorry I am asking— 

holding on to this side of the panel. But we have a substantial demand for CRP right now, both for general and continuous enrollment, and CRP plays a critical support role in our State for what 

is our world-class pheasant hunting. It is estimated to provide 

about almost $300 million annually to South Dakota. 

What plans do you have to reinstate CRP open enrollment for 

the next general signup, and does USDA support a higher acreage 

cap, as I do, as part of the 2018 Farm Bill? Just so you know, I 
17 

support raising it to 30 million acres. It is at 24 right now under 

the current Farm Bill. 

Mr. NORTHEY. Well, I know there is a lot of conversation about 

the acreage cap going into the next Farm Bill. I certainly look forward to being a part of those conservations, if confirmed. I need to 

have conversations with our Secretary Perdue and be able to understand exactly what administration’s support is, but CRP is an 

important program and answers many of the natural resource 

needs that are out there. 

Certainly, continuous enrollment—I was one of the largest continuous enrollment CRP States across the country, and that has allowed us to address nutrient reduction wetlands, buffers, lots of 

other important areas. Hitting that cap potentially limits the ability to be able to add new acres. 

So there is a challenge there, but it is a balance amongst lots of 

different points of view. We are glad to be a part of that conversation, if confirmed. 

Senator THUNE. Well, we look forward to working with you. You 

have under your jurisdiction lots of farmers and ranchers in South 

Dakota between FSA and NRCS and RMA, so we will have an opportunity, I am sure, to ask additional questions in the future. 

But I thank you both for your service. 

My time has expired. 

I am going to pass the gavel now to Senator Hoeven and then 

recognize—— 

Senator KLOBUCHAR. Senator Hoeven, I was just going to ask two 

questions before I have to go vote. 

So thank you to both of you, and I know that you, Mr. Northey, 

went to Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall; is that 

right? 

Mr. NORTHEY. I did, yes. Thank you. 

Senator KLOBUCHAR. It is very important to add to your biography. I would suggest that. 

[Laughter.] 

Senator KLOBUCHAR. Welcome, both of you. We are excited for 

you for your nominations. I will just ask some quick questions here. 

Mr. Northey, 3,500 dairy farmers in Minnesota have been hit 

hard by the low milk prices, which have been compounded by new 

trade barriers in export markets and ongoing difficulties with the 

Margin Protection Program. Do you believe that dairy producers 

need additional insurance products to manage their risk, and can 

I count on you to help us with this problem? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Certainly, if confirmed, I would be very interested 

in being able to work to see what kinds of programs could work 

better. 

We heard many concerns from many Members about the lack of 

risk management tools for dairy producers and the challenges with 

the MPP. 

Senator KLOBUCHAR. Thank you. 

Mr. Ibach, Minnesota is number one for turkeys in the country, 

number two for hogs, second only to Iowa. 

In Minnesota, we have faced some hardships, as was discussed 

earlier, due to disease with both these industries, some really horrible situations, and will you commit to working with me to help 
18 

APHIS better monitor and respond to diseases like avian influenza? 

Mr. IBACH. Yes. I think that the reference that you are making 

to the outbreak that we had several years ago was a chance for not 

only producers to learn some opportunities that they have to improve biosecurity and protect themselves but also a wakeup call to 

States and the Federal Government to look into programs and systems to deliver those programs and benefits that are available in 

quicker and better ways. 

Senator KLOBUCHAR. Thank you. 

Mr. Northey, in Minnesota, CRP is an important voluntary conservation program, yet during the recent signup, only 149 of 1,367 

offers were accepted, 90 percent rejection rate. I know that USDA 

must manage the program under the statutory cap of 24 million 

acres. We know there is substantial demand. What plans do you 

have to reinstate CRP open enrollment for the next general signup, 

if you are concerned? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Well, I would certainly be interested in understanding the options that are available to USDA with the cap and 

the challenges with the acres that are out there. 

Obviously, this Committee and Members of the House will spend 

a lot of time looking at what the next Farm Bill should have in it 

for funding and for a cap on CRP, and that is going to be an important conversation. I look forward to being a part of that conversation. 

Senator KLOBUCHAR. Thank you. 

I appreciated that you mention the renewable fuel standard. 

Pretty important in Minnesota as well. 

Thank you, both of you, and I will go and vote and leave it in 

the able hands of my colleagues. Thank you. 

Chairman ROBERTS. [Presiding.] Senator Hoeven. 

Senator HOEVEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Mr. Northey, do you agree that crop insurance is the most—one 

of the most, if not the most risk management tool for farmers? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Absolutely. 

Senator HOEVEN. Okay. So you will do everything you can to support it, strengthen it? You will do everything you can to support 

and strengthen it? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Yes. 

Senator HOEVEN. Okay. Also, the loan limits on FSA, I am working on legislation that would increase those lending limits on FSA 

on the direct from $300,000 to $600,000, on the guarantee for $1.39 

million to—what is it? We are going to about $2.5 million. Do you 

support increasing those loan limits for FSA? 

Mr. NORTHEY. I certainly look forward to working with you. That 

will be a prerogative of Congress in what is a part of that next 

Farm Bill. 

I would be—I recognize the challenges to producers as the asset 

needs have gone up, and we are in a time right now when producers have a lot of financial challenges. 

Senator HOEVEN. Yeah. Capital costs for agriculture going up, 

wouldn’t you say? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Right. Yes. 
19 

Senator HOEVEN. Okay. We have got drought. We have had 

drought out in our State of North Dakota, in Montana, South Dakota as well. Will you help me provide relief to our farmers and 

ranchers? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Yes. 

Senator HOEVEN. Okay. ARC and PLC are obviously the key 

components of counter-cyclical safety net. Of course, we are always 

very deferential to our Chairman on this Committee, but we are 

looking at strengthening those programs. Will you work with us to 

strengthen those programs? 

Mr. NORTHEY. I would very interested in being able to do that, 

if confirmed. 

Senator HOEVEN. What else are your priorities in the Farm Bill? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Certainly, conservation is an important priority 

and making sure that our programs are flexible, that they are 

funded, and that they can work with many other partners from the 

States certainly to the farmers and to others that can bring some 

resources to the conservation and water quality and even soil 

health effort that is going on across our country. 

Senator HOEVEN. Do you support more CRP acreage? 

Mr. NORTHEY. I am very interested in what the opportunities 

are, and that takes financial resources. This Committee and the 

rest of the Members of the Senate and the rest of the Members of 

the House will have a lot to say in what that number is. I am very 

interested in being able to provide the information that can help 

inform that decision, if confirmed. 

Senator HOEVEN. I am not sure what that answer was. 

[Laughter.] 

Senator HOEVEN. But we are down to 24 million acres, and there 

is a pretty strong demand out there for it, particularly with the 

current lower commodity prices and so forth. 

Mr. NORTHEY. There was an impact by hitting the cap this last 

year. So I am not close enough to have been a part of the conversations within USDA, and so not been briefed on those pieces, but 

within the countryside of Iowa, there were some folks that would 

have liked to have been able to get their acreage into CRP. We 

have hit the cap on some of the continuous enrollments at CRP as 

well. Recognize there are constraints as far as the acreage cap, as 

far as the dollars for the program, certainly would be very interested in working with you, as those are policy decisions that you 

all are a part of, and deciding what that will be, we are going to 

implement the decisions that Congress gives us, the direction that 

you all provide for us. 

Senator HOEVEN. Well, again, I am not exactly sure what you 

said, but the readout I am getting from farmers out there is they 

want to see an increase in CRP. It is something that I will be working on and look forward to working with you on. 

I am teasing you a little bit. I know you are saying you will work 

with us on it, and I appreciate that very much. 

Mr. NORTHEY. Thank you, Senator. 

Senator HOEVEN. Then, Mr. Ibach, obviously, APHIS is very important in terms of managing the interface between agriculture 

and wildlife and so forth. In our State, we have great hunting and 
20 

fishing, and we have even greater agriculture. So we work with 

this all the time. 

One of the problems we are running into in a big way—we have 

in years past, but we certainly are this year again, is blackbirds, 

huge—millions and millions of dollars. If you ever come out there, 

I mean, it is like Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘‘The Birds.’’ You know, it is 

scary if you are out there by yourself. I am kidding, but there is 

a lot of them. Any ideas on how we can better control the blackbirds, but using that as an example of managing this interface in 

an effective way? 

Mr. IBACH. We also in Nebraska have seen high populations of 

blackbirds as well, so I understand exactly what you are talking 

about from my experience as a farmer and rancher and director in 

the Department of Agriculture in Nebraska. 

But speaking more broadly about looking for solutions to interface with wildlife, to, of course, be able to preserve and protect 

them, when appropriate, but also being able to look out for the 

needs of our farmers and ranchers that face the greater possibility 

of disease coming into their operations as well as the damage that 

wildlife can wreak on livestock as well as crops, we would need to 

look at a balanced approach. I used the word ‘‘balance’’ in my opening comments and would look forward to working together with 

producer groups and organizations to find solutions that can have 

broad support. 

Senator HOEVEN. Well, I am an avid hunter, and I like to fish, 

although my wife is a much better fisher person than I am. 

Mr. IBACH. Last time we went fishing, my wife caught the bigger 

fish, too. So it is a bad deal. 

Senator HOEVEN. Yes, she is a lot better. 

But farmer-friendly policies actually work for sportsman. 

Mr. IBACH. That is right. 

Senator HOEVEN. Do you follow me? 

Mr. IBACH. That is right. 

Senator HOEVEN. Because the farmers and ranchers are out 

there every single day, and if you want to get permission to—not 

so much fish, but certainly to hunt, you have to work with the 

farmers. So farmer-friendly policies actually benefit sportsmen 

done right, so—— 

Mr. IBACH. Yeah. I understand that, and over the course of the 

last few years across many States, we have seen the conservation 

programs that farmers are participating in on a voluntary basis 

have increased wildlife not only in Nebraska but in many States. 

Senator HOEVEN. Yeah. With creativity, there is a lot we can do. 

Thank you very much to both of you. 

Mr. NORTHEY. Thank you. 

Senator HOEVEN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Senator Ernst. 

Senator ERNST. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

Gentlemen, I would like to welcome you here today. 

Mr. Ibach, it was wonderful visiting with you. 

Mr. IBACH. Thank you very much. 

Senator ERNST. Mr. Northey, it has been wonderful to see you as 

well. 
21 

I just want to make my commendations for Mr. Northey to the 

Committee. It is a pleasure to know you as a colleague back in the 

State of Iowa working with the Department of Agriculture in your 

capacity there but also as a friend. Thank you so much. You and 

your wife, Cindy, are wonderful farmers, conservationists, and 

stewards of our land, and we thank you for your years and years 

of service to the great State of Iowa. 

Mr. Northey—since its inception in 2013, you have been a stalwart leader and a champion of the Iowa nutrient reduction strategy, and we have seen the positive impact of this relatively young 

program already. We know that continuing our efforts to promote 

voluntary incentive-based conservation are going to yield results in 

soil health and water quality. 

If you could just give us an overview on how has your work in 

implementing this program prepared you for taking on the reins at 

the NRCS? 

Mr. NORTHEY. Thank you, Senator. 

It certainly has been a big part of our work at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship the last 5 or 7 years. 

Prior to that, we have always been very active in the soil conservation effort, but as we saw some issues developing, whether it is 

Chesapeake Bay, whether it is challenges in the Great Lakes, certainly the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico, and then water quality issues within Iowa as well, we decided we needed to be able to 

be more proactive looking at water quality issues. This is reducing 

nitrate and phosphorus in our rivers, lakes, or streams, certainly 

the loss from our farms but also our urban areas. 

So I serve on the Hypoxia Task Force, which is a dozen States 

up and down the Mississippi River. It is five Federal agencies as 

well that are a part of that. We meet to coordinate conversations 

about what we are each doing in our States. 

One of the things we agreed to do was put together a nutrient 

reduction strategy within each State, and Iowa was one of the early 

ones to put that strategy together. Ours is built on a non-regulatory, proactive conservation water quality effort. 

So since that time, the State of Iowa has caught the vision as 

well, and now this year is up to $10.5 million direct investment in 

our water quality initiative in Iowa, which has allowed us to partner with farmers to grow cover crops. At the time the nutrient reduction strategy was begun, we had less than 100,000 acres of 

cover crops in the State of Iowa. This last year, we were over 

600,000 acres. One of our cost-share programs this year is to offer 

50 percent cost share to farmers that are interested in adding cover 

crops, and we had 1,000 farmers sign up for their first year of trying cover crops on their farms. 

We have also had added nutrient reduction wetlands. We have 

80 of those now. We have bioreactors and saturated buffers. So the 

momentum is really growing. 

We have a long ways to go? Absolutely. We have lots more that 

needs to get done, but what I am excited about is the momentum, 

both in the interest of farmers and in bringing lots of outside 

groups, leveraging those State dollars, partnering with our Federal 

partners, and bringing in lots of other organizations. 
22 

So to me, that has been one of my pride and joys to be a part 

of. It certainly has taught me the value of working across borders. 

We took farmers down to Mississippi to see what farmers were 

doing there. We have been very engaged in different ways, and I 

look forward to taking that experience to NRCS, if confirmed. 

Senator ERNST. Fantastic. 

I have had the opportunity to go out on watershed tours with you 

as well, Mr. Northey, and so we have seen what IDALS, the Iowa 

Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and what the 

NRCS, our local farmers, our communities have been able to do 

through a number of those projects that you have just described. 

But what role has the RCPP, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, played in some of those water quality initiatives as 

well? 

Mr. NORTHEY. It has been very important. So the RCPP really 

helps organize folks, brings some Federal dollars, into partnerships. It creates partnerships because we will get together, and to 

have a good, effective application, you need many partners, some 

matching dollars. We have several RCPPs, including our last largest RCPP—is $9.5 million of Federal dollars along with $30 million 

worth of match and about 50 organizations that are a part of that, 

so local soil and water conservation districts, watershed projects, 

private organizations as well. So it is a great way to leverage tools. 

You put folks together in the same room; Sometimes they come 

even with slightly different priorities. But you find out that you can 

leverage and get more done by working together, and it has been 

an important part of that effort. 

Senator ERNST. Absolutely. I want to thank you for that because 

you really have been a true leader on those water quality initiatives, and I know that when Iowa came up with their nutrient 

management strategy, the EPA even was very complimentary of 

the voluntary process and the engagement that we had throughout 

Iowa. So I want to compliment you on that. 

I know my time has expired, but I look forward to looking with 

both of you gentlemen. Thank you so much for your service. I appreciate it. Thank you. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

Chairman ROBERTS. Thank you, Senator Ernst. Very good questions. 

That will conclude our hearing today. I thank both nominees for 

their thoughtful comments and their engagement with the Members of this Committee. I also want to thank you for your willingness to advocate for America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers at 

the people’s Department. 

The answers you have provided today will be considered as we 

move to approve your nominations in the near future. We are going 

to do that as expeditiously as we possibly can. Expeditious in Senate, perhaps an oxymoron, but we will try to do that just as soon 

as we possibly can. 

To that end, I would request that if my fellow members have any 

additional questions for the record, they be submitted to the Committee Clerk by 5:00 p.m., tomorrow, Friday, October 6th. 

We look forward to receiving your responses, and to further considering your nominations. 
23 

The Committee is adjourned. Thank you, gentlemen. 

[Whereupon, at 10:41 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.] 

(25) 

A P P E N D I X 

OCTOBER 5, 2017 
26 

Testimony of Gregory Ibach 

USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture 

For Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

before the 

United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & 

Forestry 

October 5, 2017 

Good Morning, Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member Stabenow and 

distinguished Members of the Committee. Thank you for the 

opportunity to appear before you today to discuss my desire to serve the 

American public as Presidents Trump's nominee as Under Secretary for 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture. 

I am honored to be nominated by the President and humbled by the trust 

and confidence that Secretary Perdue has shown in selecting me for this 

position. I also want to thank Senator Fischer for her kind introduction 

and steadfast support throughout the nomination process. 

I am joined today by my wife Teresa. Her supp01t and love for the last 

29 years have provided me the opportunity to serve the citizens of 

Nebraska as Assistant Director and Director of the state Department of 
27 

Agriculture for almost 20 years. We are the incredibly proud parents of 

triplets, who are age 25, and our daughter Emily, from Denver, is with 

me today. Our son Evan, who lives in Minneapolis, and our son Alec 

and his wife Meredith, who live in Nebraska, were unable to join us due 

to work obligations. Finally, I am honored to have Steve Nelson, 

President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, Craig Uden, current President 

of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, here representing our 

Nebraska Cattlemen, and Lynn Crisp, representing Nebraska Corn 

Growers, and President-Elect of National Corn Growers supporting my 

nomination proceedings today. 

I am proud that my children represent the fifth generation of my 

mother's family and the sixth generation of my father's family to farm 

and ranch in nmtheast Dawson County Nebraska, near the small town of 

Sumner. 

Our family farm consists of row crop and cow-calf enterprises. As is the 

case with many farm operations around the country, ours weathered 

difficult times because of persistence, communication, and teamwork. I 

applied those traits as the foundation of my work ethic and I look 

forward to bringing these same principles to USDA, if confirmed. 
28 

Working on my parents' fann defined who I was and what I have 

become. That daily participation led me logically to our county's 4-H 

program. And from there, I made the obvious decision to attend the 

University of Nebraska and majored in animal science and agricultural 

economtcs. 

Following college, during the heart of the historic farm crisis, I spent six 

years working in the Farm Credit System in Nebraska and Iowa in the 

latter part of the 1980s. I returned to the farm to pursue my love of 

production agriculture and joined my grandparents, who assisted Teresa 

and me as we started our own family farm and raised our three children. 

Those years also provided key opportunities to become involved in the 

organizations that represented our family's farm endeavors. I was 

involved in our county and state Fann Bureau and county, state and 

national cattlemen's organizations, securing leadership positions at both 

the state and national levels. 

I was honored in 1999 to be asked by Governor Mike Johanns to serve 

as Assistant Director of Agriculture, and then, by Governor Dave 

Heineman and Governor Pete Ricketts, to serve as Director of the 

Nebraska Department of Agriculture. During my tenure as Director, I 
29 

was also elected to serve as the President of the National Association of 

State Departments of Agriculture. 

1 have approached my tenure at the department with service to 

Nebraska's nearly 50,000 farm and ranch families in mind. I believe my 

status as an active producer has been essential to my leadership role 

within the department, providing me the best perspective from which to 

serve my fellow fam1ers and ranchers. That said, I recognize and have 

an appreciation for the structure of government and its role in protecting 

and serving all citizens. 

The MRP mission area is comprised of many programs focused on 

improving market competitiveness for the overall benefit of consumers 

and producers of American agriculture. If honored to receive your 

confirmation, I will work to faithfully implement the authorities outlined 

by Congress. 

The balancing act between the two programs: the first representing and 

promoting the interests of farmers and ranchers and the second, 

overseeing some of the entities that regulate them - can be a difficult 

task. However, the word 'balance' is the key to that equation. 
30 

By achieving balance, MRP can achieve Secretary Perdue's Depatimentwide goals of supporting job creation, prioritizing customer service and 

ensuring our customers access a safe and secure food supply. I am 

committed to promoting the market opportunities and protecting the 

integrity associated with the organic seal, and preserving and protecting 

our natural resources and plant and animal health and well-being. 

If confirmed, I will help the Secretary achieve his goals through 

ensuring sensible and effective regulations, responding to our customers 

in a timely and straight forward manner, focusing on plant and animal 

health program effectiveness, and fostering safe innovation that is 

farmer, consumer and environmentally sound. 

To achieve realistic and meaningful balance has guided my decisions 

throughout my governmental leadership career. My thought process 

regarding regulatory programs and promotional activities will improve 

the opportunities not only for my neighbors in Sumner, Nebraska but 

Americans across the country. While doing so, I recognize the weighty 

responsibility to maintain consumer confidence in the products produced 

and the production methods followed. 

If confirmed, I intend to bring this same thought process and philosophy 

to Washington, DC. I will be guided by the desire to serve agriculture 
31 

and the hard-working families that strive every day to produce the food, 

feed, fiber and fuel for families not only here in the United States but for 

families around the world. 

If confinned, I pledge to be available to listen to you, other Members of 

Congress, and to the many diverse voices in agriculture who will have 

ideas and input for the programs under my supervision. 

Thank you again for your attention and consideration of my 

nomination. I will be humbled to serve if confirmed and would look 

forward to working together to serve American Agriculture. 
32 

Testimony of William Northey 

USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture 

for 

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Nominee 

before the 

United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

October 5, 2017 

Good morning Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member Stabenow and distinguished 

members of the Committee. I am honored to appear before you today as the 

President's nominee for Under Secretary of Farm and Foreign Agricultural 

Services having responsibility to lead the Farm Production and Conservation 

mission area consisting of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Risk Management 

Agency (RMA), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). I thank 

the President of the United States for nominating me and appreciate Secretary 

Perdue's leadership and trust in my ability to take on this new role, if confirmed, 

and I thank Senator Grassley for his kind words of introduction this morning and 

Senator Ernst for her support and encouragement. I am humbled. 

I want to thank my wife Cindy, and daughter Katie, who are here with me today, 

our daughters, Jessica and Emily, their husbands, Thomas and Eric, and our five 

grandchildren who were unable to attend, also for their support. Cindy, without 

your sacrifice and love, I wouldn't be here today. I thank my parents, Wayne and 

Margaret Northey, and my sister, Nancy Pringnitz, who are sitting in front of their 

computer in their homes in Spirit Lake watching this hearing live. 

I'm a com and soybean farmer from Northwest Iowa. My farming roots go back 

several generations on both sides of my family. Cindy and I raised our three 

daughters on the farm my father's father bought in the 1930s. My sister and I were 
33 

raised by my father and mother on their farm only a couple of miles away. On my 

mom's side of the family, a fam1 first bought by her great-grandfather recently 

celebrated its !50th year in the family, and is now owned by my mother's cousin. 

I began serving on the Iowa Com Growers Board of Directors in the 1980s and 

eventually served as President of both the Iowa Com Growers Association and of 

the National Com Growers Association. I was involved during some of the 

important early years of the establishment of the ethanol industry. We also worked 

on farm bill issues, including trade and environmental policy. I served eight years 

as a local county soil and water conservation district commissioner and spent five 

years on the Iowa State FSA Committee. 

In 2006, I was first elected to serve as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and was reelected in 2010 and 2014, and still serve in that capacity today. I have continued 

farming while serving as Secretary - doing much of my field work on nights and 

weekends. 

Being Secretary has given me the opportunity to visit farmers all over the state of 

Iowa doing what we call the "full-Grassley". That is visiting all of Iowa's 99 

counties at least once a year. Being Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture has also given 

me the opportunity to visit some of your states, which has given me a taste of the 

breadth of agriculture throughout our great country. If confirmed, I look forward to 

continuing to travel and meeting the great producers of this country's agriculture. 
34 

Throughout my time as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and through these visits with 

producers I gained invaluable perspective on USDA. As you have shared, and the 

Secretary has stated, it will be critical at FP AC to improve customer service in 

three of the most farmer facing agencies in the USDA, improve USDA's already 

positive impact on helping farmers and landowners care for their natural resources, 

and implement the farm programs as directed by Congress. Further I want to share 

the great stories to urban customers of the efforts by farmers that benefit all 

Americans through their stewardship and their production of food, fiber, and fuel. 

I want to briefly touch on my vision as to how we can improve customer service at 

USDA. Customer service improvements must be measurable and improved 

customer service will require even better cooperation between agencies than in the 

past. I believe that housing NRCS, FSA, and RMA in a single mission area will 

accomplish this. We will also need to engage technologies that allow efficiencies 

and responsiveness improvements. 

RMA, NRCS, and FSA must work with partners in other parts of USDA and with 

partners outside of USDA. That is certainly true ofNRCS and its role in support of 

farmers and landowners caring for the natural resources. We will need to partner 

with other Departments in the federal government, with state conservation 

agencies, with farm groups, NGOs, and with private businesses to bring more 

resources to the important work of our farmer customers. 

I look forward to help support the farm families across this country working 

alongside the great USDA staff at FSA, RMA, and NRCS to improve how we 

serve them. 
35 

Iowa has had a long history of state support of soil conservation efforts and it is 

central to the Iowan fanning philosophy. As Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture, we 

have significantly increased our efforts in improving water quality, and increased 

our focus on soil health. If confirmed, I will assist Secretary Perdue to ensure that 

our fanners and ranchers are empowered to do their part in terms of conservation 

efforts. 

I would like to thank you for your time and your staffs time in meeting with me 

leading up to this hearing and sharing your thoughts and concerns about the RMA, 

FSA, and NRCS. 

I heard strong support for NRCS and both support for and concern about its 

combination with FSA and RMA. If given the opportunity, I look forward to 

strengthening each of these agencies, ensuring that this move leads to better 

customer service, and reporting back to this Committee on the progress of such 

efforts. 

In our meetings, many of you commented on the operation ofFSA disaster 

programs following wildfires, drought, and hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, 

including the challenges faced by fanners in Puerto Rico. While I have not been 

briefed on these efforts, I believe that in many of these areas FSA has a large role 

to play in our relief efforts. If confirmed, ensuring our producers in these areas are 

getting all the support they need from USDA will be a top priority. 
36 

Crop insurance is the most important part of the farm safety net and through RMA, 

we need to ensure that we maintain this vital tool for producers. While our farm 

safety net has worked well for many commodities and producers I have heard from 

some members of the Committee that many producers are still struggling. If 

confirmed, I pledge to work with the Committee to ensure that we find workable 

solutions for all producers. I will be an advocate within the Administration for 

these programs and others. 

Thank you for your time and for this tremendous opportunity. I look forward to 

your questions, and hopefully working with you, your staff, and your constituents. 
(37) 

DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD 

OCTOBER 5, 2017 
38 

October 2, 20 I 7 

The Honorable Sen. Pat Roberts, Chairman 

The Honorable Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member 

U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition. & Forestry 

328A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington. DC, 20510 

Dear Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow: 

As former Chiefs of the Soil Conservation Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, 

we are writing to share our strong support for the nomination oflowa Secretary of Agriculture 

Bill Northey as the Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. 

Bill is a widely respected leader in agriculture and is well known for his commitment to 

conserving our natural resources. Even in his first campaign for the Iowa Secretary of 

Agriculture he made conservation part of his platform. Throughout both his personal and 

professional career, he has worked in a bi-partisan manner to advance voluntary, incentive-based 

private land conservation and has an exceptional grasp of the issues facing production agriculture 

and the environment. 

It would be difficult to find another individual with Bill's on-farm knowledge, professional 

expertise, and conservation commitment. We wholeheartedly recommend his favorable 

consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Wilson Scaling 

SCS Chief 1985-1990 

William J. Richards 

SCS Chief 1990-1993 

Paul W. Johnson 

NRCS Chief 1994-1997 

Bruce I. Knight 

NRCS Chief 2002-2006 

Arlen L. Lancaster 

NRCS Chief 2006-2009 

Dave White 

NRCS Chief2009-2012 

Jason Weller 

NRCS Chief2012-2017 

(J) d;:o.....-- ,;;4_-{~~ 

?:2~, }"CZ,-< :~0 i/ 

) 

\ 
39 

growth energy I\"'8'K.':f.'i;;:ti',m1C)iSl;pp:Y:A;, 

701 8th Street. NW, Suite 450, Washington, D.C. 20001 

202545.4000 202.545.4001 

The Honorable Pat Roberts 

Chairman 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition 

and Forestry 

Washington, DC 20510 

October 4, 2017 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow 

Ranking Member 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition 

and Forestry 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow: 

GrowthEnergy.orq 

I write today in support of the nomination of William Northey as Undersecretary of Farm Production and 

Conservation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). On behalf of Growth Energy's Board of Directors and 

our members, America's ethanol industry strongly endorses Mr. Northey's nomination. 

Mr. Northey understands the vital role that America's biofuels industry plays in driving the advancement and 

growth of America's rural economy. Having served as the Secretary of Agriculture for lowa, Mr. Northey has firsthand experience and knowledge of how the rapid and successful integration ofbiofuels into both domestic and 

international fuel markets has positively impacted and improved the fanning economy in America. 

Additionally, Mr. Northey is a fourth-generation com and soybean fanner, giving him the ab1lity to not only 

understand the issues and policies affecting American agriculture, but also utilize his own personal experiences to 

help improve farm production and conservation across the nation. 

Mr. Northey is more than qualified for this position, and that is why I recommend that he be quickly confirmed to 

his post so he may begin representing America's agriculture industry here in Washington. 

Sincerely, 

&~ Growth Energy 
40 

"Warhn3 far Nehras~a 6eef pralucers -pasture fa pf.le, • 

September 11, 2017 

The Honorable Pat Roberts, Chairman 

Chaim1an 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

328A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear Chainnan Roberts and Senator Stabenow: 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow 

Ranking Member 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

328A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington, DC 20510 

The membership of Nebraska Cattlemen would like to lend our full support to the nomination of Greg Ibach to be 

confirmed as United States Department of Agriculture's Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Director 

Ibach is uniquely qualified for and has vast experience that will allow him to manage the programs in Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, and Agricultural Marketing Services 

from his first day as Undersecretary. 

As the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Ibach has been a visionary leader for Nebraska's agriculture 

community by effectively supervising Nebraska's plant and animal heath regulatory functions. He has also been actively 

involved in foreign and domestic marketing and development activities. During the twelve years Director Ibach has 

served, nearly every sector of Nebraska agriculture has seen grmvth and expansion. He possesses an innate ability to 

analyze issues, develop strategies and create solutions for domestic and global initiatives. 

Ibach's passion for advocating for agriculture at the national level was evident in his many roles with the National 

Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), serving as chair of the marketing and international trade 

committee, vice president, and most recently, president of the organization. As NASDA president, £bach took an active 

role in national policy discussions including agriculture education, expanding markets and international trade issues, food 

safety, and a host of additional economic and regulatory issues. Ibach has always encouraged programs and policies that 

support generations of family tann operations, provide opportunities tOr beginning fanners and ranchers, and support 

careers for youth in the abrriculture industry both at the farm and agribusiness levels. 

Director Ibach is a true citizen-servant as he still maintains an active family fllrrn and ranch operation in central 

Nebraska. He approaches his regulatory responsibilities with a common sense perspective that production agriculture 

sincerely appreciates. Ibach is a dedicated advocate who meets challenging issues head on. His leadership, knowledge and 

influence have taken Nebraska agriculture beyond the state and national level and onto international success. 

We respectfully ask the United States Senate expedite his hearing and confirm his appointment. 

Sincerely, 

Troy Stowatcr 

NC President 

Pete McClymont 

NC Executive Vice President 
41 

SSOC!ATJON 

September 11, 2017 

The Honorable Pat Roberts 

Committee on Agriculture, 

Nutrition, and Forestry 

United States Senate 

328-A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington D.C. 20510 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow Committee on 

Agriculture, 

Nutrition, and Forestry 

United States Senate 

328-A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington D.C. 20510 

Dear Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow: 

I \\-Tite today to strongly support the confirmation of Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey as 

Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 

mission of the Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation is to focus on domestic agricultural 

issues- overseeing pro!::,:rrams such as the Fann Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, and the 

Natural Resources Conservation Service, all key agencies for Iowa producers. Secretary Northey is an 

ideal candidate to oversee this position due to his experience both as a farmer and as fowa 's Secretary of 

Agriculture. 

Throughout his distinguished tenure as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary Northey has been a 

tireless advocate for Iowa's fanners. Northey is a fourth-generation Iowa farmer who grows corn and 

soybeans on his fann near Spirit Lake, Iowa. In his three-terms as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, he has 

promoted science and technology-based solutions to better conserve our soil, water, and air, helped to 

expand ethanol infrastructure in our state. and told the story of Iowa agriculture across the world. 

Secretary Northey has not only served his home state with distinction, he's also served the corn fanner. 

As past President of both the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the National Com Growers Association 

he has championed the causes that farmers care about- and we look fon:vard to working with him on 

additional key issues including new markets for agricultural exports, expanding the role of higher blends 

of ethanol in our nation's fuel supply, preserving funding for risk management and conservation programs 

in the 2018 Farm Bill and the roll out ofthe GMO labeling standard. 

In summary, Bill Northey is a qualified, objective nominee who has dedicated his life to agriculture. On 

behalf of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, I write in strong support of his nomination to the 

Undersecretary for Fann Production and Conservation. We urge the Committee to take up his nomination 

consideration as expeditiously as possible. Rural America needs his leadership now more than ever. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of Mr. Northey. 

Sincerely, 

IJ''Hr /!!;,;( .~ W,Cli ,. ' 

Mark Recker Craig Floss 

President, lowa Corn Growers Association CEO, Iowa Com Growers Association 

cc. The honorable Chuck Grassley and the honorable Joni Ernst 
42 

September 13, 2017 

The Honorable Pat Roberts 

Chairman 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, 

Nutrition and Forestry 

328A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear Chairman Roberts and Senator Stabenow: 

National Cattlemen's 

Beef Association 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow 

Ranking Member 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, 

Nutrition and Forestry 

328A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington, DC 20510 

On behalf of America's cattle community, we write to support the nomination of Greg Ibach to be 

Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA We urge you to consider his 

nomination during your September 19th hearing, and then vote his nomination out of committee as 

soon as possible. 

The Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) overseas agencies that have 

a tremendous influence on cattle producers. Providing strong leadership and direction to the MRP 

agencies is important to the success of cattlemen and women across the country. We need this 

position filled immediately given the amount of work which needs to be done. From protecting 

our herd from animal diseases, to enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act, to administering 

programs such as Mandatory Price Reporting, we need a dedicated, knowledgeable professional 

in this role who can make decisions in support of cattle producers. 

Greg Ibach is the ideal nominee for this position. As a cattle producer, he understands the 

challenges we all face. He has demonstrated his commitment to agriculture, and the future of 

agriculture, through his involvement with FFA, 4-H, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council 

and Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute. He has received Farm Bureau Outstanding Young 

Fanner Awards, and has been active in many producer-driven associations. As Director of the 

Nebraska Department of Agriculture, he understands the role of government and service to his 

country. In addition, his service as a past president of the National Association of State 

Departments of Agriculture gave him exposure to the regional differences found in American 

agriculture. Director Ibach's experience and service shows he knows agriculture and is willing to 

fight for all producers. 

With the Secretary's reorganization changes, coupled with the needs of America's farmers and 

ranchers, it is imperative that Director Ibach be sent to work as soon as possible. Again, we urge 

you to hold his hearing and vote on his confirmation. We can't afford to wait any longer. 

Sincerely, 

National Cattlemen's Beef Association Nebraska Cattlemen 
43 

Alabama Cattlemen's Association 

American National Cattle Women 

Arizona Cattle Feeders' Association 

Arizona Cattle Growers' Association 

California Cattlemen's Association 

Colorado Cattlemen's Association 

Colorado Livestock Association 

Florida Cattlemen's Association 

Georgia Cattlemen's Association 

Hawaii Cattlemen's Council 

Illinois Beef Association 

Indiana Beef Cattle Association 

Iowa Cattlemen's Association 

Kansas Livestock Association 

Michigan Cattlemen's Association 

Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association 

Mississippi Cattlemen's Association 

Montana Stockgrowers Association 

North Carolina Cattlemen's Association 

North Dakota Stockmen's Association 

Ohio Cattlemen's Association 

Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association 

Oregon Cattlemen's Association 

Pennsylvania Cattlemen's Association 

South Dakota Cattlemen's Association 

Tennessee Cattlemen's Association 

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association 

Texas Cattle Feeders Association 

Utah Cattlemen's Association 

Virginia Cattlemen's Association 

Washington Cattlemen's Association 

Washington Cattle Feeders Association 

Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association 

Wyoming Stock Growers Association 
44 

September 14, 2017 

The Honorable Pat Roberts 

Chairman 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 

and Forestry 

328A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington, DC 20510 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow 

Ranking Member 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, 

and Forestry 

328A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member Stabenow, and Members of the Committee: 

The undersigned members of the production agriculture community endorse both Bill Northey for USDA 

Undersecretary of Farm Production and Conservation and Gregory Ibach as USDA Undersecretary for 

Marketing and Regulatory Programs. 

Bill began farming with his grandfather after graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in 

Agricultural Business. As Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill committed to traveling to each of Iowa's 

counties to speak with the rural and urban communities. He is a fourth generation farmer, giving him 

unique insights into the needs of farmers across the country and making him a particularly worthy 

candidate for this post. 

Greg holds a degree in agricultural economics and animal sciences from the University of Nebraska. He is 

the director and operator of a cow, calf, and grain operation as well as the Nebraska Director of 

Agriculture. The agencies within the Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area are critically 

important to ensuring effective marketing and oversight of agricultural products, and Greg's background 

will enable him to be an effective leader of those agencies. 

We respectfully request that you expeditiously consider these nominations and advance them to the full 

Senate for consideration. 

Sincerely, 

American Association of Crop Insurers 

American Farm Bureau Federation 

American Sheep Industry Association 

American Soybean Association 

American Sugar Alliance 

Croplife America 

Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau 

Crop Insurance Professionals Association 

National Association of Professional Insurance Agents 

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 

National Association of Wheat Growers 

National Barley Growers Association 

National Cattlemen's Beef Association 

National Corn Growers Association 

National Cotton Council 

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives 
45 

National Farmers Union 

National Milk Producers Federation 

National Peach Council 

National Pork Producers Council 

National Potato Council 

National Sorghum Producers 

National Sunflower Association 

Panhandle Peanut Growers Association 

Rural & Agriculture Council of America 

Society for Range Management 

Southern Peanut Farmers Federation 

Southwest Council of Agribusiness 

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America 

USA Rice 

U.S. Apple Association 

U.S. Canola Association 

U.S. Cattlemen's Association 

U.S. Dry Bean Council 

U.S. Sweet Potato Council 

Western Growers 

Western Peanut Growers Association 

CC: Members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
46 

Nebraska Soybean Association 1111 Lincoln Mall, Suite 308 ·Lincoln, NE 68508 ·Phone. (402) 441-3239 

September 25, 2017 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry 

Chairman Senator Pat Roberts 

Ranking Member Senator Debbie Stabenow 

Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member Stabenow and members of the Committee: 

The Nebraska Soybean Association board of directors extends their support of Nebraska Director 

of Agriculture Greg Ibach as Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the 

USDA. 

Greg is a person that understands very well how different agricultural issues connect •• how row 

crop farmers rely on the livestock industry and how everyone in agriculture depends on 

consumers, both at home and abroad. That understanding will serve him and all of us very well. 

During his twelve years as Nebraska Director of Agriculture Greg has been a tremendous asset 

for developing International trade partners for our products. He has traveled on numerous Trade 

Missions with the Nebraska Governor and industry leaders while at the NE Department of 

Agriculture. These trade missions built relations with our trading partners which are important 

for both the animal and crop production industries. These experiences will be a great asset for 

the Under Secretary or Marketing and Regulatory programs at USDA. We fully support and 

urge the confirmation of Greg Ibach as Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

at the USDA. 

Sincerely, 

Dennis Fujan, President 

Nebraska Soybean Association 
47 

September 28, 2017 

The Honorable Sen. Pat Roberts, Chairman 

The Honorable Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member 

U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry 

328A Russell Senate Office Building 

Washington, DC, 20510 

Dear Senators: 

As leaders in conservation, we applaud the nomination of Bill Northey to be the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture's Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation and strongly support his 

confirmation. 

Bill Northey is a fourth-generation Iowa farmer who personifies a personal land ethic, embraces 

conservation, and believes that technology and innovation will continue to make America the 

world's leading producer of food and fiber while protecting our wildlife and other natural resources. The people oflowa elected Northey to be Secretary of Agriculture in November of 2006 

and reelected him in 2010 and 2014. Northey ran on a platform of expanding opportunities in 

renewable energy, promoting science and technology to better conserve our air, soil and water, 

and telling the story of Iowa agriculture. 

Bill Northey understands the need to balance farm profitability with conservation. Throughout 

his career in agriculture, Northey has been a leader in a variety of farm groups. From 1995-96, he 

served as President of the National Corn Growers Association and served as Chairman in 1996-

97. He has been the long serving Co-Chair of the Hypoxia Task Force and a leader in advancing 

strategies to improve water quality. He has been key to advancing conservation throughout his 

career. 

In conclusion, we are at a point in the arc of U.S. agricultural history that demands the very best 

leadership. We must dramatically increase productivity to help feed the world while at the same 

time protecting and improving our wildlife, land and water. Bill Northey will provide the leadership needed to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture succeeds in these historic and vital 

goals. 

Sincerely, 

John 

~ Larson 

~~711~ Kevin McAleese 

American Farmland Trust Sand County Foundation 

7¥L ~,-'£:- lim Lyon Cummings 

National Wildlife Federation Mississippi Wildlife Federation 
48 

Kelly 

\~~ Moss 

Ducks Unlimited 

Steve Roe 

Panora Conservation 

Whit 

(N~ Fosburgh 

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership 

~~~ American Society of Agronomy 

Soil Science Society of America 

Crop Science Society of America 

Greg 

~ Fogel 

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition 

IJ-:1~?5 

Tracy Mehan 

American Water Works Association 

Howard Vincent 

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever 

Brent Van Dyke 

National Association of 

Conservation Districts 
Nominee Report I U.S. Office of Government Ethics; 5 C.F.R. part 2634 I Form Approved: OMB No. (3209-0001) (March 2014) 

Executive Branch Personnel 

Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) 

Filer's Information 

Ibach, Gregory Alan 

Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Department of Agriculture 

Other Federal Government Positions Held During the Preceding 12 Months: 

None 

Names of Congressional Committees Considering Nomination: 

• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 

Electronic Signature- I certify that the statements I have made in this form are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. 

/s/lbach, Gregory Alan [electronically signed on 06/09/2017 by Ibach, Gregory Alan in lntegrity.gov] 

Agency Ethics Official's Opinion- On the basis of information contained in this report, I conclude that the filer is in compliance with applicable laws and 

(subject to any comments below). 

Is/ Bender, Stuart, Certifying Official [electronically signed on 09/06/2017 by Bender, Stuart in lntegrity.gov] 

Other review conducted by 

U.S. Office of Government Ethics Certification 

lsi Apol. David, Certifying Official [electronically signed on 09/08/2017 by Apol, David in lntegrity.gov] 
1. Filer's Positions Held Outside United States Government 

# ORGANIZATION NAME CITY. STATE ORGANIZATION POSITION HELD FROM 

TYPE 

State of Nebraska Lincoln, State Director of 6/2005 

Nebraska Government Agriculture 

2 National Association of State Departments Arlington, Non-Profit President 9/2015 

of Agriculture (NASDA) 

-

_, 

3 National Association of State Departments See Endnote Arlington. Non-Profit Past President 9/2016 

... ofi\grictjltur.:.rr:<i\SDJ\) •..... ••.... 

4 Family Trust See Endnote Lexington, Trust Trustee 3/2000 

Nebraska 

5 GTIINC. Dawson County Corporation President 1/2001 

and Thomas 

County, 

Nebraska 

2. Filer's Employment Assets & Income and Retirement Accounts 

# DESCRIPTION ElF VALUE INCOME TYPE INCOME 

AMOUNT 

State of Nebraska N/A 

2 $250,001- Interest $5,001 - $15,000 

$500,000 

3 Rollover IRA 

3.1 Franklin Growth Fund- Class A Yes $15,001- $2,501 - $5,000 

$50,000 

32 Franklin Mutual Shares Fund- Class A Yes $50,001- $2,501 - $5,000 

$100,000 

3.3 Franklin Small-Mid Gap Growth Fund- Class Yes $50,001- $2,501 - $5,000 

A $100,000 

3.4 Franklin Biotechnology Discovery FundClass A Yes $1,001 -$15,000 $201-$1,000 
# DESCRIPTION ElF 

3.5 Franklin Income Fund- Class A Yes 

VALUE 

$100,001-

$2SO,OOO 

INCOME TYPE INCOME 

AMOUNT 

$1,001 • $2,500 

-- ---------

---------

4 GTIINC (Agricultural Production- Crops and See Endnote 

Livestock)( Dawson County and Thomas 

County, NE) 

3. Filer's Employment Agreements and Arrangements 

# EMPLOYER OR PARTY 

State of Nebraska 

N/A 

CITY, STATE 

Lincoln, 

Nebraska 

4. Filer's Sources of Compensation Exceeding $5,000 in a Year 

# SOURCE NAME 

State of Nebraska 

2 GTIINC. 

CITY, STATE 

Lincoln, 

Nebraska 

Dawson County 

and Thomas 

County, 

Nebraska 

5. Spouse's Employment Assets & Income and Retirement Accounts 

# DESCRIPTION ElF 

2 Dial Properties (401 (k) Account) 

·- -~··-··-·-·~" ... 

$1,000,001 -

$5,000,000 

Farm rental 

income 

STATUS AND TERMS 

$78,488 

I will continue to participate in this cash balace 

pension plan. The plan sponsor will not make further 

contributions after my separation. 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES 

Serve as Director of Agriculture for the State of Nebrask

capacity, I oversee the Department of Agriculture, whos

regulate industries, as prescribed by statute, and to enc

promote the interests of agriculture through advocacy a

Management services as the joint owner of this cow, calf

soybean farming operation. 

VALUE INCOME TYPE 

salary 

INCOME 

AMOUNT 
# DESCRIPTION ElF VALUE INCOME TYPE INCOM

AMOUN

--

2.1 Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Yes $100,001. $5,001 

$250,000 

6. Other Assets and Income 

# DESCRIPTION ElF VALUE INCOME TYPE INCOM

AMOUN

N/A $1,001 • $15,000 Dividends 

2 Agricultural Real Estate (Dawson County, See Endnote N/A 

Nebraska) 

3 First Investors Special Situations Fund· A Yes $1,001.$15,000 None (o

than $2

-··--"- ' 

4 GREEN PLAINS PARTNERS LP (common N/A $1,001 $15,000 Dividends $201.$

stock) 

5 Investment Account 5.1 Fidelity Money Market Capital Reserves N/A $1,001 . $15,000 None (

than $2

5.2 ALTRIA GROUP INC N/A $1,001.$15,000 None (

than $2

w•••••• 

5.3 KRAFT HEINZ CO COM N/A None (or less None (

than $2

5.4 MONDELEZ INTL INC COM N/A $1,001 . $15,000 None (

than $2

5.5 PHILIP MORRIS INTL INC COM N/A $1,001 $15,000 Dividends $201. 

6 jackson National Life Insurance Co. (Whole 

Life Insurance) 

N/A $1,001.$15,000 Interest $201 . 

7 lackson National Life Insurance Co. (Whole N/A $1,001 . $15,000 Interest $201.$

8 Farm Bureau Financial Services (Universal N/A $1,001.$15,000 Interest $201 - 

life Insurance) 
# DESCRIPTION ElF VALUE INCOME TYPE INCOME 

AMOUNT 

9 Farm Bureau Financial Services (Universal N/A $1,001-$15,000 Interest $201-$1,000 

Life Insurance) 

10 Great American Insurance Group (Whole N/A $1,001-$15,000 Interest $201 $1,000 

Life Insurance) 

7. Transactions 

(N/A)- Not required for this type of report 

8. Liabilities 

# CREDITOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT YEAR RATE 

INCURRED 

Farm Credit Services of America $500,001- 2015 4.34% 

$1,000,000 

2 Wells Fargo Mortgage on $100,001- 2007 3.25% 

Personal $250,000 Residence 

9. Gifts and Travel Reimbursements 

(N/A)- Not required for this type of report 

Endnotes 

PART # ENDNOTE 

1. 3 The of Past President is an officer on the NASDA Board of Directors. 
PART # 

1. 4 

2. 4 

5. 

6. 2 

ENDNOTE 

I do not receive services as Trustee of this trust. 

GTIINC is a cow, calf, corn and soybean farming operation that is active in Thomas Cou

Dawson County, Nebraska. My spouse and I own 100% of this C Corporation. The full v

farm is reflected in Part 2, line 4. 

GTIINC is a cow, calf, corn and soybean farming operation that is active in Thomas Cou

Dawson County, Nebraska. My spouse and I own 100% of this C Corporation. The full v

farm is reflected in Part 2, line 4. 

This land is rented out for agricultural production to GTI INC. 
Summary of Contents 

1. Filer's Positions Held Outside United States Government 

Part 1 discloses positions that the filer held at any time during the reporting period (excluding positions with the United States Government). Positions 

even if the filer did not receive compensation. 

This section does not include the following: (1) positions with religious, social, fraternal, or political organizations; (2) positions solely of an honorary na

held as part of the filer's official duties with the United States Government; (4) mere membership in an organization; and (5) passive investment interes

partner or non·managing member of a limited liability company. 

2. Filer's Employment Assets & Income and Retirement Accounts 

Part 2 discloses the following: 

Sources of earned and other non· investment income of the filer totaling more than $200 during the reporting period (e.g., salary, fees, partnership 

honoraria, scholarships, and prizes) 

Assets related to the filer's business, employment, or other income-generating activities that (1) ended the reporting period with a value greater th

produced more than $200 in income during the reporting period (e.g., equity in business or partnership, stock options, retirement plans/accounts 

underlying holdings as appropriate, deferred compensation, and intellectual property, such as book deals and patents) 

This section does not include assets or income from United States Government employment or assets that were acquired separately from the filer's bu

employment, or other income·generating activities (e.g., assets purchased through a brokerage account). Note: The type of income is not required if th

income is $0 • $200 or if the asset qualifies as an excepted investment fund (ElF). 

3. Filer's Employment Agreements and Arrangements 

Part 3 discloses agreements or arrangements that the filer had during the reporting period with an employer or former employer (except the United S

Government), such as the following: 

Future employment 

Leave of absence 

Continuing payments from an employer, including severance and payments not yet received for previous work (excluding ordinary salary from a c

• Continuing participation in an employee welfare, retirement, or other benefit plan, such as pensions or a deferred compensation plan 

Retention or disposition of employer·awarded equity, sharing in profits or carried interests (e.g., vested and unvested stock options, restricted stoc

a company's profits, etc.) 

4. Filer's Sources of Compensation Exceeding $5,000 in a Year 

Part 4 discloses sources (except the United States Government) that paid more than $5,000 in a calendar year for the filer's services during any year of 

period. 
The filer discloses payments both from employers and from any clients to whom the filer personally provided services. The filer discloses a source even 

made its payment to the filer's employer and not to the filer. The filer does not disclose a client's payment to the filer's employer if the filer did not prov

for which the client is paying. 

5. Spouse's Employment Assets & Income and Retirement Accounts 

Part 5 discloses the following: 

• Sources of earned income (excluding honoraria) for the filer's spouse totaling more than $1,000 during the reporting period (e.g., salary, consulting 

partnership share) 

• Sources of honoraria for the filer's spouse greater than $200 during the reporting period 

• Assets related to the filer's spouse's employment, business activities, other income-generating activities that (1) ended the reporting period with a v

than $1,000 or (2) produced more than $200 in income during the reporting period (e.g., equity in business or partnership, stock options, retiremen

and their underlying holdings as appropriate, deferred compensation, and intellectual property, such as book deals and patents) 

This section does not include assets or income from United States Government employment or assets that were acquired separately from the filer's spo

employment, or other income-generating activities (e.g., assets purchased through a brokerage account). Note: The type of income is not required if the 

income is $0- $200 or if the asset qualifies as an excepted investment fund (ElF). Amounts of income are not required for a spouse's earned income (ex

honoraria). 

6. Other Assets and Income 

Part 6 discloses each asset, not already reported, that (1) ended the reporting period with a value greater than $1,000 or (2) produced more than $200 in 

income during the reporting period. For purposes of the value and income thresholds, the filer aggregates the filer's interests with those of the filer's sp

dependent children. 

This section does not include the following types of assets: (1) a personal residence (unless it was rented out during the reporting period); (2) income or 

benefits associated with United States Government employment (e.g., Thrift Savings Plan); and (3) cash accounts (e.g., checking, savings, money market 

single financial institution with a value of $5,000 or less (unless more than $200 of income was produced). Additional exceptions apply. Note: The type o

required if the amount of income is $0- $200 or if the asset qualifies as an excepted investment fund (ElF). 

7. Transactions 

Part 7 discloses purchases, sales, or exchanges of real property or securities in excess of $1,000 made on behalf of the filer, the filer's spouse or depend

reporting period. 

This section does not include transactions that concern the following: (1) a personal residence, unless rented out; (2) cash accounts (e.g., checking, savin

market accounts) and money market mutual funds; (3) Treasury bills, bonds, and notes; and (4) holdings within a federal Thrift Savings Plan account. Ad

exceptions apply. 
8. Liabilities 

Part 8 discloses liabilities over $10,000 that the filer, the filer's spouse or dependent child owed at any time during the reporting period. 

This section does not include the following types of liabilities: (1) mortgages on a personal residence, unless rented out (limitations apply for PAS filers); 

secured by a personal motor vehicle, household furniture, or appliances, unless the loan exceeds the item's purchase price; and (3) revolving charge acc

credit card balances, if the outstanding liability did not exceed $10,000 at the end of the reporting period. Additional exceptions apply. 

9. Gifts and Travel Reimbursements 

This section discloses: 

• Gifts totaling more than $375 that the filer, the filer's spouse, and dependent children received from any one source during the reporting period. 

• Travel reimbursements totaling more than $375 that the filer, the filer's spouse, and dependent children received from any one source during the r

For purposes of this section, the filer need not aggregate any gift or travel reimbursement with a value of $1 SO or less. Regardless of the value, this sect

include the following items: (1) anything received from relatives; (2) anything received from the United States Government or from the District of Columb

local governments; (3) bequests and other forms of inheritance; (4) gifts and travel reimbursements given to the filer's agency in connection with the file

(5) gifts of hospitality (food, lodging, entertainment) at the donor's residence or personal premises; and (6) anything received by the filer's spouse or dep

totally independent of their relationship to the filer. Additional exceptions apply. 
Privacy Act Statement 

Title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, as amended (the Act), S U.S. C. app. § 101 et seq., as amended by the Stop Trading on Congressional Know

2012 (Pub. L. 112-1 OS) (STOCK Act), and 5 C.F.R. Part 2634 of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics regulations require the reporting of this information. T

of the information on this report is for review by Government officials to determine compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations. This repor

disclosed upon request to any requesting person in accordance with sections 105 and 402(b)(1) of the Act or as otherwise authorized by law. You may in

applications for public access of your own form upon request. Additional disclosures of the information on this report may be made: (1) to any requestin

subject to the limitation contained in section 208(d)(1) of title 18, any determination granting an exemption pursuant to sections 208(b)(1) and 208(b)(3) 

a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency if the disclosing agency becomes aware of violations or potential violations of law or regulation; (3) to a

agency, court or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding when the Government is a party or in order to comply with a judge-issued subpoe

source when necessary to obtain information relevant to a conflict of interest investigation or determination; (5) to the National Archives and Records Ad

the General Services Administration in records management inspections; (6) to the Office of Management and Budget during legislative coordination on 

legislation; (7) to the Department of justice or in certain legal proceedings when the disclosing agency, an employee of the disclosing agency, or the Unitparty to litigation or has an interest in the litigation and the use of such records is deemed relevant and necessary to the litigation; (8) to reviewing officia

office, department or agency when an employee transfers or is detailed from one covered position to another; (9) to a Member of Congress or a congres

response to an inquiry made on behalf of an individual who is the subject of the record; (1 0) to contractors and other non-Government employees work

contract, service or assignment for the Federal Government when necessary to accomplish a function related to an OGE Government-wide system of rec

on the OGE Website and to any person, department or agency, any written ethics agreement filed with OGE by an individual nominated by the Presiden

requiring Senate confirmation. See also the OGE/GOVT-1 executive branch-wide Privacy Act system of records. 

Public Burden Information 

This collection of information is estimated to take an average of three hours per response, including time for reviewing the instructions, gathering the da

completing the form. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for redu

burden, to the Program Counsel, U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE), Suite SOO, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20005-3917. 

Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and no person is required to respond to, a collection of 

unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number (that number, 3209-0001, is displayed here and at the top of the first page of this OGE Form 278
59 

September 6, 201 7 

Mr. Stuart Bender 

Designated Agency Ethics Official 

U.S. Department of Agriculture 

Washington, DC 20250 

Dear Mr. Bender: 

The purpose of this Jetter is to describe the steps that I will take to avoid any actual or 

apparent conflict of interest in the event that I am confirmed for the position of Under Secretary 

for Marketing and Regulatory Programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

As required by 18 U.S.C. § 208(a), I will not participate personally and substantially in 

any particular matter in which I know that I have a financial interest directly and predictably 

affected by the matter, or in which I know that a person whose interests are imputed to me has a 

financial interest directly and predictably affected by the matter, unless I first obtain a written 

waiver, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(l), or quality for a regulatory exemption, pursuant to 

18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(2). I understand that the interests of the following persons are imputed to 

me: any spouse or minor child of mine; any general partner of a partnership in which I am a 

limited or general partner; any organization in which I serve as officer, director, trustee, general 

partner or employee; and any person or organization with which I am negotiating or have an 

arrangement concerning prospective employment. 

Upon confirmation, I will resign from my positions or affiliations with the following 

entities: 

I. Department of Agriculture ofthe State of Nebraska 

2. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 

3. Family Trust 

For a period of one year after my resignation from each of these entities, I will not participate 

personally and substantially in any particular matter involving specific parties in which I know 

that entity is a party or represents a party, unless I am first authorized to participate, pursuant to 

5 C.F.R. § 2635.502(d). 

T will divest my interests in the following entities within 90 days of my confirmation: 

Altria Group Inc., Kraft Heinz Company, Mondelez International Inc., and Philip Morris 

International Inc. With regard to each of these entities, I will not participate personally and 

substantially in any particular matter that to my knowledge has a direct and predictable effect on 

the financial interests of the entity until I have divested it, unless I first obtain a written waiver, 

pursuant to I 8 U.S.C. § 208(b)(l), or qualifY for a regulatory exemption, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 

208(b)(2). 
60 

I understand that I may be eligible to request a Certificate of Divestiture for qualifying 

assets and that a Certificate of Divestiture is effective only if obtained prior to divestiture. 

Regardless of whether I receive a Certificate of Divestiture, I will ensure that all divestitures 

discussed in this agreement occur within the agreed upon timeftames and that all proceeds are 

invested in non-conflicting assets. 

My spouse and I are the sole owners of GTI, Inc. GTI participates in the USDA 

Conservation Stewardship Program and USDA commodity programs. Upon confirmation, I will 

resign from my position as President of GTI, Inc. I will continue to have a financial interest in 

this entity, but I will not provide services material to the production of income. Instead, I will 

receive only passive investment income from it. I will not participate personally and substantially 

in any particular matter that to my knowledge has a direct and predictable effect on the financial 

interests ofGTI, Inc. unless I first obtain a written waiver pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(l). 

My spouse and I own real property in Dawson County, Nebraska. This property is leased 

out for farming on a fixed cash basis to GTI, Inc. During my tenure as Under Secretary, my 

spouse and I will maintain a fixed cash lease on the property. My spouse and I do not receive 

any other payments from this property. I will not participate personally and substantially in any 

particular matter that to my knowledge will have a direct and predictable effect on my financial 

interest in this property unless I obtain a written waiver pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(l). 

If! rely on a de minimis exemption under 5 C.F.R. § 2640.201(b) with regard to any of 

my financial interests in sector mutual funds, I will monitor the value of those interests. If the 

aggregate value of my interests in sector mutual funds that concentrate in any one sector exceeds 

$50,000, I will not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter that to my 

knowledge has a direct and predictable effect on the financial interests of any holdings of the 

funds that are in the specific sector in which the funds concentrate, unless I first obtain a written 

waiver pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(l), or qualify for a regulatory exemption, pursuant to 18 

u.s.c. § 208(b)(2). 

If I have a managed account or otherwise use the services of an investment professional 

during my appointment, I will ensure that the account manager or investment professional 

obtains my prior approval on a case-by-case basis for the purchase of any assets other than cash, 

cash equivalents; investment funds that qualify for the exemption at 5 C.F .R. § 2640.201 (a), 

obligations of the United States, or municipal bonds. 

I will meet in person with you during the first week of my service in the position of 

Under Secretary in order to complete the initial ethics briefing required under 5 C.P.R. § 

2638.305. Within 90 days of my confirmation, I will also docmnent my compliance with this 

ethics agreement by notifying you in writing when I have completed the steps described in this 

ethics agreement. 

I understand that as an appointee I will be required to sign the Ethics Pledge (Exec. Order 

No. 13770) and that I will be bound by the requirements and restrictions therein in addition to the 

commitments I have made in this ethics agreement. 
61 

I have been advised that this ethics agreement will be posted publicly, consistent with 

5 U.S.C. § 552, on the website of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics with ethics agreements 

of other Presidential nominees who file public financial disclosure reports. 

Sincerely, 

Gregory A. Ibach 
62 

October 3, 2017 

The Honorable Pat Roberts, Chairman 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, D.C. 20510 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, DC 20510 

RE: Addendum to the Committee Questionnaire 

Dear Chairman Robetis and Ranking Member Stabenow: 

During my interview with your staff counsels, we identified items that were inadvertently left off my 

original Committee Questionnaire submitted. 

Please find below specific outline of periods of service and titles held for Federal Land Bank and State 

of Nebraska for #3 Employment: 

Non-Government Federal Land Bank of Loan Officer Kearney, NE 6/84 1987 

Omaha 

Non-Government Federal Land Bank of Assistant Vice Kearney,NE 1987 1989 

Omaha President 

Self-Employment Self, GTI, Inc. Owner/Manager Sumner, NE 1984 Present 

State Government Nebraska Depmtment Assistant Director Lincoln, NE 01/99 01/2005 

of Agriculture 

State Government Nebraska Depa.tment Director Lincoln, NE 01/2005 Present 

of Agriculture 

Please find below a breakdown ofNASDA membership, periods of service and corresponding titles for 

#5- Memberships: 

National Association of State Departments President-20 16 

of Agriculture Vice President-2015 

Second Vice President- 2014 

Secretary-Treasurer- 2013 

United Church of Sumner 1995-Present Member 
63 

FarmHouse Fratemity 1980-Present Chapter Association Board Member 

The following grid will clarify for whom yard signs were posted and when for #6(B) Political 

Activity: 

Deb Fischer for Senate Yard Sign N/A 2012 

Pete Ricketts for Governor Yard Sign N/A 2014 

Donald Trump for President Yard Sign N/A 2016 

Adrian Smith for Congress Yard Sign NIA Various 

Romney for President Yard Sign N/A 2012 

Matt Williams for Nebraska Yard Sign N/A 2014 

Legislature 

Paul Kenney for Regent Yard Sign N/A 2016 

Buffalo County Republican Party Attended Lincoln Day None Feb. 2016 

Dinner 

The listing below will update #7 Publications as discussed in the interview held with staff: 

Beef to China Announcement Nebraska Department of Agriculture 06-14-17 

LB 99 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-12-09 

LB 99 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-12-09 

LB 100 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-12-09 

LB 100 W•·itten Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-12-09 
64 

LB 101 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-15-09 

LB 585 Talking Points Nebraska State Legislature 02-24-09 

Testimony to Nebraska State Legislature Nebraska State Legislature 03-09-09 

Appropriations 

Committee 

LR445 Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 08-27-10 

LB l09 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-18-11 

LB l09 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-18-11 

LB !10 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-18-11 

LB II 0 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-18-11 

LB 354 Oral Testimony (No written Nebraska State Legislature 02-16-11 

testimony given) 

LB 355 Oral Testimony(No written testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-16-11 

given) 

LB 356 Oral Testimony(No written testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-18-11 

given) 

LB 770 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-12-12 

LB 770 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-12-12 

LB 771 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-12-12 

LB 771 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-12-12 

LB 927 Letter to the Nebraska State Nebraska State Legislature 02-14-12 

Legislature Agriculture Committee 

Testimony to Nebraska State Legislature Nebraska State Legislature 02-27-13 

Appropriations 

Committee 
65 

LB 67 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-21-13 

LB 67 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-21-13 

LB 68 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-28-13 

LB 68 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-28-13 

LB 69 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-28-13 

LB 69 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-29-13 

LB 884 Testimony (No written testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-28-14 

given) 

LB 941 Letter to the Nebraska State Nebraska State Legislature 02-18-14 

Legislature Agriculture Committee 

Testimony to Nebraska State Legislature Nebraska State Legislature 02-25-15 

Appropriations 

Committee 

LB 91 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-20-15 

LB 91 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-20-15 

LB 92 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-20-15 

LB 92 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-20-15 

LB 93 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-20-15 

LB 93 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-20-15 

LB 175 Oral Testimony (No written Nebraska State Legislature 02-10-15 

testimony given) 

LB 176 Oral Testimony (No written Nebraska State Legislature 02-10-15 

testimony given) 
66 

Confirmation Hearing Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-31-06 

Confirmation Hearing Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-27-15 

LB 360 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-17-15 

LB 360 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-17-15 

LB 393 Letter to the Nebraska State Nebraska State Legislature 02-24-15 

Legislature Agriculture Committee 

LB 711 Testimony (No written testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-18-16 

given) 

LB 909 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-26-16 

LB 909 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-26-16 

LB 921 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-26-16 

LB 921 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-26-16 

LB 968 Testimony (No written testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-29-16 

given) 

LB 977 Letter to the Nebraska State Nebraska State Legislature 02-0!-16 

Legislature Transportation and 

Telecommunications Committee 

LB 378CA Testimony (No written testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-23-16 

given) 

Testimony to Nebraska State Legislature Nebraska State Legislature 02-23-17 

Appropriations 

Committee 

LB 134 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-17-17 

LB 134 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 01-17-17 

LB 260 Letter to the Nebraska State Nebraska State Legislature 02-06-17 

Legislature Agriculture Committee 
67 

LB 274 Oral Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-07-17 

LB 274 Written Testimony Nebraska State Legislature 02-07-17 

LB 338 Oral Testimony (No written Nebraska State Legislature 02-08-17 

testimony given) 

LB 477 Letter to the Nebraska State Nebraska State Legislature 01-31-17 

Legislature Agriculture Committee 

LB 499 Letter to the Nebraska State Nebraska State Legislature 02-14-17 

Legislature Agriculture Committee 

LB 617 Letter to the Nebraska State Nebraska State Legislature 02-21-17 

Legislature Agriculture Committee 

NDA Updates Nebraska Depmtment of Agriculture 2017 

Nebraska Ag and You Nebraska Depmtment of Agriculture 2013-2017 

YourNDA Nebraska Department of Agriculture 2016-2017 

Finally, please be advised that I certify the infmmation included in all of my nominee documents was 

accurate as of the day of execution through present day, including my official nomination on September 

5, 2017. 

fh~ 
68 

October 4, 2017 

The Honorable Pat Roberts, Chairman 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, D.C. 20510 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow: 

Please be advised that pursuant to section I 0 I (b) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, as 

amended, I have informed the appropriate ethics officials that the information required by section 

102(a) (I)( A) of the Act with respect to income and honoraria contained in OGE Form 278e 

(Executive Branch Public Financial Disclosure Report) executed by me on September 6, 2017 is 

correct. 

This information is current as of Wednesday, October 4, 2017. This date is within five days prior 

to the date of the first hearing scheduled to consider my nomination. 
69 

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & FORESTRY 

Questions for Executive Nominees 

1151h Congress 

1. Basic Biographical Information 

Please provide tbe following information. 

:' ' .·· · OtherNames Used . ; . .. ' ·.· .·.·.· . 

ij 

Name Used Na111eU~'l'o i · F.rnin 

FirstNll!llll MiddleNam~: LastNa111e Suffix (l\llonth!Year) (MonthlY ear} 

(Check bo~ Jf {Check box if 

estilllate) estilllate) 

Est Est 

0 a 

Est Est 

0 0 
70 

Never Married 

0 

Teresa 

Mao-ried 

Xo 

Janette 

Janette 

Separated 

0 

Annulled 

0 

Sp'l~~'sl'f~~ 

(cfiJ!rent spbn~e ltttlyJ 

Ibach 

Heusman X 

Divorced 

0 

1211961 

Est 

Widowed 

0 

611988 

Esl 

0 
71 

·. ·.· ~""";,~''' ~NamfS(I/tJVf!;tJtl) •.••. 

• •••••••• • 

... ·.•· ...... ·.· '\ ..... > 

•• ..· 

First Name MiddeName Last Name . Sl!lliJ 

Evan William Ibach 

Emily Claire Ibach 

Alec Andrew Ibach 

2. Education 

List all post-secondary schools attended. 

Tvpe or SchOol D!!tsBwn .l!@teEnded 

(vocationalilec!ml<;alllrade school, School School 

col!egl"universi)ylmilitacy college, (month/year) (niontblyear) (check Degree. Awal-.le<t correspondence/dlstancdextension/on!ine (check box if box if estimate) 

(check "present" \lox school) estimate) if still in schooll 

.. 

University of University 8/1980 E" Present 

Nebraska S/1984 0 0 BS 5/1984 

E•t Est Present 

0 0 0 

Est Est Present 

0 n 0 

Est Est Present 

0 0 0 
72 

3. Employment 

(A) List all of your employment activities, including unemployment and self-employment. 

If the employment activity was military duty, list separate employment activity periods to 

show each change of military duty station. Do not list employment before your 18th 

birthday unless to provide a minimum of two years of employment history. 

T>;~e of Emnl!!!lllent 

{Active Military D11ty )itation, Date 

N~tidnal Guard/Reserve. Emntoxment U~HS. Comroissioned Corps, Name of Your 

Date End~d 

. Other Federal employment, Most R.ee!l.nt Location Emi)IO);!!!SDt . (month/year) State Government (Non- Employer/ Posit lop (City and ~ (ch:eck bmdf 

Fe4eJ:lll E~nployment), Self- Assigned Dut:~: State (month/year) estimate} 

employment, Unemployment, Station Title/Rank l:lnly) (check box if (check 

l'edera\ContractiJf, Non· estimate) "'preserit'~ box 

Government Employment ifStlU 

(excluding self-employment), employed) Other 

Assistant Vice Kearney 6/1984 ... Non-Government federal Land Bank President, NE 3/1989 Xo 

Of Omaha, Various Acquired 

Prooertv 

Self-Employment Self, Sumner NE Farmer Sumner, 3/1989 Present 

NE 

State Government State ofNebraska, Director, Lincoln, 1!1999 Present 

Lincoln, NE Nebraska NE 

Dept of 

Agriculture E" ... 0 0 

... E•t 

0 0 

(B) List any advisory, consultative, honorary or other part-time service or positions with 

federal, state, or local governments, not listed elsewhere. 

Date Service Date Sei'Vice End~d 

N!!me ofGQvernment Name of Position ~ (mqnlh/y~) (clle~Ji bt>~ 

Entity (mont1!/year) if estimate){clleek 

(check box if "present" box lf still ·. estimate\ serving) 

USTR USTR Intergovernmental Policy 10/2015 Est ••• Present 

X 0 X 

Advisory Committee on Trade, 

Member 

USDA U.S. Depart. of Agricultm·e's Est ••• Present 

20{JI 0 2006 0 0 

Agricultural Technical Advisory 

Committee, Member 
73 

USDA USDA Secretary's Advisory 

Committee on Foreign Animal and 

Poult Diseases, Member 

Est Present 

2008 

List all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, civilian service citations, military 

medals, academic or professional honors, honorary society memberships and any other 

special recognition for outstanding service or achievement. 

Nebraska Ag 40 (Invitation Only) 

Agriculture Builders of Nebraska (Invitation Only) 

Triumph of Agriculture Exposition Service to Agriculture Award, 2016 

NE Chapter of American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers Distinguished Service 

Award,2016 

Nebraska Agribusiness Association, Govemment Official of the Year, 2012 

Honorary State FFA Degree, 2010 

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Service to 

Agriculture Award, 2008 

Nebraska Corn Board Ag Achievement Award, 2008 

Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement Inductee, 2007 

UNL Outstanding Young Alumnus, 1996 

American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet Semifinalist, 1998 

American Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Winner, 1997 

5. Memberships 

List all memberships that you have held in professional, social, business, fraternal, 

scholarly, civic, or charitable organizations in the last 10 years. 

Unless relevant to your nomination, you do NOT need to include memberships in 

charitable organizations available to the public as a result of a tax deductible donation of 

$1,000 or less, Parent-Teacher Associations or other organizations connected to schools 

attended by your children, athletic clubs or teams, automobile support organizations (such 

as AAA), discounts clubs (such as Groupon or Sam's Club), or affinity 

memberships/consumer clubs (such as frequent flyer memberships). 

~ame of Qnmnizali!!!! Dates of Your Meml.!!;r~hil.l Po~ition(s}ll~ld (You may approJ<imat<i.) 

United Church of Sumner 1995-Present Member 

FarmHouse Fraternity 1980-Present Chapter Association Board Member 
74 

6. Political Activity 

(A) Have you ever been a candidate for or been elected or appointed to a political office? 

Y!nr(§} Elec~ion 

Name of Office El~ctll!IIAI!I!Oi!!t~df Beldor J:erm of SerVIlle 

.!;;andldate Onl:f Aneointm~t (if applitable) · · 

Mlule 

Assistant Director Nebraska Department of Appointed 1/1999 6/2005 

Agriculture 

Director, Nebraska Department of Appointed 6/2005 Present 

Agriculture 

(B) List any offices held in or services rendered to a political party or election committee 

during the last ten years that you have not listed elsewhere. 
75 
76 

(C) Itemize all individual political contributions of $200 or more that you have made in the 

past five years to any individual, campaign organization, political party, political action 

committee, or similar entity. Please list each individual contribution and not the total 

amount contributed to the person or entity during the year . 

. · Name gf Recil!ient Amount ·Year of Contribution 

Deb Fischer for Senate 500.00 2012 

Pete Ricketts for Governor 1000.00 2014 

Donald Trump for President 250.00 2016 

Lou Ann Linehan 500.00 2016 

State Senator Campaign 

Adrian Smith for Congress 250.00 2015 

Romney for President 250.00 2012 

Romney for President 500.00 2012 

Romney for President 500.00 2012 

Paul Kenney for Regent 1000.00 2016 
77 

7. Publications 

List the titles, publishers and dates of books, articles, reports or other published materials 

that you have written, including articles published on the Internet. 

Title Publisher Dat!l{s) ofP!!!!Iiel!tigu 

NONE 

' 
78 

8. Lobbying 

In the past ten years, have you registered as a lobbyist? If so, please indicate the state, 

federal, or local bodies with which you have registered (e.g., House, Senate, California 

Secretary of State). 

NO 
Nominee Report I U.S. Office of Government Ethics; 5 C.F.R. part 2634 I Form Approved: OMS No. (3209-0001) (March 2014) 

Executive Branch Personnel 

Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) 

Filer's Information 

Northey, William Howard 

Under Secretary (Farm & Foreign Agricultural Services), Department of Agriculture 

Other Federal Government Positions Held During the Preceding 12 Months: 

None 

Names of Congressional Committees Considering Nomination: 

• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 

Electronic Signature - I certify that the statements I have made in this form are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. 

Is/ Northey, William Howard [electronically signed on 06/22/2017 by Northey, William Howard in lntegrity.gov] 

Agency Ethics Official's Opinion- On the basis of information contained in this report, I conclude that the filer is in compliance with applicable laws and 

(subject to any comments below). 

lsi Bender, Stuart, Certifying Official [electronically signed on 09/06/2017 by Bender, Stuart in lntegrity.gov] 

Other review conducted by 

U.S. Office of Government Ethics Certification 

lsi Apol. David, Certifying Official [electronically signed on 09/11/2017 by Apol, David in lntegrity.gov] 
1. Filer's Positions Held Outside United States Government 

# ORGANIZATION NAME CITY, STATE 

State of Iowa Des Moines, 

Iowa 

2 WM Northey Farm Spirit Lake, Iowa 

2. Filer's Employment Assets & Income and Retirement Accounts 

# 

2 

3 

4 

DESCRIPTION 

State of Iowa 

WM Northey Farm, Spirit Lake, Iowa (sole 

!tor)(crops) 

State of Iowa Public Employees' Retirement 

System (defined benefit pension)(value not 

readily ascertainable) 

USDA Agriculture Loss Coverage-County 

Program 

3. Filer's Employment Agreements and Arrangements 

# EMPLOYER OR PARTY 

State of Iowa - IPERS 

ElF N/A N/A 

N/A N/A 

CITY, STATE 

Des Moines, 

Iowa 

4. Filer's Sources of Compensation Exceeding $5,000 in a Year 

ORGANIZATION 

TYPE 

Government 

Sole 

Proprietorship 

VALUE 

POSITION HELD 

Iowa Secreta rv 

of 1 

Sole Proprietor 

INCOME TYPE 

FROM 

1/2007 

5/1981 

INCOME 

AMOUNT 

$150,000 

$1,000,001 -

$5,000,000 

Farming Income $380,879 

Program 

payments 

STATUS AND TERMS 

None (or less 

than $201) 

$6,548 

I will continue to participate in this defined benefit 

plan. 

T

P

P

D

1
# SOURCE NAME 

State of Iowa 

CITY, STATE 

Des Moines, 

Iowa 

5. Spouse's Employment Assets & Income and Retirement Accounts 

# DESCRIPTION ElF 

janus Henderson Forty D Fund Yes 

2 janus Henderson Research Fund Class D Yes 

3 janus Henderson Global Select Fund Class D Yes 

6. Other Assets and Income 

# DESCRIPTION ElF 

U.S. bank account (cash) N/A 

N/A N/A 

4 Green Plains N/A 

5 See Endnote N/A 

6 6.1 Principal Financial Group Stock N/A 

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES 

As Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, I oversee the approxim

employees of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and L

Stewardship. 

VALUE INCOME TYPE INCOME 

AMOUNT 

$201.$1,000 

$15,001. $201.$1,000 $50,000 

$1,001.$15,000 None (or less 

than $201) 

VALUE INCOME TYPE INCOME 

AMOUNT 

---

$1,001.$15,000 Interest None (or less 

than $201) 

$1,001.$15,000 Interest $201.$1,000 $100,001. Interest $5,001 • $15,000 

$250,000 

$201.$1,000 

$15,001. Dividends $2,501 . $5,000 

$50,000 

$15,001. Dividends $201 . $1,000 

$50,000 
7. Transactions 

(N/ A)- Not required for this type of report 

8. Liabilities 

# CREDITOR NAME TYPE AMOUNT YEAR RATE T

INCURRED 

Northwest Bank See Endnote Personal Loan $50,001-

$100,000 

2015 5.0% 5 

2 Northwest Bank See Endnote Personal Loan $15,001- 2017 5.0% 1 

$50,000 

Sun Trust Mortgage Mortgage on $50,001- 2010 4.375% 1

Personal $100,000 

3 

Residence 

9. Gifts and Travel Reimbursements 

(N/A)- Not required for this type of report 

Endnotes 

PART # ENDNOTE 

6. 5 6%. 

8. 8. 2 2017 operating note 
Summary of Contents 

1. Filer's Positions Held Outside United States Government 

Part 1 discloses positions that the filer held at any time during the reporting period (excluding positions with the United States Government). Positions 

even if the filer did not receive compensation. 

This section does not include the following: (1) positions with religious, social, fraternal, or political organizations; (2) positions solely of an honorary nat

held as part of the filer's official duties with the United States Government; (4) mere membership in an organization; and (5) passive investment interes

partner or non-managing member of a limited liability company. 

2. Filer's Employment Assets & Income and Retirement Accounts 

Part 2 discloses the following: 

• Sources of earned and other non-investment income of the filer totaling more than $200 during the reporting period (e.g., salary, fees, partnership 

honoraria, scholarships, and prizes) 

Assets related to the filer's business, employment, or other income-generating activities that (1) ended the reporting period with a value greater th

produced more than $200 in income during the reporting period (e.g., equity in business or partnership, stock options, retirement plans/accounts 

underlying holdings as appropriate, deferred compensation, and intellectual property, such as book deals and patents) 

This section does not include assets or income from United States Government employment or assets that were acquired separately from the filer's bu

employment, or other income-generating activities (e.g., assets purchased through a brokerage account). Note: The type of income is not required if th

income is $0 • $200 or if the asset qualifies as an excepted investment fund (ElF). 

3. Filer's Employment Agreements and Arrangements 

Part 3 discloses agreements or arrangements that the filer had during the reporting period with an employer or former employer (except the United S

Government), such as the following: 

• Future employment 

• Leave of absence 

Continuing payments from an employer, including severance and payments not yet received for previous work (excluding ordinary salary from a c

Continuing participation in an employee welfare, retirement, or other benefit plan, such as pensions or a deferred compensation plan 

• Retention or disposition of employer-awarded equity, sharing in profits or carried interests (e.g., vested and unvested stock options, restricted stoc

a company's profits, etc.) 

4. Filer's Sources of Compensation Exceeding $5,000 in a Year 

Part 4 discloses sources (except the United States Government) that paid more than $5,000 in a calendar year for the filer's services during any year of 

period. · 
The filer discloses payments both from employers and from any clients to whom the filer personally provided services. The filer discloses a source even 

made its payment to the filer's employer and not to the filer. The filer does not disclose a client's payment to the filer's employer if the filer did not provi

for which the client is paying. 

5. Spouse's Employment Assets & Income and Retirement Accounts 

Part 5 discloses the following: 

• Sources of earned income (excluding honoraria) for the filer's spouse totaling more than $1,000 during the reporting period (e.g., salary, consulting 

partnership share) 

• Sources of honoraria for the filer's spouse greater than $200 during the reporting period 

• Assets related to the filer's spouse's employment, business activities, other income-generating activities that (1) ended the reporting period with a v

than $1,000 or (2) produced more than $200 in income during the reporting period (e.g., equity in business or partnership, stock options, retiremen

and their underlying holdings as appropriate, deferred compensation, and intellectual property, such as book deals and patents) 

This section does not include assets or income from United States Government employment or assets that were acquired separately from the filer's spo

employment, or other income-generating activities (e.g., assets purchased through a brokerage account). Note: The type of income is not required if the 

income is $0 - $200 or if the asset qualifies as an excepted investment fund (ElF). Amounts of income are not required for a spouse's earned. income (ex

honoraria). 

6. Other Assets and Income 

Part 6 discloses each asset, not already reported, that (1) ended the reporting period with a value greater than $1,000 or (2) produced more than $200 in 

income during the reporting period. For purposes of the value and income thresholds, the filer aggregates the filer's interests with those of the filer's sp

dependent children. 

This section does not include the following types of assets: (1) a personal residence (unless it was rented out during the reporting period); (2) income or 

benefits associated with United States Government employment (e.g., Thrift Savings Plan); and (3) cash accounts (e.g., checking, savings, money market 

single financial institution with a value of $5,000 or less (unless more than $200 of income was produced). Additional exceptions apply. Note: The type o

required if the amount of income is $0 - $200 or if the asset qualifies as an excepted investment fund (ElF). 

7. Transactions 

Part 7 discloses purchases, sales, or exchanges of real property or securities in excess of $1,000 made on behalf of the filer, the filer's spouse or depend

reporting period. 

This section does not include transactions that concern the following: (1) a personal residence, unless rented out; (2) cash accounts (e.g., checking, savin

market accounts) and money market mutual funds; (3) Treasury bills, bonds, and notes; and (4) holdings within a federal Thrift Savings Plan account. Ad

exceptions apply. 
8. Liabilities 

Part 8 discloses liabilities over $10,000 that the filer, the filer's spouse or dependent child owed at any time during the reporting period. 

This section does not include the following types of liabilities: (1) mortgages on a personal residence, unless rented out (limitations apply for PAS filers); 

secured by a personal motor vehicle, household furniture, or appliances, unless the loan exceeds the item's purchase price; and (3) revolving charge acc

credit card balances, if the outstanding liability did not exceed $10,000 at the end of the reporting period. Additional exceptions apply. 

9. Gifts and Travel Reimbursements 

This section discloses: 

• Gifts totaling more than $375 that the filer, the filer's spouse, and dependent children received from any one source during the reporting period. 

• Travel reimbursements totaling more than $375 that the filer, the filer's spouse, and dependent children received from any one source during the r

For purposes of this section, the filer need not aggregate any gift or travel reimbursement with a value of $150 or less. Regardless of the value, this sect

include the following items: (1) anything received from relatives; (2) anything received from the United States Government or from the District of Columb

local governments; (3) bequests and other forms of inheritance; (4) gifts and travel reimbursements given to the filer's agency in connection with the file

(5) gifts of hospitality (food, lodging, entertainment) at the donor's residence or personal premises; and (6) anything received by the filer's spouse or dep

totally independent of their relationship to the filer. Additional exceptions apply. 
Privacy Act Statement 

Title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, as amended (the Act), 5 U.S. C. app. § 101 et seq., as amended by the Stop Trading on Congressional Know

2012 (Pub. L. 112-1 OS) (STOCK Act), and 5 C.F.R. Part 2634 of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics regulations require the reporting of this information. 

ofthe information on this report is for review by Government officials to determine compliance with applicable Federal laws and regulations. This repor

disclosed upon request to any requesting person in accordance with sections 105 and 402(b)(1) of the Act or as otherwise authorized by law. You may in

applications for public access of your own form upon request. Additional disclosures of the information on this report may be made: (1) to any requestin

subject to the limitation contained in section 208(d)(1) of title 18, any determination granting an exemption pursuant to sections 208(b)(1) and 208(b)(3) 

a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency ifthe disclosing agency becomes aware of violations or potential violations of law or regulation; (3) to a

agency, court or party in a court or Federal administrative proceeding when the Government is a party or in order to comply with a judge-issued subpoe

source when necessary to obtain information relevant to a conflict of interest investigation or determination; (5) to the National Archives and Records A

the General Services Administration in records management inspections; (6) to the Office of Management and Budget during legislative coordination on 

legislation; (7) to the Department of justice or in certain legal proceedings when the disclosing agency, an employee of the disclosing agency, or the Unit

party to litigation or has an interest in the litigation and the use of such records is deemed relevant and necessary to the litigation; (8) to reviewing offici

office, department or agency when an employee transfers or is detailed from one covered position to another; (9) to a Member of Congress or a congre

response to an inquiry made on behalf of an individual who is the subject of the record; (1 0) to contractors and other non-Government employees work

contract, service or assignment for the Federal Government when necessary to accomplish a function related to an OGE Government-wide system of re

on the OGE Website and to any person, department or agency, any written ethics agreement filed with OGE by an individual nominated by the Presiden

requiring Senate confirmation. See also the OGE/GOVT-1 executive branch-wide Privacy Act system of records. 

Public Burden Information 

This collection of information is estimated to take an average of three hours per response, including time for reviewing the instructions, gathering the d

completing the form. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for red

burden, to the Program Counsel, U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE), Suite 500, 1201 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20005-3917. 

Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act, as amended, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and no person is required to respond to, a collection of 

unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number (that number, 3209-0001, is displayed here and at the top of the first page of this OGE Form 278
87 

September 6, 20 17 

Mr. Stuart Bender 

Designated Agency Ethics Official 

U.S. Department of Agriculture 

Washington, DC 20250 

Dear Mr. Bender: 

Tile pu~pos~ of this letter is to describe the steps that I will take to avoid any actual or 

app~rcnt confl~ct ~~ mtercst Ill the event that lam confirmed for the position of Under Secretary 

for !·arm and l·on:1gn Agncultural Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

As required by 18 U.S.C. § 208(a), I will not participate personally and substantially in 

any particular matter in which I know that I have a financial interest directly and predictably 

affected by the matter, or in which I know that a person whose interests are imputed to me has a 

financial interest d1rectly and predictably affected by the matter, unless I first obtain a written 

waiver. pursuant ll' I H U.S.C. § 208(b)( 1), or qualify for a regulatory exemption, pursuant to 

18l1

.S.C. S 208(b)\2). 1 understand that the interests of the following persons are imputed to 

me: any spouse or minor child of mine; any general partner of a partnership in which I am a 

limited or general partner; any organization in which I serve as officer, director, trustee, general 

panner or employee; and any person or organization with which I am negotiating or have an 

arrangement concerning prospective employment. 

Upon confirmation, I will r~sign from my position with the State oflowa Department of 

Agriculture. For a p.:riod of one year after my resignation from this entity, I will not participate 

personally and substantially in any particular matter involving specific parties in which I know 

the Iowa Department of Agriculture is a party or represents a party, unless 1 am first authorized 

to participate, pursuant to 5 C.F.R. § 2635.502(d). 

I am the sole owner and proprietor of WM Northey Farms which is operated as a sole 

proprietorship. WM Northey Farms participates in the USDA Agriculture Loss CoverageCounty Program and receives annual payments through this USDA program. During my tenure 

as Under Secretary, my brother in law will continue the operation of the farm and I will maintain 

a fixed cash lease on the farm. I will continue to have a financial interest in this entity, but I will 

not provide services material to the production of income. Instead, I will receive only passive 

investment income from it. I will not participate personally and substantially in any particular 

matter that to my knowledge has a direct and predictable effect on the financial interests of the 

WM Northey Farms or any payments received by this entity from USDA programs unless I first 

obtain a written waiver pursuant to 18 U.S. C.§ 208(b)(l). 

I own a passive investment interest in Northey Acres- a family farm land ownership 

corporation with property in Dickinson County, Iowa. Northey Acres participates in the USDA 

Conservation Reserve Program and receives annual payments through this USDA program. I do 

not hold a position with this entity. I will continue to have a financial interest in this entity, but I 

will not provide services material to the production of income. Instead, I will receive only 
88 

passive investment income from it. This program is administered by USDA through the 

Commodity Credit Corporation in wh1ch I will serve as an officer and member of the Board. 

will not participate personally and substantially in any partiCular matter that to my knowledge 

has a direct and prcdktablc etrect on the financial interests of Northey Acres or any payments 

received by this entity from USDA programs unless I tirst obtain a written waiver pursuant to 

18 U.S.C. § 208(b)( I). Additionally. in the event ofa disaster in Dickinson County, Iowa. I will 

not participate in any way in a decision as to whether to designate Dickinson County as entitled 

to disaster relief. 

I will divest my interests in Green Plains, Inc., within 90 days of my confirmation. I will 

not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter that to my knowledge has a 

direct and predictable elfecl on the financial interests of this entity until! have divested it, unless 

!first obtain a written waher. pursuant to 18 U.S. C.§ 208(b)(l), or qualify for a regulatory 

exemption, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 208(b)(2). 

I understand that I may be eligible to request a Certificate of Divestiture for qualifying 

assets and that a Certificate of Divestiture is effective only if obtained prior to divestiture. 

Regardless of whether I receive a Certificate of Divestiture, I will ensure that all divestitures 

discuss~d m this agre~mcnt occur within the agreed upon timeframes and that all proceeds are 

invested in non-conflicting assets. 

If I haw a managed account or otherwise use the services of an investment professional 

during my nppointml.'nt. I will ensure that the account manager or investment professional 

obtains my prior approval on a casc-hy-case basis tor the purchase of any assets other than cash, 

cash equivalents. investment funds that qualify for the exemption at 5 C.F.R. § 2640.201(a), 

obligations of the United States. or municipal bonds. 

I will meet in person with you during the first week of my service in the position of 

Under Secretary in order to complete the initial ethics briefing required under 5 C.F.R. 

§ 2638.305. Within 90 days of my confirmation, I will also document my compliance with this 

ethics agreement by notifying you in writing when I have completed the steps described in this 

ethics agreement. 

I understand that as an appointee I will be required to sign the Ethics Pledge (Exe..:. Ord.::r 

no. 13770) and that I will be bound by the requirements and restrictions therein in addition to the 

commitments I have made in this ethics agreement. 

I have been advised that this ethics agreement will be posted publicly, consistent 11 ith 

5 U.S.C. § 552, on the website of the U.S. Office ot'Uovemm~nt Ethics with <!'thks ;\gr~.:ments 

of other Presidential nominees who file public financial disclosure reports. 
89 

UNITED STATES OFFICE OF 

GOVERNMENT ETHICS 

The Honorable Pat Roberts 

Chainnan 

C ommittce on Agriculture, Nutrition, 

and Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear :Mr. Chaim1an: 

September 11,2017 

In accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, I enclose a copy of the 

financial disclosure report filed by \Villiam H. Northey, who has been nominated by 

President Tmmp for the position of Under Secretary for Fann and Foreign Agricultural 

Services, Department of Agriculture. 

'0/c have revieYved the report and have obtained advice from the agency conceming any 

possible conflict in light of its functions and the nominee's proposed duties. Also enclosed is an 

ethics agreement outlining the actions that the nominee \.viii undertake to avoid cont1icts of 

interest. Unless a date for compliance is indicated in the ethics agreement, the nominee must 

fully comply within three months of confirmation with any action specified in the ethics 

agreement. 

Based thereon. we belien~ that this nominee is in compliance with applicable laws and 

regulations goYeming conflicts of interest. 

Sincerely, 

DAVIDAPOL 

David J. Apo1 

Acting Director and General Counsel 

Enclosures 

1201 NEW YORK AVE NW·SUI"fE 500·\\'ASHINGTON DC·20005 
90 

October 3, 2017 

The Honorable Pat Roberts, Chairman 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, D.C. 20510 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, DC 20510 

RE: Addendum to the Committee Questionnaire 

Dear Chairman Robetts and Ranking Member Stabenow: 

During my interview with your staff counsels, we identified items that required clarification or were 

inadvertently left off my original Committee Questionnaire submitted. 

Please find below the opinion fi·om USDA's Office of the General Counsel in reference to my serving as 

"Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation" while being officially nominated for "Under 

Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services". 

"If Mr. Notthey is confirmed as Under Secretaty of Agriculture for Farm 

and Foreign Agricultural Services, that will be his Senate-confirmed title. 

In practice, he will be the official overseeing the domestic-focused Farm 

Production and Conservation mission area and he will not oversee the 

Foreign Agricultural Service, which is now assigned to the Under 

Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. In the absence of a 

statutory change to the title, USDA may consider administratively 

refen·ing to Mr. Northey as the Under Secretary for Fann Production and 

Conservation in order to convey accurately his areas of responsibility and 

avoid confusing producers and our intemational trading partners" 

Please find below specific outline of periods of service and titles held for Innovative Growers, LLC for 

#3 - Employment: 

Elected Official - State of Iowa Secretary of Des Moines~ lA 1/2007 Present 

State of!owa Agriculture 

Grain Farmer Self-employed Owner Spirit Lake, lA 1981 Present 

Management Innovative Growers, President Spirit Lake, lA 2000 2013 

LLC 
91 

Please find below the addition of the Farm and Ranch Rural Communities Advisory Committee to #3(B) 

- Employment: 

Farm and Ranch Rural Member 2010 2016 

Communities Advisory 

Committee, Office of the 

Administrator, U.S. 

Environmental 

Protection Agency 

Please find below additional memberships, periods of service, and corresponding titles for #5-

Memberships: 

Des Moines Rotary Club 2014 (est)- present Member 

Iowa State Fair Board 2007 - present Board Member 

Iowa Water Resources Coordinating Council 2012 (est)- present Chair- Member 

EPA Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force 2007 - present Co-chair 

Iowa Promotion Board 2007 -present Ex-officio Board Member 

Iowa Soybean Association 2007 -present Ex-officio Board Member 

Iowa Beeflndustry Council 2007 - present Voting Ex-officio Board Member 

Iowa Turkey Marketing Council 2007 - present Member 

Iowa Animal Care Review Board 20I4 (est)- present Board member 

Iowa Egg Council 2007 - present Ex-officio Board Member 

Fam1 Foundation Bennett Roundtable 2002 (est)- present Member 

Iowa Crop Improvement Assn 2007 - present Member 
92 

Iowa Grain Indemnity Fund Board 2007- present Member 

Iowa Rural Health & Primary Care Advisory 2007 - present Member 

Committee 

Iowa Sheep & Wool Promotion Board 2007- present Ex-officio Board Member 

Iowa State Dairy Board 2007 - present Member 

Iowa Watershed Improvement Review Board 201 0 - present Member 

us Egg Industry Center - low a State 2007 - present Ex-officio Board Member 

University 

Iowa State University Plant Sciences Center 2007 - present Member 

Iowa Poull!y Association 2007 -present Ex-officio Board Member 

Iowa Power Fund 2007- 20II Member 

White House Nutrient Prize Partners 2014 (est)- present Member 

Valley E-Free Church, Des Moines 2008- present Member 

NASDA 2013 Member at Large 

NASDA 2011-2012 President 

NASDA 2010-2011 Vice- President 

NASDA 2009-2010 2nd Vice- President 

NASDA 2008-2009 Secretary I Treasurer 

NASDA 2013 Member 
93 

NASDA CwTent Committee: Plant Ag and Pesticide Reg. 

NASDA Current Committee: Food Regulation 

NASDA Current Committee: Marketing and Intemational 

Trade 

NASDA Current Committee: Rural Development and 

Financial Security 

NASDA Cunent Committee: Animal Agriculture 

NASDA Cunent Committee: Plant Ag and Pesticide Reg. 

NASDA Current Committee: Natural Resources and 

Environment 

MASDA Current Vice- President 

MASDA 2007 -Current Member 

Food Export Midwest 2011-2013 President 

Food Export Midwest 2007-Present Member 

The following grid contains additional positions for which I have been elected or appointed to be 

included #6(A)- Political Activity: 

Department of Agriculture and Land Elected I"- Nov 2006 Serving Current 

Stewardship 2"'- Nov2010 term 

3''-Nov2014 

Dickinson County Soil and Water Elected Nov 1998, Nov 2002 4 year terms 

District Commission 

Dickinson County Extension Council Elected I believe I was elected 4 year terms 

twice in the 1990s.! am 

unsure of the dates. 
94 

The listing below provides an update to #6(8)- Political Activity: 

Chuck Grassley Sun·ogate Public Speaking 2010,2016 

Joni Ernst Surrogate Public Speaking 2014 

Kim Reynolds Endorser Endorsement 2017 

T eny Branstad Endorser Endorsement 2010,2014 

Mark Jacobs Endorser Endorsement 2014 

Steve King Endorser Endorsement 2014,2016 

Rod Blum Endorser Endorsement 2014,2016 

David Young Endorser Endorsement 2014,2016 

Tom Latham Endorser Endorsement 2008,2010, 

2012,2014 

Travis Harris Endorser Endorsement 2017 

Bob Henderson Endorser Endorsement 2016 

David Kerr Endorser Endorsement 2016 

Joel Fry Endorser Endorsement 2010 

Greg F orris tall Endorser Endorsement 2016 

Stan Gustafson Endorser Endorsement 2016 

Kevin Koester Endorser Endorsement 2016 
95 

Jake Highfill Endorser Endorsement 2016 

Jarad Klein Endorser Endorsement 2012 

Tom Moore Endm~er Endorsement 2016 

Brian Best Endorser Endorsement 2016 

John Kooiker Endorser Endorsement 2016 

Jane Bloomingdale Endorser Endorsement 2016 

David Maxwell Endorser Endorsement 2012 

Louis Zumbach Endorser Endorsement 2016 

Josh Byrnes Endorser Endorsement 2010 

Darrel Branhagen Endorser Endorsement 2014 

Brian Moore Endorser Endorsement 2012 

Alan Burt Endorser Endorsement 2012 

Bob Hager Endorser Endorsement 2012 

Sandy Salmon Endorser Endorsement 2012 

Megan Hess Endorser Endorsement 2012 

Dan Rasmussen Endorser Endorsement 2010 

Lee Hein Endorser Endorsement 2010 
96 

Mark Segebaot Endorser Endorsement 2016 

Dan Zumbach Endorser Endorsement 2016 

Trwnp Agricultural and Rural Member Member 20 16-present 

Advisory Committee 

Jeff Smith Endorser Endorsement 2012 

Bobby Kaufmann Speaker Speaker ll-13-2015 

lA GOP Lincoln Dinner Speaker Speaker May, 2016 

Johnson County GOP Dinner Speaker Speaker 4-29-16 

Black Hawk GOP Women's Speaker Speaker 4-l-16 

Lunch 

Jeff Edler Event Speaker Speaker 2-25-16 

Republican National Convention IA Delegate Delegate Duties 2008 

Please see the table below for a breakdown of itemized political contributions #6(C)- Political Activity: 

Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition $500 2012 

Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition $400 2013 

Iowa Farm Team PAC $500 2014 

Republican Party of Iowa $10,000.00 2016 

Republican Party oflowa $20,000.00 2016 

Republican Party of Iowa $1000.00 2016 
97 

Polk County Republican Central Committee $1000.00 2015 

Polk County Republican Central Committee $1000.00 2014 

Polk County Republican Central Committee $1000.00 2013 

Republican Party oflowa $15,000.00 2012 

Republican Party of Iowa $15,000.00 2012 

Polk County Republican Central Committee $1000.00 2012 

Polk County Republican Cenn·al Committee $1000.00 2012 

You requested that I clarifY resignations of membership positions. If confirmed, I will resign all 

positions and memberships listed in #5- Memberships with the exception of the Des Moines Rotary 

Club and the Valley E-Free Church in Des Moines, Iowa. 

Due to the vast nmnber of public events and speeches I have delivered during my tenure as Iowa 

Secretary of Agriculture please accept the attached documents detailing public events, speeches given, 

and where available talking points used, as an addendum to #7 Publications. 

For the final request on the need to list additional memberships on the OGE 278 form, I have consulted 

with Stuart Bender, Director of the Office of Ethics at USDA. Mr. Bender has determined that the 

additional memberships do not need to be listed on my nominee OGE-278 report. These memberships 

in certain agriculture-related Iowa state boards and councils are by virtue of my Iowa state government 

position. As Iowa's Secretary of Agricultme, I serve on those Iowa state councils to represent Iowa 

state government. The fiduciary duty is to my employer, the State of Iowa, and not to those respective 

boards and councils. These positions do not meet the fiduciary duty criteria established by the Ethics in 

Government Act and the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE). As such, these positions do not 

need to be listed on his OGE-278 report. 

Finally, please be advised that I certify the information included in all of my nominee documents was 

accurate as of the day of execution through present day, including my official nomination on September 

5, 2017. 

Sincerely, 
98 

October 4, 20 17 

The Honorable Pat Roberts, Chainnan 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, D.C. 20510 

The Honorable Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member 

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

United States Senate 

Washington, DC 20510 

Dear Chainnan Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow: 

Please be advised that pursuant to section lO 1 (b) of the Ethics in Government Act 

of 1978, as amended, I have infonned the appropriate ethics officials that the 

infonnation required by section l 02(a) (I)( A) of the Act with respect to income and 

honoraria contained in OGE Fonn 278e (Executive Branch Public Financial 

Disclosure Report) executed by me on September 6, 2017 is correct. 

This infonnation is current as of Wednesday, October 4, 2017. This date is within 

five days prior to the date of the first hearing scheduled to consider my nomination. 

Sincerely, 
99 

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION & "FORESTRY 

Questions for Executive Nominees 

115111 Congress 

1. Basic Biographical Information 

Please provide the following information. 
100 

From 

(MonthlY ear) 

(Check box if 

estimate) 

---------·~E-,,--1---·---·---l 

09/1959 X 

Es-1 

0 
101 

2. Education 

List all post-secondary schools attended. 

Ime of School llatc llcg'!!! Hate Emled 

School Name of (vocational/technical/trade school. School (month/year) (check Oate col!cgc/univcrsity/military college, (month/year) Degree School conespmldcnccldistancelextension/online (check box if hox if estimate) Awarded 

school) estimate) (check "present" box 

Southwest University Est if still inEss~h~~kt ~A M;rf2004 

Minnesota ,\ngusllUUl X lkt:ltJO·I X 0 

State pev 

University -~~----~~---·-------"" 

Iowa State University ,\ugusll971 !·:sl ~" p,~,,r Bachelors May:J University l\lny 1981 
102 

3. Employment 

(A) List all of your employment activities, including unemployment and selt~employmcnt. 

If the employment activity was military duty, list separate employment activity periods to 

show each change of military duty station. Do not list employment before your 18th 

birthday unless to p1·ovide a minimum of two years of employment history. 

-JM ··- Ty~e of Employment 

(Active Militmy Duty Station, Date 

Nalional Guard/Reserve, Emnlo~meut 

US PHS Commissioned Corps, Date Ended 

Other l'ederal employment, Name of Your Location Employment (n1onth/year) Most ~t.ecent (Cit and State Government (Non- Employer/ Posahou y Began (check box if 

federal Employment), Self- Assigned Duty T~l Stale (month/year) estimate) 

cmploymcnl, Unemployment, Station ~ only) (check box if (check 

Federal Contractor, Non- estimate) "present'' box 

Government Employment if still 

(excluding self-employment), employed) 

Other 

Electeci"Official- St~·te of State oflowa Secretary of Des Est F.st 

Iowa Agriculture Moines. .lnnum)' 12007 CmTeur u 

{t>IN::IedNov.'{l6) 

!A ·--·--·--- -----·- Grain Esl Farmer Self-employed Owner Spirit Est 

Lake, !A 0.5/1981 X Presrnt 0 

Esl Est 

n 0 

(B) List any advisory, consultative, honoral'}' m· othc1· part-time sei'Vice o1· positions with 

federal, state, o1· local govcmmcnts, not listed elsewhe1·e. 

·-·-·--·· Date Sct·vicc 

I 

Date Service Ended 

Name of Goverument Name of I' osition Jlegan (month/year) (check box 

Entity (month/year) if estimate) (check 

(check box if "present" box if still 

estimate) serving) 

USI>A- f?arm Service State FSA Committee 08/2001 E!il 08/2005 F.! I Pn~seut 

Agcucy X X 0 

-------- Est E~ !'"""' 0 

4. Hono1·s and Awards 

List all schola1·ships, fellowships, honorm'}' deg1·ees, civilian service citations, milita1'Y 

medals, academic or professional hono1·s, honol'al'}' society membe1·ships and any other 

special1·ecognition for outstanding se1·vice or achievement. 
103 

2016 Graham Award for Outstanding Service to Agriculture, National Assn. of State 

Departments of Agriculture; 

o Foreign Animal Disease Leadership Team recognized for the response to highly 

pathogenic avian influenza 

2016 Master Farmer Recognition, Class of 2016, Wallaces Farmer 

2016 4-H Outstanding Alumni Award 

2016 Distinguished Achievement in Agriculture Award, Gamma Sigma Delta 

o Distinguished Service Award, Iowa Corn Growers Association 

2015 State Public Service Award, National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) 

2014 Recognition of Contribution to Iowa Renewable Fuels Industry, Eco Engineers RIN 

Academy 

2013 Honorary Member, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity 

2012 Alumni Merit Award, Iowa State University Alumni Association 

o The Alumni Association's /SU Club of Chicago established tilis award in 1932 to 

recognize ISU alumni for outstanding contributions to human welfare that transcend 

purely professional accomplishments and bring ilonor to the university 

2008 Gulf Guardian Award, EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program Partnership 

5. Memberships 

List allmembe1·ships that you have held in professional, social, bnsiness, fratemal, 

schola1·ly, civic, o1· charitable m·ganizatious in the last 10 years. 

Unless 1·clevant to your nomination, you do NOT need to include membe1·ships in 

chal'itable organizations available to the public as a result of a tax deductible donation of 

$1,000 o1·less, Parent-Teache1· Associations o1· othe1· o1·gauizations connected to schools 

attended by your children, athletic clubs or teams, automobile suppo1·t o1·gauizatious (such 

as AAA), discounts clubs (such as Gronpon m· Sam's Club), or affinity 

mcmbe•·ships/consnme1· clnbs (such as ft·cquent l'lyet· membe1·ships). 

Iowa Water Resources Coordinating 

Council 

EPA Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task 2007- present 

Force 

Co-chair 
104 

[-Iowa fi,~(,i1iotio-;;-!ioafd ____ · -~2oo7p•eselrt_____ ----~;z.:orfic;;;so;;;iii\.1cii1bc,:-

llawa Soybean Association ~-present ·-··--··--·-- I Ex-officio Board Member 

!Iowa Beeflndustry Council -,7- present ' v-;;t;;;gE~~-;;ffkloBWdM-;;;;t;;;;:-

llowa Turkey Marketing Council _}2007- present Member 

Iowa Animal Care Review Board 2014 {est)- present Board member 

Iowa Egg Council 2007 - present Ex-ofiicio Board Member 

Member 

Roundtable I 

Farm Foundation Bennett 

Iowa Q·op lmpr··-o-v-er_n_et-,t-A:-s-s-n---+~=----··--···-------·---f-:rv-cte_t_n.,.bc-r------------l 

Iowa Grain Indemnity Fund Board 

Iowa Rural Health & Primary Care--

Advisory Committee 

Iowa Sheep & Wool Promotion 

Board 

Iowa State Dairy Board 

2007- present 

2007- present 

--- ____ I 

Iowa Watershed Improvement --~ 20!0- present 

Review Board 

t~---~ 

US Egg lndusl!y Center- Iowa 2007- present 

State University 

Q~;a State UniV"C;·sity Pl<mt Sciences 

Center 

1-Iowa l'~t;ltry Association -+-c~~------------1--=o-~-----·---------·----
105 

6. Political Activity 

(A) Have you ever been a candidate fo1· m· been elected or appointed to a political office? 

Year(~ Election 

Name of Office Elected/Appointed/ Held or Term or Service 

Candidate Onl_y Awofnfmcnt (if applicable) 

Made ---·---------·- Department of Agriculture and Land Elected 1"- Nov 2006 sCrving Current tenn 

Stewardship 2"'-Nov2010 

3''- Nov 2014 

'-· 

(B) List any offices held in o1· services rendered to a political party or election committee 

during the last ten years that you have not listed elsewhere. 

(C) Itemize all individual political contt·ibutions of $200 o1· more that you have made in the 

past five yeat·s to any individual, campaign organization, political pat•ty, political action 

committee, ot· similar entity. Please list each individual contl'ibution and not the total 

amount contributed to the person or entity dul'ing the yeat·. 

~ Year of Contribution 

$100 2012 

f10o 2014 

$100 2016 
106 

----~~---

~--~---c;::·::,----,-~,-----;-·--;:;--·--;:·:~---------~------------------------ $400 

Iowa Faith atld Freedmn cQfl-ff!ion 20!2 

2013 

$500 2014 
107 

7. Publications 

List the titles, publishHs and dates of bool•s, articles, reports or other published Jllaterials 

that you have w1·ittcn, including articles published on the Internet. 

I T~;~-----1-----~uiJJishc•· ---- l 1!!!00;:;~~;;;;;;---

l_lowan "Tama Jim" Wilson a USDA TAgri-Pulse --- l February 15,2017 l Secretary of great significance L 

I IOwans United on Water Quality Des Moines Register I September 23, 2016 

Effm1s 

, .... ,.,., .. ~ ..... , ,.. ,~ .. ,,. ........ - I """""" ~.,. ,. ,. .. -- of- Nm1hey, Clabaugh, Currey & 

Wintersteen 

E 15: An affordable,clem1-burning-- Genet a! Dtstt ibution Septembet 16, 20 16 

option at the pump 

Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP): An Iowa Economic Development January 15, 2016 

impm1ant opporhmity for Iowa Authority 

farmers 

Agriculture and the low-a-::C:-a-uc-,-,s----1-------------·-·--+x;;;-,u-m-y 29;2o16---------1 

December 10,2015 

Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy: Cedar Rapids Gazette 

Making Exciting ProgressNot1hey, G ip£,';c' L=a.:.w.:.•:.:·e=n-=-cc'-;-:-----+-:::-~-;-c:---;::--:--:---------·f-:··--:c;:-;oc;·:-;-·----------------1 f-anners and cities are working Des Moines Register 

together on nutrient reductionNmthey, Gipp 

-caiif~mi~is tryini(Ot3ke awaY- Cedar Rapids Gazette 

consumer choice 
108 

RFS Comment Period: An 

opp01tunity fur Iowans to be heard 

Nutrient Reduction Strategy key to 

keeping Iowa a national leader in 

Genera! Distribution 

General Distribution 

December 5, 20 13 

July, 19,2013 

January 10, 2013 

~~e~~io_n_-__ N~o~rt~h~ey~&_G~ip~p----~~~--~-=----------------~~~~~~--------------~ Tile Drainage and Flooding Cedar rapids Gazette March 23,2012 

8. Lobbying 

In the past ten years, have you registered as a lobbyist"! If so, please indicate the state, 

federal, or local bodies with which you have register·ed (e.g., House, Senate, Califomia 

Secr·etat·y of State). 

No. 
(109) 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

OCTOBER 5, 2017 
110 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

Nomination Hearing 

October 5, 2017 

Questions for the Record 

Mr. Gregory Ibach 

Chairman Pat Roberts 

(I) As Under Secretary, you will be responsible for implementing standards set forth by the 

Secretary through the National Organic Standards Board. A rule pertaining to production 

requirements for Organic Livestock and Poultry was finalized near the end of the previous 

Administration. This rule appeared to side with some in the organic industry who oppose 

commercial growth in this sector. 

a. As Under Secretary, what will be your approach to addressing complex issues like this, 

where some argue concepts such as "organic" and "commercial" cannot coexist? If 

confim1cd, I will help lead the Secretary's efforts in protecting the integrity of the 

USDA organic certified seal through a collaborati\'C and transparent process necessary 

to ensure USDA ccnificd organic products meet consistent, nnifon11 standards. 

b. Will you support AMS programs that allow businesses to increase their scale and up 

their production? Yes. 

(2) Upon confirmation you will immediately be faced with departmental action on the GIPSA 

rules. These rules were first proposed in 2010 and haven't been implemented due to the 

controversy surrounding them-industry economists have found these rules would have a 

negative impact of over a billion dollars to animal agriculture. These rules were also finalized 

near the end of the previous administration, and they are now set to take effect on October 19, 

2017. As Under Secretary, will you commit to taking immediate steps to ensure these rules are 

not implemented? If confim1ed, I will commit to implementing the Secretary's Regulatory 

Reform agenda to ensure all MRP regulations are fact-based. data-driYcn and deliver a clearly 

defined regulatory benefit that balances costs and benefits without implementing undue 

burdens on American agriculture. 

(3) As Under Secretary you will be responsible for overseeing the commodity checkoffs. 

Checkoffs have been widely supported by fmmers and ranchers due to the tremendous returns 

they generate. Yet, some interest groups claim checkoffs do not tmly promote the interests of 

all farmers and ranchers and lack transparency. 

a. Do you believe continuing commodity checkoffs are important for American 

agriculture? Yes. 

b. From your experience in state goveiTmlent working with some of the commodity 

checkoffs, do you believe they are adequately managed? If contirmed, I commit to 
111 

managing all MRP programs consistent with the Secretary's Strategic Goals. "·hich 

include working efficiently. cftectively. with integrity and customer sen·ice. 

(4) The checkoff authority generally prohibits promotional materials for one product from 

disparaging another. How will you ensure that organic promotions that are from checkoff 

authority and monies will not disparage other non-organic products, such as those that are, 

contain or may contain biotechnology? If confirmed. l will oversee the commodity checkoffs 

consistent with the authority Congress has granted. and I will implement the Secretary's 

directive to maximize the ability of the men and women of America's agriculture to produce 

and sell the foods and tiber that teed and clothe the \Yorld. 

(5) The organic industry has experienced rapid growth since the establishment of the organic 

standard in 1990. With that growth, producers have utilized various approved methods of 

production to meet the growing consumer demand. However, the National Organic Standards 

Board (NOSB) is discussing whether or not to recommend removing currently allowable 

production methods from being eligible to qualify for USDA's Organic labeL As Under 

Secretary, how will you balance NOSB recommendations with the need for a variety of 

production methods to meet the demand for organics? If confirmed. I will facilitate the 

NOSB's recommendations consistent \vith the Secretary's directive to "Do Right and Feed 

Everyone." 

(6) I understand that USDA is making progress on implementation of the National Bioengineered 

Food Disclosure Standard. This new function was not intended as a new, costly, programmatic 

function of the agency as there are appropriate mechanisms in place for enforcement Will you 

commit to work with me and the Committee to implement the biotech disclosure law in a 

manner that does not create significant new bureaucracy at USDA and in a manner that is as 

minimally disruptive to the marketplace? Y cs. 

(7) Back in January both USDA and FDA proposed draft rules and guidance on biotechnology in 

agriculture. If confirmed, what steps would you take to engage and coordinate with USDA's 

counterpart agencies and our trade partners to try and harmonize these and any further 

rulemaking eff01is? If confirmed. I will work with other USDA Under Secretaries and our 

counterpart agencies. along with our trading partners. to ensure a robust, transparent process 

based on the best available science is implemented to hannonize these rulcmaking efforts. 

(8) In 2015, Congress passed the Agriculture Reauthorizations Act (P.L. 114-54) which amended 

the U.S. Grain Standards Act. On April 14th 2017, the Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards 

Administration (GIPSA) issued Directive 9290.18 providing for the cancellation of nonuse of 

service exception agreements if one or more patiies cancel the exception. The cancelled and 

pending cancellations of nonuse of service exceptions has created concems and confusion 

among stakeholders with pre-existing exception agreements. 

a. How can USDA accommodate Congressional intent, expressed in report language, 

regarding requiring agreement between only the designated official agency and the 

applicant? l have not been fully briefed on this matter. However, if confirmed, I look 
112 

forward to becoming fully infom1cd on this issue and the accompanying Congressional 

intent. 

b. Do you commit to working with stakeholders to address these concems? Yes. 
113 

Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow 

Budget 

(1) If you are confirmed, will you commit to using all appropriated funds in a timely manner and 

spending all funds as intended by Congress? If confirmed, yes. I will in accordance with the 

relevant legal requirements. 

Management 

(2) The Marketing and Regulatory Program Mission area oversees everything from international 

and domestic plant and animal health issues to organics, commodity promotion, and 

development oflocal markets. 

a. Wbat will you do to ensure you are balancing all of the functions of the role? During 

my testimony, I identified balance as the key challenge and approach to this job. If 

confirmed, I will first recognize the vast diversity of American agriculture and the 

evolving markets not just as challenges. but as opportunities we are uniquely suited to 

mcel. On the issues related to health and safety, first and foremost. we must rely on 

science and data and insist on its integrity and adherence. 

b. Will you commit to consulting with a broad group of stakeholders on decisions that 

impact your mission area? If confirmed, yes. I will. As Secretary in Nebraska, I found 

consultation vital and as President or )JASDA, consultation was the foundation for our 

unity of voice and action. 

Specialty Crops 

(3) Specialty Crop Block Grants support research, marketing and promotion of specialty crops. 

This program has been critical to supporting growth ofMichigan's hop industJy which is now 

the 4th largest site of production in the country. 

a. Will you commit to supporting, protecting, and continuing specialty crop programs in 

your mission area? Y cs. 

b. What efforts will you take to ensure that the U.S. specialty crop industry is healthy and 

growing? If confirmed, I look fcwward to becoming fully briefed on the challenges and 

the programs and working \Vith Congress and stakeholders to best prioritize activities. 

Organics 

(4) Organic agriculture is the fastest growing sector of American agriculture, contributing over 

$50 billion annually to the national economy. Protecting organic integrity and helping farmers 

transition into organics are vitally import to growth in the organic sector. 

a. Will you commit to working with the National Organic Standards Board, producers, 

and organic stakeholders to protect the integrity of the National Organic Program? If 

confirmed, I will. I am supportive of all of agriculture and the organic markets provide 

a particularly attractive opportunity for small, beginning and local producers. 
114 

b. If confirmed, how will you support organics in your new role? If confirmed. I look 

forward to becoming fully briefed on the fedcml programs and challenges and working 

with organic producers and Congress to identify priorities such as the integrity of the 

seal and transitional barriers you referenced. 

(5) A recent audit by the USDA Office of the Inspector General found that the National Organic 

Program lacked proper controls for imports of supposedly "organic" products. I am concerned 

that this lack of oversight and accountability could damage consumer confidence and 

compromise the integrity of the organic program. 

a. Will you commit to making enforcement of USDA's organic standards for imports a 

priority? If confirmed. yes, I will as has the Secretary. 

b. Will you commit to updating my staff on progress the National Organic Program is 

making to increase accountability and enforcement of organic standards for imports? 

Yes. !will. 

c. Given increasingly complex global supply chains, how will you ensure the integrity of 

the USDA organic seal? If confirmed. I will make it a priority to get briefed on the 

O!G report and options for resolution. It is not clear to me yet what demands may be 

for human and financial resources or whether new methods arc necessary to best ensure 

compliance but we must ensure that consumer confidence in the seal is maintained. 

d. NOP has limited resources to carry out investigations and enforcing activities, will 

USDA take a risk based approach to addressing integrity concerns? Yes, I will, if 

confirmed. 

Checkoffs 

(6) Congress authorized the organic checkoff in the 2014 farm bill to allow industry to meet 

growing research needs and find solutions to emerging challenges. Despite larger criticisms 

of the checkoff programs, the organic sector should have the same opportunity as any other 

agricultural sector to put in place a checkoff program. Will you commit equal treatment of all 

checkoff programs, including the proposed organic checkoff? I am not aware of issues 

surrounding an effort to put an organic checkoff program in dfcct but as a producer, I have 

bec-n supponive of checkoif programs across industries that arc accountable and operate 

"·ithin important guidelines to protect the producer inn:stmcnt, to prcYent political 

intcr\'ention and to ensure a positiYC industry message. If confirmed. I will become briefed 

on this matter and look forvvard to discussing it \\ith stakeholders and interested members of 

the Congress. 

(7) The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) oversees more than 20 research and promotion 

boards and is responsible for reviewing the "checkoff" budgets and contracts to ensure that 

they do not violate the law. AMS is also required to submit an annual report to Congress on 

the National Dairy Promotion and Research Program and National Fluid Milk Processor 

Promotion Program, however this report has not been published since 2012. 

a. If confirmed, will you commit to finalizing all of the missing dairy checkoff reports, 

and to publish all future reports in a timely manner? This is a matter of which I have 
115 

GIPSA 

not prcYiously been apprised but if confirmed. I will get to the bottom of it at your 

request 

b. There have been several high-profile incidents of checkoff funds being misused, and 

USDA's inspector general has called for greater oversight of checkoff boards. How 

will you work to ensure that all research and promotion programs have proper oversight 

and ensure checkoff funds are not being misused? If confirmed I will familiarize 

myself with the OIG findings you referenced. As I indicated in response to question 6. 

accountability of these programs is Yital and it is the responsibility of the MRP 

leadership to make it so. 

(8) Throughout his campaign and in his inaugural address, President Trump stressed the 

importance of defending American workers against an economy that has been rigged to favor 

large corporations-not workers. The farm sector is certainly not exempt from the same forces 

that can lead to unfair wages and working conditions that President Trump has vowed to fight. 

That pursuit of fairness sits at the heart of the Packers and Stockyards Act, an important law 

administered by the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). As 

you may know, GIPSA promulgated a set of rules designed to protect poultry farmers against 

unfair business practices, which have been delayed and now have an effective date of October 

19,2017. Both the Farm Bureau and the National Farmers Union have supported the rules. 

Consistent with President Trump's pledge to protect farmers and ranchers, do you intend to 

fully implement the Farmer Fair Practices Rules promulgated by GIPSA? As a livestock 

producer, I appreciate the competing views on this and related competitiveness matters and 

pledge to work with stakeholders to find the right balance. As stated in my response to 

Senator Roberts, if confirmed. I wi11 commit to implementing the Secretary's Regulatory 

Refom1 agenda to ensure a11 MRP regulations are fact-based. data-driven and dcliYer a clearly 

defined regulatory benefit that balances costs and bcne!lts without implementing undue 

burdens on American agricullure. 

(9) As a part of the reorganization effort at USDA, the Packers and Stockyards Program is being 

shifted from having its own Deputy Administrator to promote fair business practices and 

competitive markets for farmers and ranchers, to being one program among many overseen 

by a Deputy Administrator. How will you ensure that this downgrade does not impact the 

ability for fmmers and ranchers to have a level playing field? lf confirmed. I intend to 

immediately be briefed on the new roles and responsibi lilies outlined in the latest 

reorganization ciTorts. I understand the Secretary's commitment to being more eflicicnt and 

better serving customers and believe that commitment to GIPSA customers will remain. 

Animal Welfare 

(10) In February 2017, USDA removed thousands of pages from its APHIS website relating to the 

enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act, including facility 

inspection reports, lists of regulated entities, enforcement records, and research facility annual 

reports. Much of this information continues to be withheld from the public, depriving the 

public of a valuable resource to gain transparency into USDA's enforcement of these 

important animal welfare laws and cases of abuse and mistreatment of animals. 
116 

If confirmed will you promote transparency and adherence to animal welfare laws? Will you 

work to restore the A WA and HPA records previously available? If con tinned, I will request 

a progress report on this matter. I believe strongly we should be transparent according to 

applicable legal requirements. 

Animal Health 

(11) Bovine tuberculosis was once the most prevalent infectious disease in cattle in the U.S., 

causing more losses among U.S. livestock in the early part of the last century than all other 

infectious diseases combined. The Cooperative State-Federal Tuberculosis Eradication 

Program was created 100 years ago, in 1917. Since then, the disease has been nearly 

eradicated, though Michigan continues to have outbreaks of the disease in cattle due to a 

disease reservoir in deer. 

Do you commit to continue to work with state and local governments, as well as producers, 

to continue efforts to eradicate bovine tuberculosis? Yes. This is an important example of 

both the success of federal animal health programs and the elusiw nature of animal disease 

which requires our continuous diligence. 

(12) Within the last year, the U.S. has seen outbreaks of avian influenza, New World Screwworm, 

bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and bovine tuberculosis. Zoonotic diseases pose a threat 

to both human and animal health, and most new human pathogens originate in animals. USDA 

is the primary government agency responsible for safeguarding animal health. 

If confirmed will you advocate on behalf of producers to Congress to provide additional 

funding to respond to infectious disease outbreaks? Are you prepared to represent the U.S. 

agricuHural industry with our trading partners during a disease outbreak? If confirmed, yes 

to all the above. :\1attcr;; rdatcd to health of this nature must have the resources necessary to 

get the job done and as with this and all other trade issues, ir will be the job of APHIS to 

adhere to science and data to infmm trade access outcomes. 

Urban Agriculture 

(13) Urban agriculture is quickly expanding and gaining popularity in communities, small towns, 

and metropolitans across the United States. Urban agriculture brings farming to urban 

residents and strengthens connections to JUral communities. It also provides economic 

opportunities, increases access to food, and is a training ground for future farmers. 

Will you commit to supporting new fmmers, innovative production methods, and all farmers 

regardless if they are located in urban ormral areas? Yes. I will. \Vith a smaller and smaller 

percentage of Americans providing food. fuel and fiber in this country, this represents a 

meaningful opportunity to restore the critical bonds you idcntify. 
117 

People's Garden 

(14) To date, there are nearly 2000 registered people's gardens across the country, located on 

federal properties, schools, faith based centers, and other community sites. These gardens 

coordinated through USDA and managed by volunteers have donated over 3.9 million pounds 

of produce to hungry communities all across the country. 

a. What is your vision for the USDA People's Garden Program? As one who beliews 

that \\C farm not just for nutrition and an economic living but for personal growth, I 

applaud efforts to get more people directly inYolwd. This effort speaks to the necessary 

connection you cited before that I bclieYe is necessary to preserYe political unity around 

broad American farm production pursuits. 

b. Will you commit to continue to use the People's Garden in Washington, D.C. to educate 

the residents and visitors in the Nation's Capital about food and agriculture? Y cs. 

c. Will you commit to continue to manage USDA's national network of People's Gardens 

across the country? Yes. 

Local Foods 

(15) Industry data shows that local food sales totaled at least $12 billion in 2014 and are expected 

to reach over $20 billion by 2019. Over 160,000 farmers currently sell products into the local 

food economy both through small scale purchases at farmers and into food hub aggregates for 

large wholesale purchases. Over the past decade, USDA has made significant investment in 

building infrastructure to support the local food economy. 

a. What will you do to build, improve, and diversify efforts to ensure that direct marketing 

opportunities are available to all American fam1ers? Local sales are an exciting growth 

area for many American farmers. If confinned, I look forward to engaging v1·ith this 

community to !cam hO\v USDA can best help. 

b. What will you do to build local markets and regional food systems? While not 

intimately familiar with the details of the past investment you mention. if confirmed, I 

look forward to engaging this community to learn of past action and dctcnnine how 

best to proceed. 

c. Will you commit to continue working with other USDA agencies to support local and 

regional food system development? Y cs. 

d. Will you commit to working with Congress and stakeholders to expand and improve 

local and regional food systems? Y cs. 

e. What is your vision for the future of the Know Your Fanner Know Your Food 

initiative? 

(a-c): If confirmed, I will insist on a comprchcnsiYc briefing of all the authorities 

provided MRP by Congress in this regard including Know Your Fanner Know Your 

Food. In short, J find new and local market opportunities \'ery exciting for both 

producers and consumers. An increasing number of consumers value local production 

and arc willing to pay suitabk rctums to local providers in addition to proYiding the 
118 

connectivity you sited previously. If confirmed. I pkdgc to \York with stakeholders and 

Congress on measures to continue the momentum. 

f. As part of the Know your Farmer Know Your Food Initiative, USDA posted a local 

food compass on the USDA website to help stakeholders assess and develop regional 

and local food infrastructure. Will you commit to sharing this infonnation with 

stakeholders and posting updated information on USDA's website? This is a matter 

that I must look into but l commit to doing so. 

g. Will you commit to continuing the USDA seasonal farmers market in Washington, 

D.C.? If cont!rmed, I will. 

{16) USDA Food and Nutrition Service has initiated several efforts to help small family farms 

engage in direct marketing by addressing technology barriers that make it difficult for SNAP 

participants to make purchases at farmers markets, farm-stands, and through community 

supported agriculture programs. 

a. Will you commit to focusing on these issues to make it easier for direct to consumer 

sales? Yes. I look forward to a discussion of these issues of which I am not yet 

adequately briefed. 

b. What will you do to support efforts that strengthen markets for small farmers? The 

issues related to FNS eligibility and compliance and direct markets are ones !must look 

into for furth.::r detail. If conllnned, I pledge to do so. 

GMO Labeling 

{17) I know the Secretary is committed to getting this implemented on time, which I appreciate. 

However, it is just as impmtant to get the policy right, which will require a balance between 

ensuring consumers have the transparency about their food that they expect with making sure 

the disclosure is based on sound science. 

a. Will you commit to working with Congress and all interested stakeholders to craft a 

rule consistent with congressional intent for transparency? If confirmed. yes. 

b. Will you commit to regular bliefings for the Committee as implementation moves 

forward? Y cs. 

Food Safety 

(18) The relationship between USDA and FDA is critically important to the safety of the nation's 

food supply. It's also been an important partnership while FDA implements final rules under 

the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which will improve food safety of processed 

foods, fresh produce, pet food, and ensure foreign suppliers are meeting the same standards 

as domestic producers and processors. 

a. Will you commit to maintaining and strengthening this relationship? This was a 

challenging matter that state ag leaders toiled owr at length when I was President of 

NASDA. If confim1ed. yes. I will. 
119 

b. How will you increase communication and cooperation between USDA and FDA on 

food safety issues? l'v1y observation to date is that the Secretary is leading the way on 

intcrngcncy cooperation and !look forward to doing more than my part. Whether with 

FSMA or other matters on which we work together with FDA !look forward to a close 

working relationship for the reasons you identify. 

(19) The FSMA standards are poised to have major impacts on small farmers. FDA's own 

regulatory impact analysis states that some small farms will go out of business. Will you 

commit to ensuring that USDA programs provide outreach and technical assistance to smaller 

operations attempting to comply with FSMA? Yes. 

Market Data 

(20) AMS serves an important role in providing market news and price reporting for farmers and 

ranchers, and can be more responsive and tailor reporting to the needs of industry faster than 

NASS. The data AMS provides is valuable for facilitating open, transparent price discovery 

and providing all market participants with information. As more commodity programs and 

crop insurance policies become available for a wide range of crops, accurate and reliable price 

and yield data is increasingly important. 

a. How will you work to improve the important market news and reporting that AMS 

provides for farmers and ranchers? When I am adequately briefed on existing 

procedures, 1 will reach out to stakeholders and to leadership at REE for their best ideas. 

This is an opportunity to deliver on customer service with information the public 

requires and that we can best produce. It should be an ongoing conversation. 

b. How will you work to ensure this reporting remains available and transparent for all 

market participants under increasingly tight budgets? As with all matters \Yhere 

important functions face budget pressure, l will b.: both encouraging and stubborn in 

pursuit of innovative delivery approaches that go llmhcr with less. 

Working with Congress 

(21) If you are confirmed, I look forward to working very closely with you on the upcoming Farm 

Bill and other issues of importance to American farmers, ranchers, and families. If confirmed, 

do you agree, without reservation, to: 

a. Promptly reply to any request for inf01mation from me or any duly constituted 

committee of the Congress? If confirmed, y~?s. 

b. Respond to my requests for data and technical assistance in drafting legislation? Yes. 

c. Notify me or my staff in advance of making public any major changes USDA decides 

to make or major decisions USDA makes during your tenure? Under the leadership of 

three Governors. I have been sensitiw about this duty. Y cs. to the very best of my 

ability. 
120 

d. Notify me of any programs in your Mission area that USDA intends to end, discontinue 

new enrollment or new awards, or not promote, prior to making any such changes to 

any program? Yes. to the \Try best of my ability. 

e. Provide to this Committee any reports provided by USDA to the Senate Appropriations 

Committee or the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and 

Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee? Y cs. 
121 

Senator Joni Ernst 

(!)In 2015 we experienced the worst foreign animal disease outbreak in our nation's history, with 

the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HP AI) or Bird Flu as it was commonly called. In Iowa 

our turkey and egg laying flocks were devastated, and the impact was felt acutely by farmers 

across the Midwest. As Bill Northey can attest to, it was trial by fire, and the Iowa Department 

of Ag learned a lot through the experience, as did the USDA. How would you collaborate with 

other agencies and within the USDA to ensure we are prepared to response to another foreign 

animal disease outbreak, be it HPAI, Foot and Mouth Disease, or something else~ \Vhile 

Nebraska did not experience the same lew\ ofHPAI incidents or impacts Iowa and other states 

suffered. i\'ebraska was forced to depopulate four large egg-laying facilities containing nearly 

fiYe million chickens impacted by the HPAI outbreak in 20\5. If con finned. I will facilitate 

an aggressiw intcrngency process within USDA and all appropriate federal and state agency 

partners. as well as producers. to ensure we are prepared to mitigate and, when necessary, 

respond to future animal disease outbreaks. 
122 

Senator Steve Daines 

(1) As you know, the Agricultural Marketing Service will play an essential role in developing the 

rules related to labeling biotechnology. As USDA moves forward in its rule-making process, 

will you commit to ensuring that your priority will be to make detenninations based on sound 

science regarding the safety of food or products within its jurisdiction, and not on marketing 

or mandatory labeling efforts that have no bearing on food safety or plant pest risk? Y cs. 

(2) APHIS plays a critical role in establishing the rules surrounding ensuring that imported food 

is safe and that countries are meeting their obligations within existing trade agreements. How 

will you work with other relevant agencies within the federal government to ensure that U.S. 

products are not facing unfair trade barriers, whether they be sanitary and phytosanitary 

measures or otherwise? I believe that partnerships arc critical to ensure a unified strategy 

against unfair sanitary and phytosanitary trade bmri<:rs. lf confirmed, T plnn to work closely 

and stay in regular communication with the USDA Cnder Secretaries for Tmde and Foreign 

Agricultural Affairs, Food Safety, and Research. Education and Economics, as well as the U.S. 

Trade Representative and Department of Commerce to light unt:1ir ba!Tiers with the best 

science available. 

(3) Farmers and ranchers in the Greater Yellowstone Area have significant concems regarding 

brucellosis. How do you see APHIS coordinating and cooperating with state and local agencies 

in Montana, including Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Department of Livestock on 

disease management efforts, particularly regarding brucellosis, in the Greater Yellowstone 

Area? Just as \Yith trade barriers, I think it is critical to ha\'e open lines of communication and 

the best science m·ailablc when dealing with challenges like brucellosis. If conllm1ed. ! will 

work \\·ith APHIS to make sure that we arc listening to our state and local counterparts. as well 

as local producers as we work to address brucellosis. The elusiw nature of this animal disease 

requires a well-coordinated respons.::. 

(4) APHIS and the Department of Homeland Secmity are responsible for maintaining the Select 

Agents and Toxins list. The inclusion of the Brucella abottus bacteria on this list has 

substantially hindered critical research into brucellosis, which endangers cattle herds of 

farmers and ranchers in Southwest Montana and elsewhere in the West. While protecting the 

homeland against the potential of a biological attack is of utmost importance, would you 

commit to working with me to see if there can be an appropriate exemption made for legitimate 

research, particularly surrounding agriculture, for the Bmcella abortus bacteria? Yes. 
123 

Senator Patrick Leahy 

(I) In your opinion, what are the major management challenges facing the Animal Plant Health 

Inspection Service (APHIS) today? How do you intend to address any such challenges? If 

confirmed. I look forward to carefully reviewing the operations of APHIS to identify where 

the agency works well and \Yhcrc there is room for improvement. I agree with the Secretary's 

goal to make USDA the most etlicient. effective and best run depal1ment in the Federal 

gowrnment and will work to ensure that the agencies under my superYision striYc to reach this 

standard. 

(2) In your opinion, what are the major management challenges facing the Grain Inspection, 

Packers and Stockyards Administration today? How do you intend to address any such 

challenges? According to CSDA 's recently announced realignment. the Federal Grain 

Inspection Senice and the Packers and Stockyards will be separated and realigned within 

MRP. If confirmed. I look forward to carefully re\-iewing the operations of both entities to 

ensure that these chang.:s achieve their aim of delivering better sen-ice to the customers of both 

FG!S and Packers and Stockyards. l agrc.: with the Secretary's goal to make USDA the most 

efficient. effcctiYe and best run ckpmtment in the Federal government and will work to ensure 

that the agencies under my supervision strive to reach this standard. 

(3) In your opinion, what are the major management challenges facing the Agricultural Marketing 

Service (AMS) today? How do you intend to address any such challenges? If confirmed, !look 

forward to carefully reviewing the operations of AMS to identify where the agency works well 

and where there is room for impro\-emenL and would want to ensure that the addition of 

program components to AMS recently announced by the Secretary goes smoothly. I agree with 

the Secretary's goal to make USDA the most efficient. cflcctivc and best run department in the 

Federal gon~rnmcnt and will \HJrk to ensure that the agencies under my supervision striw to 

reach this standard. 

(4) The AMS oversees the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO) that help to ensure stability 

of producer milk prices and an adequate milk supply for the marketplace. However, I have 

heard complaints that our current FMMO dairy pricing system stands as a disincentive for 

making donations of dairy products during times of low milk prices. Today we have perverse 

financial signals for dairy processors and fmmer cooperatives to simply dump milk in manure 

lagoons rather than donating it to food banks or other feeding programs. 

Would you supp01t changes to the present pricing formula to encourage the donation of dairy 

products rather than just seeing that milk dumped into manure pits? FMl'v10s have added 

stability to milk pricing for produc~?rs and buyers for some time. The waste that you describe 

is disturbing. If confirmed, I intend to get briefed on this and then let us discuss further on 

hmv best to rcsolw. 

(5) In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, and the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) held five joint public workshops to explore competition issues affecting 

the agricultural sector in the 21st century and the appropriate role for antitrust and regulatory 

enforcement in that industry. 
124 

a. Do I have your commitment that you will thoroughly review the issues raised by 

fanners from across the country at those five workshops? Yes. 

b. How can the USDA and Congress better address barriers to fair competitiOn in 

agriculture markets, including buyer power (monopsony) and vertical integration? I 

believe that fair competition is Yital to healthy agricultural markets that benetit both 

producers and consumers. If contirmcd. I look forward to working with the Secretary. 

Congress. and stakeholders to ensure that the regulatory agencies within \IRP are 

accomplishing their missions \\·hile also not causing undue regulatory barriers ro 

competition. 

( 6) Under your leadership as the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, your state 

has witnessed a nearly 300 percent increase in the number of farmers' markets since 2000 and 

I saw that in 2015 you helped to lead the celebration when Nebraska surpassed 100 farmers' 

markets statewide. Nationwide we have seen the number of farmers' markets double in the 

last ten years, which helps all types of agriculture to create jobs and ensure a safe and secure 

food supply. 

How will you work to ensure that local foods and farmers' markets, which many Americans 

rely on as a source of affordable, nutritious, and accessible food, receive the necessary federal 

resources and attention to continue feeding communities and creating markets for producers 

and jobs for rural communities? If confirmed, [ \Yill work to ensure that the agencies under my 

supen·ision meet the needs of their diverse customers. including both the local markets that 

many Americans enjoy as well as the producers and consumers in larger. truditional markets 

which supply the safe. abundant food which will be necessary to meet needs of the future. 

(7) According to data from the Food and Nutrition Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

roughly .02% of all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spending occurs at 

fanners' markets while 51% of SNAP dollars are spent at big box stores. 

a. Recognizing that local food and farmers' markets are an important source of affordable 

and healthy options and necessary for a secure food supply, how do you suggest we 

encourage and educate people on opportunities to redeem SNAP dollars at fmmers' 

markets? If confirmed. I will work to ensure that the programs under my supcn ision 

increase awareness amongst consumers. including SNAP recipknts, of the diwrse 

range of options for healthy. wholesome food provided by our producers. If contim1ed. 

I will inwstigate the cuiwnt programs to identify incentives and barriers that presently 

exist. 

b. According to a USDA study, SNAP participants cite the acceptance of the Electronic 

Benefits Transfer (EBT) card as a major reason for shopping at a particular location 

and that financial incentives are a major reason for choosing to shop at one place over 

another. How can we encourage the acceptance of EBT cards at more farmers' markets 

and encourage fatmer's markets to adopt financial incentives for those who use EBT 

cards? I bdievc the consumer and producer choice should drive the operations of 
125 

markets. If confirmed, I look forward to rcyicwing how we can best increase markets 

for our producers and open additional options for healthy, wholesome food for 

consumers, including EBT card users. 

c. Fanners markets may be occasional or transient, as compared to bricks and mortar 

stores, making the cost ofEBT implementation for just one day a week a barrier. Is it 

possible to adopt rules that allow the sharing ofEBT accounts/machines among farmers 

markets within a county or town? If contim1ed, I look forward to reviewing this issue 

to ensure that our rules and operations keep pace with modern markets and the evolving 

needs of producers and consumers. including in EBT transactions. 

(8) Industry data show that local food sales are expected to reach over $20 billion by 2019, and 

over 160,000 fanners currently sell products into the local food economy both through small 

scale purchases at fanners' markets and into food hub aggregates for large wholesale 

purchases. In recent years the USDA has made significant investments in building the 

infrastructure needed to support the local food economy. 

a. How do you propose to help American fanners who want to find new ways to support 

and market to local food systems in order to increase economic development and jobs 

in the fann and food sector and improve access to healthy local food for rural 

communities? If confirmed. I will work lo ensure the programs under my supen is ion 

suppm1the needs of their customers, including those cmcring growing market such as 

those for local foods. 

b. What experience do you have in Nebraska in supporting economic initiatives that assist 

local food infrastructure and local economic growth and development? In Ncbraskn. 

the Depa11menl of Agriculture engaged in a broad range of acli\·ities to promote the 

products of Nebraska t:1rmcrs and ranchers, including those marketing their products 

locally. For instance. the department maintained a searchable database of both farmer's 

markets and local produce growers. amongst other things. If confirmed. I look forward 

to bringing this experience to my new role. 

(9) What ideas do you have to support modern and efficient agricultural production for our local 

food systems that promote much needed rural jobs and support our snuggling rural economics? 

If coniirmed. I support continuing the innovative programs in the MRP mission area that 

promote the continued success of American producers, including those ill\·olved in local food 

systems. 

(I 0) Following the national trend, Nebraska's organic industry has more than doubled since 

2000. Organics, which was considered just a niche market when I wrote the first Organic Farm 

Bill in 1990 as Chairman of this Committee, is now a vital market for producers and a source 

of quality food consumers have come to trust and rely on. However, that consumer supp01t is 

only as strong as the USDA organic seal and USDA enforcement of organic standards to ensure 

a fair playing field across the country, and internationally. In addition, it is important to know 

that these organic standards are entirely voluntary and are only required of those fmms and 

businesses that opt in to be cettified organic producers. 
126 

a. Are you committed to working on the continued success of the National Organic 

Program and its voluntary certification for farmers and food companies that support 

nearly 24,000 domestic jobs and more than $50 billion in sales? Yes. As I have 

indicated in response to numerous questions identifying support for organic and local 

movements, I strongly suppor1 all systems of American agriculture where producers 

and consumers can exercise their choices. In a \YOrk! that expects dramatic growth in 

world food demand, I bclicw we must support surge capacity across the board. In 

addition to the industry growth in Nebraska \Yhich you noted. as President ofNASDA. 

I learned much about the growing success of the organic industry trom many of my 

colleagues ti·om all pm1s of our country and enjoyed visiting Vermont recently when 

Secretary Ross hosted the annual meeting of::-JASDA which showcased many Vermont 

producers. Finally, if I may say a word about what I consider the wise foresight of the 

author of the Organic Program, the continued stH.:ccss of the organic industry remains 

driven by success in the marketplace where farmers have prO\ided products to satisfied 

consumers willing to pay premium prices. Producers are succeeding by being 

responsiw to market demand and that market reality suggests structural promise for 

future success. 

b. How will you ensure the National Organic Program has adequate resources to enforce 

the organic label? Organic food production is a growing segment to the agricultural 

community with much future promise. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that the 

National Organic Progmm is able to continue to meet the needs of its customers 

imolved in this exciting market. It is critical that the integrity of the seal be protected 

and resources must be identified necessary to make it so. 

c. Will you commit to collecting organic market data information? Yes. 

d. What do you see as the greatest challenges to continuing to expand the organics market 

domestically and abroad and how can we address them? If con finned, I look fmward 

to identifying the biggest challenges facing the customers served by the agencies under 

my supervision, including those in the organics market. and working as a partner with 

these producers to ensure that they can meet the demand of organic consumers. 

( 11) What suggestions do you have for expanding organic production in this country in order to 

better meet the growing domestic demand and prevent a further reliance on organic imports, 

some of which have recently been found to be fraudulent or from questionable sources abroad? 

USDA's programs should help maximize the opportunities and abilities of both cmwentional 

and organic producers to meet market demand. \Vhere organic market demand gro\YS. USDA 

should work to proYide the tools to organic operations to meet thcse needs. 

(12) During your hearing you mentioned that one of the most important roles you will have at 

the USDA will be safeguarding animal health and overseeing the work of the APHIS. You 

went on to say that if we cannot keep out new pests, that we will be putting our fanners, 

ranchers, and producers at great risk, but you made no mention of the forest pests that APHIS 

is also tasked with since its mission is "To protect the health and value of American agriculture 

and natural resources. " 
127 

a. What familiarity do you have with APHIS' work to keep out invasive forests pests that 

threaten our nation's forests and the rural jobs and economy those forests support? I 

am familiar with the work that APHIS docs in partnership with states to keep out and 

eradicate forest pests. ln fact, in Nebraska. we have been working closely with APHIS 

prior to and since Emerald Ash Borer was found in the state fbr the first-time last 

year. These pests can absolutely devastate our forests, and if confirmed, I v\·ould work 

to make sure that API liS' pest programs, including those to protect the green mountains 

of Vermont, arc effective. 

b. Can you tell me how many wood and tree pests APHIS inspectors find every year, 

which theoretically should not have made it to our shores if importers were using the 

best available processes and phytosanitary practices to keep American agriculture and 

natural resources safe? And do you commit to looking into this issue and finding ways 

to safeguard both American agriculture and our natural resources? I do not haYe that 

data. but commit to learning more and working every day to protect American 

agriculture and natural resources if confirmed. 

(13) I understand that in 2014 the Nebraska Legislature passed a state law allowing university 

research into the viability of growing industrial hemp. Vermont has a similar state law that 

established policies and procedures for growing hemp in Vermont so that farmers and other 

businesses in the Vennont agricultural industry can take advantage of this market opportunity. 

Your own alma mater, the University ofNebraska-Lincoln has been utilizing an authorization 

in the 2014 Farm Bill that allows states like Nebraska and Vermont, with hemp laws on the 

books, to research industrial hemp, but the University has encountered many challenges and a 

sea of red tape and regulations. 

Under the 2014 Farm Bill authorization, how will you work to help fam1ers in Nebraska, 

Vermont, and the 31 other states that have passed hemp laws, to research the best varieties for 

their regions and take other steps to demonstrate what is best in terms of fertilizer and density 

of plantings, and marketing of their industrial hemp crops so they can take advantage of this 

growing domestic market and rapidly growing demand? Although I would need to mon: 

closely rcYicw the pilot programs authorized under the 2014 farm bill and the Marketing and 

Regulatory Programs' rok in this area if confirmed. I will continue to work \Yith the Secretary 

to administer this program as authorized by Congress. 
128 

Senator Michael F. Bennet 

1) In listening sessions across Colorado, we hear regularly about the sustained interest in organic 

production, and increasing interest local foods, and regional supply chains- which can benefit 

rural communities. Despite this, the President's FY 18 Budget Proposal eliminated the Local 

Food Promotion Program, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, and Specialty Crop Block 

Grants program all of which can support local and regional food systems. 

a. If confirmed, will you work with the Secretary to ensure that USDA's programs have 

the resources necessary to keep pace with the organic industry's growth? Recognizing 

the diftlcult budget constraints which the Administration and the Congress must operate 

within. if continncd, I will work with all pat1ies to pn:ss for resources to fund the 

priorities supponing organic agriculture. 

b. If confirmed, will you be an advocate for these three USDA programs that arc vitally 

important to Colorado's fruit and vegetable growers? If confirmed, I am committed to 

coming fully up to speed on the three programs yon identify and working with the 

Secretary, the Administration. and the Congress to identify and fund the priorities that 

best scn·c these markets. 

c. If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure that the USDA is effectively serving 

the small businesses engaged in local and regional supply chains? I beliew that the 

growth of diverse customer demands is an important new opportunity for consumers as 

well as producers who haw new oppot1unities to benefit tl·01n high yalue markets 

unforeseen when I started farming. If confirmed, I will be supportiYc of efforts to 

promote these markets and I look forward to continuing this dialogue to achieve the 

objectiws you identify. 
129 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand 

(1) In your testimony, you mention the difficulty of striking a balance between marketing and 

regulating. I think there is a good example in the National Organic Program, housed within the 

Agricultural Marketing Service. Organic farming has been au extraordinary opportunity for 

New York farmers to capture more of the value of their production as the organic industry has 

grown to more than $43 billion in annual sales. Part of the success of the organic industry has 

been its ability to redefine itself and detennine its own set of standards through the 

collaborative work of the National Organic Standards Board. That is a bottom up, producer 

driven model we can all support. However, I am concerned that you have written opposing the 

proposed Livestock and Poultry Practices rule, a rule that the NOSB helped to create. 

a. Do you support the NOSB, and the rights of fanners who voluntarily choose organic 

standards to define those methods? Yes. 

b. Would you agree that organic farmers have the right to redefine organic to be more in line 

with consumer expectations? I agree that organic producers have a central role in infom1ing 

and defining organic standards. I believe further that as we largely defer to industry 

participanls on standards. we must be mindful or impacts that may include diminished 

producer predictability or the creation of producer winners and losers as standards shin 

beneath them. 

c. Do you agree that animal welfare standards are an important part of organic standards and 

key to maintaining consumer confidence? 1 am aware of the importance of this discussion 

but haw not been adequately briefed in detail on the stalLis ofrele\ant precedents. the legal 

authority one way or the other. or USDA's Process Verified Program utilization. If 

conJirmed. I commit to achieve a full understanding of these and other issues and consult 

with stab:holdcrs on the best path forward. 

(2) You have committed yourself to protecting the integrity ofthe organic seal. One of the biggest 

threats to that integrity is fraud- specifically imported feed that is falsely certified as organic. 

This lowers the value of our domestic organic grains, takes money out of the pockets of our 

growers, and if we do not put an end to it, it will make consumers question the very idea of 

organics. 

a. How, specifically, would you put an end to this fi·aud? If conJirmed, I will help lead the 

Secretary's e!Torts in protecting the integrity of the USDA organic certified seal, which 

includes initiating enforcem.:nt actions against those violating USDA organic regulations. 

I want to ensure that when America's fanners purchase organic feed, or America's 

consumers purchase organic food, they are getting what they paid for, and not to thc 

detriment of our organic producers. I want to look at how A;\1S can increase its ability to 

detect and root out any organic t1·aud. 

b. How would you direct the staff of MRP to work with other Agency staff to increase 

inspections and are more significant penalties required? If confirmed, I will help lead the 

Scm:tary's dirccti\'c to work efficiently. ctTcctiYely. with integrity and customer focus 
130 

throughout USDA in all program areas, including eff01ts to protect the integrity of the 

USDA organic certified seal. 

(3) I will soon introduce the Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act, a bill that would give Fish 

and Wildlife Services new tools to prevent or respond to the introduction of harmful wildlife 

species like the Asian Longhomed Beetle. Obviously, the Animal, Plant Health Inspection 

Service has a major role to play in preventing the introduction of invasive species. The Emerald 

Ash Borer, which is currently destroying some of New York's most valuable trees, was 

introduced through wood packing material imported from Asia fifteen years ago. 

a. How would you direct the staff of APHIS to prevent future introductions of forest pests 

and does the Plant Protection Act provide APHIS sufficient authority? These pests can 

devastate our farmers', ranchers'. and landowners' liYelihoods, and shut down trade in an 

instant. \\'bile l have more familiarity with diseases of livestock. if confirmed. I will fully 

review and gain n better understanding of how we can prevent plant pe:,ts and diseases. I 

am not fully briefed on the full authorities under the Plant Protection Act. but would also 

look forward to better understanding these authorities. 

b. APHIS has the ability to levy significant penalties for violations of the Plant Protection 

Act. Does APHIS use this authority sufficiently to deter violations and would you advocate 

for more rigorous enforcement action and penalties? 1 am not fully briefed on current 

APHIS enforcement actions or lack thereof. but if con finned. I will undertake a review of 

those actions to better understand their effectiveness and any com:sponding impacts those 

actions have on deterrence. 

c. Would you agree that the best use of any funds generated from fines for violations of the 

Plant Protection Act would be to address some of the damage already done by invasive 

pest species? Violations of the Plant Protection Act can have devastating impacts on 

American agriculture and our natural resources, and if confirmed. I will wmmit to ensuring 

an dTcctiw and aggressive approach to mitigating future introductions and impacts from 

inva;.iw species. 
131 

Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. 

(!)Pennsylvania is proud to be home to a rapidly growing organic sector, second only to 

California. Last year about 78% of Pennsylvania household's purchased organic and PA has 

over I ,400 organic businesses. 

a. If confirmed, how will USDA support the organic industry? As the Secretary stated, 

organic farming is an exciting and expanding area of agricultural production, and the 

commodities produced through organic fanning must be part of the owrall strategy to 

fe.cd the world and grow our local. state, and national economies. If contirmed, I will 

help lead the Secretary' commitment to seeing that organic products arc an integral part 

of our overall food and trade strategy. 

b. If confirmed, will you support funding for organic research? Yes. 

c. What do you believe is USDA's role in assisting farmers who may be just beginning to 

farm and want to become organic producers or to farmers who are looking for ways to 

diversify their business to survive an economic downturn? 1 am committed to the 

support of beginning t:1rmers and ranchers .. those underserwd in agriculture and our 

veterans. If confirmed. I will help lead the Secretary's directive to develop and 

integrate a plan to continue to inccntivize all new entries into agriculture, and I will 

commit to assisting all producers in their efforts to diversify their operations and 

mitigate risk. 

d. I have heard from many Pennsylvania organic producers who are deeply concerned 

about USDA's decision to delay the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices rule. 

What are your thoughts on having different operating systems for poultry operations 

under an organic standard that is supposed to be consistent? Does that create an unlevel playing field for organic farmers? I have not been fully briefed on this rule or the 

different operating systems for poultry operations under the organic standard. but if 

confirmed. I will undertake a detailed review of this matter. 

(2) President Trump's budget for FY2018 eliminated the Local Food Promotion Program, the 

Farmers Market Promotion Program, and Specialty Crop Block Grants program. These 

programs help support our farmers, connect producers directly to consumers, and provide 

access to healthy food. 

a. If confirmed, will you suppmi maintaining these programs? I am not fully briefed on 

these programs, but if confirmed, I will look forward to better understanding and 

reviewing these programs. 

b. Can you please elaborate on your stance on local foods and specialty crop programs? I 

strongly support all systems of American agriculture where producers and consumers 

can exercise their choices. In a world thJt expects dramatic growth in world food 

demand, I belicvc we must support surge capacity across the board. In addition to the 

industry growth we have celebrated in l\cbraska, as President of l\ASDA. I leamcd 
132 

much about the growing success of the organic, locaL and specialty crop industries 

from many of my colleagues from all parts of our country. Additionally, I applaud the 

model that fosters a marketplace where f~lrmers pro,·idc products to satisfied consumers 

willing to pay premium prices new, young and local farmers can enjoy. Producers are 

succeeding by being responsive to market demand and that market reality suggests 

structural promise f(Jr future success. 

(3) An insect that is not native to the United States, the Spotted Lantemfly, is a newly-established 

plant pest in Pennsylvania which is threatening our agricultural economy in addition to our 

natural resources and our broader trade in goods interstate and internationally. This is yet 

another in a string of invasive pests that are introduced into the United States through global 

travel and trade. To date, funding through APHIS has been our state's primary means of 

combatting it. I am grateful for the more than $5 million directed to PA over the past three 

years and for the technical assistance and guidance rrom USDA staff. But the reality is that 

the magnitude of the threat and the challenge of containing and eradicating this pest will require 

multiple more dollars in terms of funding. 

a. So funding for APHIS will be absolutely critical and we hope to count on you for 

support, but we also hope that you will fight against any proposal that charges for 

APHIS services when states and our farmers are standing ready to be collaborative 

partners. Will you do that? I am not fully briefed on these proposals. If confim1cd, I 

will thoroughly rcYiew this matter. 

b. Additionally, what role do you see USDA-APHIS playing in responding to other 

invasive pests threatening agricultural commodities and our priceless ecosystems'? 

APHIS plays a critical role in pre,cnting the introduction and spread oCplant pests and 

imasive species, and if confinned, I will help lead the Secretary's directive within 

USDA and with other federal partners to reduce the risk of imported pests coming into 

the country. 

(4) Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) impacted the US poultry industry and farmers 

recently. Is the USDA-APHIS prepared to respond to an outbreak? And what measures would 

you take to protect our food supply from disease? While :\cbraska did not experience the same 

level of HPAI incidents or impacts of other states, Nebraska was forced to depopulate four 

large egg-laying facilities containing nearly five million chickens impacted by the HPAI 

outbreak in 20 !5. If confirmed, I will facilitate an aggressive interagency process within 

USDA and all approprinte federal and state agency partners, as well as producers, to ensure we 

arc prepared to mitigate and, when necessary, respond to future animal disease outbreaks. 

(5) With over 19% of children in Pennsylvania experiencing food insecurity, providing them with 

at least one meal a day that contains enough nutritional content to get them through the school 

day is critical. The National School Lunch Program must have access to these rresh, healthy 

foods if our children are to succeed and to avoid behavioral and health problems associated 

with a lack of nutrition. What do you see as the role ofUSDA-AMS in procuring these foods 

and how will you find opportunities to source more local foods for the programs you 

administer? lam not fully h1iefed on AMS' role in procuring foods for the National School 
133 

Lunch Program. but if confirmed. l will look forward to better understanding AMS · role in this 

process and supporting the Secretary's commitmem to supporting local food production. 

(6) While the ag economy has really been in a downturn the last number of years, and a lot of our 

producers are hurting, especially those young and beginning farmers that have just gotten their 

start in the last few years, I am concerned with the proposed cuts to USDA's budget that have 

been made by President Trump. How do you believe that you will be able to continue to 

provide a level of service to sustain and then grow what is the number one industry in 

Pennsylvania, as well as to maintain our position as a leader in the world for having the safest 

and most affordable food supply? If confirmed. I commit to conducting the people's business 

etliciently. elfectiYcly. and with the ntmost integrity within CSDA, and I will help lead the 

Secretary's goal to ensure a safe and secure food supply tor our consumers. 

(7) After record high prices in 2014, milk prices fell substantially. The Dairy Margin Protection 

Program, which was established by the 2014 farm bill, has not worked as intended. When milk 

prices were at historic lows recently, only those who purchased the highest level of MPP 

coverage received payments. There is broad agreement that improvements to MPP are 

necessary, and I'm committed to strengthening dairy programs in the upcoming Farm Bill. 

However, Pennsylvania's dairy farmers cannot wait until 2018. Will you commit to supporting 

the development of additional risk management tools for dairy farmers? Yes. 
134 

Senator Chris Van Hollen 

(I) The last Administration proposed an important rule to update Horse Protection Act regulations 

to finally end horse soring, following up on a highly critical audit by the USDA Inspector 

General in 2010. The rule had overwhelming, bipartisan Congressional support from 42 

Senators and 182 Representatives who sent letters to USDA, along with more than 100,000 

public comments submitted in support. Because of a backlog at the Federal Register, the final 

rule was never published as USDA announced it would be on January 13th of this year. If 

confirmed, will you ensure that the final rule is promptly published? I have not been fully 

briefed on the proposed rule, rcvkwed the comments or consulted lhc \'eterinarians or experts 

within the Department. llowcwr, if confirmed. I look forward to discussing ho\v best to 

improve the animal well-being we desire. 
135 

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry 

Nomination Hearing 

October 5, 2017 

Questions for the Record 

Mr. William Northey 

Chairman Pat Roberts 

I. Your experience as a farmer and Secretary of Agriculture in Iowa gives you valuable firsthand 

perspective on the economic challenges facing agriculture and rural America. 

a. How do you view the risk management tools offered by the Farm Service Agency and Risk 

Management Agency during the agriculture economic downturn? I think that Congress did 

a great job in writing the 2014 Farm Bill to support producers during the hard times. The 

last couple of years have tested those programs and I think that they have been crucial to 

keeping many producers in business. 

b. Arc the programs working as intended? I believe that overall, yes. the programs are acting 

as a true safety net for most commodities with a ti:w exceptions like cotton and dairy 

programs. Crop insurance is another important part of the farm safety net that has truly 

been tried and tested over the years but continues to be the best way for farmers to manage 

their own risk. 

2. There are multiple pending administrative actions at FSA and RMA. These include a request 

by 26 Senators for FSA to operate the Cotton Ginning Cost Share program for the 2016 crop 

year as created and administered by the previous Administration for the 2015 crop year. The 

FY2017 omnibus (P.L. 115-31) requires FSA to establish a $5 million pilot program for an 

alternate calculation of ARC Country yields to reduce disparities between comparable 

counties. Finally, Senator Stabenow and I wrote the Secretary regarding administrative actions 

that could improve dairy insurance. If confitmed as Under Secretary, how will you ensure the 

agencies reach decisions and implement these and other initiatives for producers in a timely 

and transparent manner? If confirmed. [ will ask staff to fully brief me on this and any 

outstanding requests made by l\1cmbcrs of Congress. and in consultation with the Secretary, 

\vill give them full consideration before completing any actions. 

3. We hear a rather consistent message of frustration among farmers, particularly among 

beginning farmers trying to get slatted in the business, about the Conservation Reserve 

Program (CRP) and the disparity between the program's rental payment rates as they compare 

to local market rates. The program at times is more financially attractive to a landowner to 

enroll prime farmland into CRP, rather than make that land available for production. If 

confirmed, you will be overseeing CRP. 

a. What administrative steps would you take to address these issues and to encourage 

enrollment of more environmentally sensitive land? As Secretary of Agricultun: in Iowa. 

I rcCO!o,'l1izc and have championed appropriate conservation eff01is. At the same time. I'm 
136 

wry familiar with the challenges that face new and beginning farmers. It's important 

that the CRP program achicws its conservation goals while also not disrupting market land 

prices in local communities. If confirmed. I want to make sure that USDA's programs 

under my jurisdiction work as imcnded. I will prioriti7c examining this issue and taking 

steps to address any disparities. 

b. Will you work with the Committee on policy ideas to better target CRP enrollment? 

Absolutely. 

4. Natural disasters can strike agricultural areas of the United States at any point throughout the 

year. In the event of a disaster, there would likely be a variety of authorities that could be used 

in your mission to provide timely support to producers. For example, during wildfires 

this past March in Kansas, the livestock indemnity, emergency conservation, and crop 

insurance programs all provided assistance to producers, and each faced local implementation 

challenges. If confirmed, how will you manage responses to natural disasters and who will you 

seek input from while making time-sensitive decisions during these types of events? 1\'atural 

disasters are often devastating to U.S. producers and it is critical that USDA move deftly and 

expeditiously to provide much needed support. If confirmed. 1 will work closely with impacted 

state govcmments. producers, and agency employees on-the-ground and Congress to make 

sure we have the best information to make timely and infonned decisions. 

5. As a producer and as Secretary of Agriculture in Iowa, you have witnessed multiple natural 

disasters including droughts, floods, and other storms. If confirmed as Under Secretary, how 

will you work to improve FSA, RMA, and other risk management tools for producers across 

the country? USDA's risk management tools, particularly crop insurance, work generally v:cll. 

but l recognize that there is room for improvement. r agree with Secretary Perdue that our goal 

should be to make USDA the most effective. efficient, and customer fl·iendly organization in 

the U.S. government. If confirmed, [will focus every day on making sure that the programs 

and agencies under my supervision strive towards that goaL and will continuously evaluate 

programs to determine wht'J\! we can improve. We will operate \\ithin the limits o[ our 

authority, and consult with Congress should legislative adjustments be needed to better sen·e 

producers. 

6. The new Farm Production and Conservation mission area will house several agencies which 

have daily, direct contact with farmers in a single customer-focused mission area, 

including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Risk Management Agency (RMA), and the 

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The motivation behind this change 

is to increase agency efficiencies, enhance program deliverability, and improve producers' 

experiences. Issues like conservation compliance have raised implementation challenges 

because they require coordination between all three of these agencies. If confirmed, how will 

you foster streamlining collaboration between these three agencies, particularly with 

complicated issues like conservation compliance? I believe that Secretary Perdue's efforts to 

align FSA. R'V!A, and NRCS and creak a one-stop shop for USDA.'s customers will go a long 

way in improving coordination across these three agencies. Additionally, his recent 

announcement to consolidate mission support fune1ions at the Farm Production and 

Conservation (FPAC) level will help create a unified mission area. I know this will be a 
137 

challenging task. I am up t~1r that challenge and if confim1ed, look forward to getting up to 

speed on etTons so far. and to champion better collaboration at FPAC. I think that cross 

training staff; making sure agencies can talk across IT platforms. and reducing duplicatiw 

interactions and reporting that producers must go through will help in this effort. 

7. The technology needs of the FPAC mission area continue to be a challenge for USDA. For 

example, the Acreage Crop Reporting Streamlining Initiative (ACRSI) was desigued to 

improve producer's experiences during acreage reporting to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) 

and Risk Management Agency (RMA). While there have been improvements to infom1ationsharing between the two agencies, there are still challenges with common reporting standards 

and acceptance of precision data. If confirmed as the first Undersecretary to oversee FSA, 

RMA, and NRCS, how will you manage technology issues and coordination between the 

agencies to improve customer service? I haYe heard fi·om producers in my stale that an 

improved reporting process is needed to make the programs run more smoothly for them. If 

confirmed. I will prioritize the maintenance of a culture where FPAC is constantly looking for 

improvements to the customer experience and ensuring that its IT infrastructure incorporates 

advancements in new tools and technology. 

8. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) 

board base decisions off of sound data in order for crop insurance to be actuarially sound. The 

use of conservation practices, including no till, cover crops, and crop rotations vary by climate, 

soil, and commodity grown. When considering changes to crop insurance, including the 

encouragement of conservation practices, will you commit to continuing to make these 

decisions based on sound data? Yes. 
138 

Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow 

Farm Bill 

(I) During the 2014 Farm Bill, the House of Representatives attempted to split the Farm Bill into 

two parts rather than maintain the long-standing connection between food and farm policy. 

This ultimately failing strategy was opposed by over 500 farm, food, energy, conservation, 

nutrition and rural groups. If confirmed, will you oppose any efforts to split the Farm Bill and, 

instead, join the broad coalition of Farm Bill groups to support a comprehensive Farm Bill? 

The President and the Secretary have committed to maintain a unified Farm Bill as do I. in 

addition to maximizing the likelihood of approving a Farm Bill, it helps to unify the natural 

coalition of rural and urban voices in the food security discussion. 

Conservation 

(2) Water quality issues are on the top of the minds of many Michigan residents and farmers. 

Will you commit to supporting all voluntary agriculture conservation programs authorized in 

the 2014 Farm Bill to help farmers address water quality and other natural resource concerns? 

The voluntary inccntiw-basd approach working with multiple stakeholders is the approach 

I pressed in Iowa and the approach I believe that best ser\'Cs 1\:dcral conservation efforts. 

(3) USDA announced a Clean Lakes Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) initiative to retrofit existing 

buffers and install new buffers with new water quality practices such as bioreactors and 

saturated buffers. If confirmed, will you brief me on the status of this effort and future plans 

for ways to enhance water quality through CRP? Y cs. 

(4) As we have discussed, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) has been 

important in Michigan to help address issues like water quality in Lake Erie and the Saginaw 

Bay. I know they have been important in your home state of Iowa as well. Unfortunately, the 

President's budget proposed eliminating this program and there have been some indications 

that NRCS may not be holding any future sign ups or be allowed to promote the program. 

a. If confirmed, will you be a champion for the Regional Conservation Partnership 

Program? Yes. I will be a reserve champion as the Secretary has already commi!!cd to 

be its champion. 

b. Will you advocate for the program both within USDA and to OMB and the White 

House and push back against efforts to eliminate it in future budgets? If confirmed, I 

plan to follow the Secretary's lead and support Yoluntary working lands programs so 

long as Congress directs USDA to continue doing so. 

c. If confirmed, will you provide the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee with 

a full briefing on the status of being able to sign up for new projects through the RCPP 

program and on USDA's promotion ofRCPP? Yes 

(5) Conservation compliance has been a bedrock agreement between farmers and taxpayers since 

1985- for more than 30 years. This agreement was further highlighted by the broad coalition 
139 

of conservation, crop insurance, and farm groups who supported expanding conservation 

compliance in the 2014 Farm Bill in return for protecting the crop insurance program. To 

protect against future cuts to crop insurance in the upcoming Farm Bill we will need to 

maintain conservation compliance and ensure the program is credible. The OIG has cited 

USDA for inconsistent enforcement of the program. Will you commit to supporting the 

current conservation compliance agreement and ensuring it is properly enforced so that we 

have a broad coalition to help protect crop insurance? I plan to support and continue ent(m:ing 

conscrYation compliance requirements within FPAC programs as directed by the Farm Bill 

statute. 

(6) As we discussed earlier this week, my constituents continue to be frustrated by the CRP 

review in Lenawee County, MI. While I understand progress has been made by USDA in 

resolving this issue, I continue to hear frustration from producers and local farm groups with 

how USDA handled the process, especially given that this review stemmed from errors made 

by USDA employees. In our meeting I gave you a copy of the letter I sent to Secretary Perdue 

last week. 

a. When can I expect a response to the letter? If con firmed. I will work with the Secretary 

to proYide a timely and accurate response. 

b. Will you commit to looking into my requests and make full 2016 payments to all 

producers? I recall your raising this matter as a priority and appreciate the urgency that 

it be resolved. If confirmed, f will look into this matter in detail. and report to you on 

the status of the response to your letter and to the status of our response to the issues 

related to Lena wee County. 

(7) Will you commit to working with the future Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the 

Environment to continue areas where NRCS and Forest Service have successfully 

collaborated, like the Joint Chiefs Restoration Initiative? If contim1ed. yes. 

(8) Will you commit to continuing the NRCS initiatives focused on wildlife, water quality, 

drought, including Working Lands for Wildlife, the National Water Quality Initiative, and 

the National Drought Resilience Pmtnership? Yes. 

Forestry 

(9) In addition to helping our farmers and ranchers, NRCS conservation programs also provide 

technical and financial support to 21 million family forest owners nationwide. This support 

helps forest owners manage oftentimes significant challenges- like wildfire mitigation and 

invasive species outbreaks. These programs also help forest owners manage for improved 

wildlife habitat important to hunters and anglers. Given these substantial benefits, how will 

you work with NRCS to continue this support for forest owners as well as more traditional 

agricultural producers~ If confirmed, I plan to work with the Secretary to ensure that all the 

programs under my supervision most cffectivdy and efficiently serve their customers, 

including the forest owners sern:d by NRCS and will work collaboratively with the NRE 

mission area and the Forest Service. 
140 

( 1 0) In many cases, private forest owners have found that NRCS lacks the technical forestry 

expertise capacity to work with forest owners on big challenges including reducing threats 

of uncharacteristic wildfire. This lack of expertise persists in spite of Congress specifically 

instructing NRCS to make forestry a part of these popular initiatives. 

a. How will you work with the Forest Service, state forestry agencies, and private sector 

foresters, to deliver the needed expertise and support for forest owners? If confirmed. 

T plan to \YOrk closely with other agencies and our state. local and priYate sector partners 

to find areas where our cooperution and wllaboration can maximize outcomes for the 

customers that we jointly serve, including forest owners. 

b. If confirmed, will you commit to streamlining the process for non-NRCS foresters to 

assist NRCS with technical assistance? Y cs. 

Farm Safety Net 

(II) Robust risk management protection through Federal Crop Insurance has been a critical part 

of the safety net for farmers, as was highlighted in a recent letter signed by over 50 

organizations. Unfortunately, many producers who grow specialty crops or grow outside the 

main production areas still do not have crop insurance available. While the addition of a buyup option under the 2014 Farm Bill's Non-insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), has 

provided improved risk management options for these producers, it does not provide the same 

risk protection as crop insurance. 

Dairy 

a. If confirmed, do you commit to continuing to expand risk protection and crop insurance 

options to new areas and commodities? Yes. 

b. How will you encourage collaboration and regular data-sharing between the Farm 

Service Agency and the Risk Management Agency and even the public in order to assist 

in the development of new crop insurance policies? If confirmed. I intend to use the 

data and rc,ources at hand a, you outline, and including the Office of the Chief 

Economist. to improve risk management tools for producers. 

(12) As you know, our dairy farmers are operating without meaningful risk management tools, 

and there is currently an artificial cap on dairy insurance. Numerous stakeholder groups and 

members of this Committee have requested that dairy be removed from this artificial cap so 

that we can improve dairy insurance options -a change that USDA can make today through 

the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation board. If confitmed, can I count on your support to 

advocate for this change within the Department and at the White House? I understand that 

dairy producers haYe struggled in recent years. even when many commodity producers had 

beneficial crops years. Fut1hcr, I appreciate that the safety net for those 1vho produce dairy 

has not md expectations. If confirmed. I commit to working within the Department and 

Administration and working with Congrc;,s and industry to improve the safety net including 

insurance options. 

Management/Reorganization 
141 

(13) We have heard from Secretary Perdue about the importance of improving customer service 

and we need to make sure we are meeting the needs of a diverse group of agriculture 

stakeholders. Whether you're new to farming, a veteran, a woman, or a minority farmer, 

growing in rural or urban areas, all potential USDA customers deserve customer service and 

outreach. 

a. Will you commit to providing USDA costumer service to a diverse group of agriculture 

stakeholders, who participate in the programs you oversee? Yes. 

b. How will you improve this customer service and create new opportunities for beginning 

farmers? I agree with you and Secretary Perdue that USDA must work to meet the 

needs of its diYcrsc customers. If contirmcd. l will seck feedback from the customers 

and will prioritize continuous review to identify areas that work well and find areas 

where the department can improw. 

(14) USDA has long struggled to improve its information technology. Will you pnontlze 

improving IT management and keep the Committee informed of the status of IT in your 

mission area? If confirmed. yes. 

(15) This administration does not plan to appoint a Deputy Under Secretary to support you in 

running the Mission Area. The job of Under Secretary often takes you on the road or out of 

the office. 

a. Who will be supporting you and making decisions on a day to day basis when you are 

not in the office? If conlirmcd. I plan to work with the Secretary, my Chief of Stall 

and the thr.:e Administrators of RMA, FSA. and NRCS to ensure that we can 

efTcetiwly and efficiently manage these critical agencies and provide a high level of 

customer service on a day to day basis. 

b. Do you think you'll have the support you need to manage such large, field-based 

agencies? Yes. 

(16) You will oversee a new Mission Area as part of the larger reorganization of USDA that now 

includes FSA, RMA, and NRCS. As prut of this reorganization, we understand that USDA is 

planning to consolidate several functions of the agencies at the mission area, including 

budget, human resources, IT, procurement, and property management. Much of this 

reorganization has been done with limited Congressional and stakeholder outreach and 

engagement. For example, I understand that cooperative partners with NRCS, like 

conservation districts, have not been consulted. You served for eight years as a local county 

soil and water district commissioner and so should know firsthand the importance ofNRCS' 

cooperative work with local districts. If confirmed, what is your plan to increase 

Congressional and stakeholder engagement on the aspects of the reorganization that are in 

your Mission Area? The important efforts to reorganize to provide better service and 

improved customer service will be an ongoing process. To ensure the highest success, the 

consultation you describe will be important to me and !look forward to making it so. 
142 

(17) I am keeping a close eye on the consolidation of NRCS and FSA into the same mission 

area. While I'm all for simplifYing and streamlining services, especially those for farmers, I 

want to make sure that conservation activities remain a priority for this Department. How 

will you ensure that conservation activities continue to be promoted and prioritized by the 

Department? As you mentioned earlier, I was previously a board member of my local Soil 

and \Vater Conservation District. I was also a champion for nJluntary consetTation in Iowa. 

If contlrmed, I fi.JIIy intend to continue being un advocate for conserYation. 

As part of the reorganization, we have heard some discussion about transferring the 

administration ofNRCS programs to FSA employees. Are you aware of such a plan and what 

do you think about taking administration of conservation programs away from the 

conservation agency? If contlrmcd, I will nccd to look into this as I haYe no official 

knowledge of this notion as described. 

(18) Will you commit to providing me comprehensive information about the consolidation of 

NRCS and FSA, including any consolidation or closure of both NRCS and FSA field offices, 

particularly those in the more remote parts of Michigan? Yes. 

(19) Will you provide regular briefings, both proactively and as requested, to the Committee on 

the implementation of all reorganization efforts in your mission area? Yes. 

Commodity Programs 

(20) Under the 2014 Farm Bill, direct payments were replaced by ARC and PLC and farmers were 

given a choice between protecting against revenue declines or just price alone. 

a. What choice did you and your neighbors make? 1 chose ARC County, as did most of 

my neighbors. 

b. Is one option better than the other or do you think we should maintain a legitimate 

choice? As individual producers, circumstances and market conditions differ and 

change, I believe most Hmners prefer that Congress maintain a choice. 

(21) If confirmed, will you commit to providing me with data on the program and other technical 

assistance as we consider a new Farm Bill? Y cs. 

Sugar 

(22) The U.S. sugar industry supports 142,000 jobs across the country, including thousands of 

jobs in Michigan. Unfortunately our producers -and especially young farmers have been 

hurt by very low prices and volatility caused by the ongoing situation with Mexico dumping 

large volumes of sugar on the U.S. market. Hopefully this dumping will be stopped with the 

new suspension agreement, and I appreciate Secretary Perdue taking the time to speak with 

some of our Michigan sugar producers about this issue earlier this year. Thank you for 

agreeing in our earlier meeting to visit Michigan to see our diverse agriculture, including 

seeing first-hand the importance of sugar beet production for our local economy. 
143 

a. Will you commit to work within USDA and with other agencies to ensure that the sugar 

program is managed in a way that puts American farmers and American jobs first? Yes. 

b. Will you advocate within the Administration to revive the Sweeteners Working Group 

under the NAFTA U.S.-Mexico Consultative Committee on Agriculture in order to 

facilitate a dialogue about these issues? If confirmed. I commit to thoroughly revinving 

this issue with my staff and considering the merits of reviving this Working Group. 

Specialty Crops 

(23) Michigan's agriculture sector is rich in diversity, from traditional commodities and specialty 

crops to organics and local food systems, the Michigan agriculture sector contributes over 

$101.2 billion annually to the state's economy. 

a. If confirmed, how will you ensure the Farm Production and Conservation mission area 

supports all farmers - including small and medium scale farmers, specialty crop 

growers, and organic producers? If confirmed, I \\·ill work with the Secretary to meet 

his stated goal of serving all ofU.SOA's diverse customers, including smalL beginning. 

and organic fam1ers. Producer needs vary depending on si;e, experience. industry and 

geography. USDA must be committed to meeting these diverse needs. 

b. Will you commit to meeting the unique needs of new and beginning farmers, 

particularly those in urban areas and those using new and innovative growing methods? 

Yes. 

Organics 

(24) Organic agriculture is the fastest growing segment in the U.S. agriculture economy. The 

organic industry has grown over 200% over since 2007 and now contributes over $50 billion 

a year to the national economy. 

a. How do you plan to support organics if confirmed? Jf conlitmed, l will join the 

Secretary in ensuring that we arc constantly reviewing our programs and seeking input 

from stakeholders, including organic fanners. This growing segment is important to 

the future of American agriculture and FPAC program' must assist these producers as 

they stri\'e to meet growing market demand. 

b. Will you continue efforts to integrate and offer services to organic producers through 

the field based agencies like NRCS and FSA? Yes. 

c. Will you continue to support outreach and improved customer service and program 

delivery for the Organic Transition Assistance Program, which was recently assigned 

to FSA? Y cs. If confitmed, will you brief me on the status of this program and future 

plans~ Yes. 
144 

d. Will you commit to working with RMA to develop crop insurance tools that work for 

organic producers? Yes. 

Beginning Farmers 

(25) As the average age of the American farmer is continuing to get older, several new efforts 

were put in place in the 2014 Farm Bill to support new farmers, including better access to 

credit, easier land transition, and risk management tools. 

a. What efforts will you take to ensure new farmers and ranchers have access to USDA 

programs and resources? In Iowa. like other heartland states. we have a blessing of 

highly experienced t~mners but giwn the high barriers to entry thm you ha\'C 

identified. I agree we must be mindful of increasing incentives and decreasing barriers 

for those who will follmv and build. I \\'US supportive of the related efforts Congress 

formulated in the 2014 Farm Bill and commit to aggressively implementing those 

authorities consistent with Congressional intent. Additionally. l bcliew we must be 

\\'illing to lend our voice. as the Secretary has done, to matters not directly under 

USDA jurisdiction such as tax policy and inter-agency regulatory matters. In any 

case, if confirmed, I will work with young fanners as I did in lowa 10 promote the 

next generation coming on duty to •·feed everyone··. 

b. Will you commit to continuing outreach and interagency coordination to reach new 

farmers, including the beginning farmer coordinator positions within FSA? Y cs. 

c. Will you commit to looking across all USDA programs and sure they are working in 

collaboration to meet the needs of new farmers? Yes. 

d. Will you commit to supporting youth programing like FF A, 4-H, and fmm to school 

activities? Yes. 

(26) Over the past several years, we've seen significant increases in the number of veterans 

interested in farming and agriculture careers post-military service. The training and 

experience veterans gain in the military provides important skills that help them transition 

into new farmers and ranchers. 

Will you commit to working to increase opportunities for veterans at the USDA, including 

keeping the Military Veterans Agriculture Liaison position and expanding that office to 

include full time employees? If conflnned, I will advocate fiJr continued and expanded 

veterans outreach. 

(27) Urban agriculture is quickly expanding and gaining popularity in communities, small towns, 

and metropolitans across the United States. Urban agriculture brings farming to urban 

residents and strengthens connections to rural communities. It also provides economic 

opportunities, increases access to food, and is a training ground for future farmers. 
145 

Will you commit to supporting new farmers, innovative production methods, and all farmers 

regardless if they are located in urban or rural areas? Y cs. I agree that there are many lessons 

in farm life that do not stop at the city limits including the f\.mdamcntal idea that typically in 

lite, one must plant befi.1re one harwsts. As a humble note of caution. many of us experienced 

hands in rural agriculture may have to warm up to the idea that we may learn an important 

thing or two ti·om our urban Ji"iends and neighbors. 

Foreign Transactions 

(28) The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act requires foreign investors who acquire 

an interest in American agricultural land to report to USDA. Recently, a report by the 

Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting found shortcomings in FSA's oversight of these 

transactions, even as the amount of foreign-controlled farmland doubled between 2004 and 

2014. 

a. Will you commit to enforcing the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure 

Act? Yes. 

b. Will you review the findings of this report and inform the Committee of your response 

to it and any changes you believe need to made to address USDA's oversight of these 

transactions? If confirmed. I will review this report and work with the Secretary and 

the Committee to address any conccms '' hich it raises. 

Process/Responsiveness to Congress 

(29) I look forward to having a close working relationship with you, if you are confirmed. The 

work in this very important area is tmly a bipartisan team effort. If confirmed, do you agree 

without reservation to: 

a. Reply promptly to any request for information from me? Yes. 

b. Reply promptly to any request from other members of this Committee or other 

Senators? Y cs. 

c. Respond to my requests for data and technical assistance in drafting legislation? Yes. 

d. Notify me or my staff in advance of making public any major changes USDA decides 

to make or major decisions USDA makes during your tenure? Y cs. 

e. Notify me of any programs in your Mission area that USDA intends to end, discontinue 

new enrollment or new awards, or not promote, prior to making any such changes to 

anyprogram? Yes. 

f. Provide to this Committee any reports provided by USDA to the Senate Appropriations 

Committee or the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Dmg Administration, and 

Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee? Yes. 
146 

Appropriations 

(30) If you are confinned, will you commit to using all appropriated funds as intended by 

Congress? Y cs. 

Agricultural Diversity 

(31) Michigan is the second most diverse agricultural state, growing over 300 different 

commodities. How will you ensure that that all crops and commodities are treated equitably 

at USDA? If confirmed. I \Vill work with the Secretary to ensure that all FPAC customers are 

trcatt:d equitably. most importantly by constantly seeking feedback ti'om the customers and 

stakeholders. 

(32) The work to reach out and serve other underserved customers such as organic, urban, veterans 

and beginning farmers is an area for grov.ih and improvement. A good first step would be 

for FSA to establish some urban county committees so urban farmers have a voice. Will you 

work with me to pilot a handful of urban FSA committees? If confirmed. I certainly look 

forwnrd to speaking with you more about this propo:;al. 

(33) Do you support efforts such as USDA's StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity 

Initiative that targets high-poverty counties for additional outreach and the ability to enter 

into partnerships with local organizations to better serve customers? If confim1ed. I plan to 

work in coordination with the Secretary on how to best serw America's powrty-stricken rural 

counties through the FPAC mission area. 

a. If confirmed, will you commit to brief my staff on the future plans for Strikeforce or 

any other similar efforts? Y cs. 

(34) In 2015 and 2016, FSA offered Outreach and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements 

ofbetween $20,000 and $75,000 to enter into partnerships to reach and educate nontraditional 

FSA customers on the services provided by FSA and USDA more generally. If confirmed, 

will you brief my staff on the status of these agreements and future plans for the effort? Y cs. 

(35) FSA has had success with streamlining the application and servicing requirements for smaller 

loans (a.k.a. "microloans") within the direct, guaranteed and farm storage facility loan 

programs that are commonly used by urban, beginning and other undcrscrved customers. If 

confitmed, will you periodically brief my staff on the status of these programs and any future 

plans for further streamlining effmts? Y cs. 
147 

Senator John Boozman 

(I) Mr. Northey, as you know, many times in agricultural policy, the fault lines are not drawn on 

party lines, but rather regional lines. The nominees for USDA are all from different parts of 

the country. I think this diversity will serve US agriculture well and can be an asset to each of 

you in your roles at USDA. However, for that to happen, there must also be a recognition that 

the agriculture industry in this country is incredibly diverse. As such, we must have policies 

and programs that can account for regional differences. The policies that may work for com 

and soybeans in your home state may not necessarily work for rice and cotton in my home 

state or for wheat in the Chairman's home state. As such, I was pleased to see at the end of 

your written testimony that you pledged to find workable solutions for all producers. 

a. Will you please share your perspectives on this issue and your viewpoint of how to 

account for the unique differences among crops and regions, and how that relates to 

Federal agricultural policy? I agree that we hm·e many challenges and blessed 

opponunities bom of our remarkable diwrsity in agriculture as you haYe identified. 

Central to my thinking is the recognition that we haYe a lot of\\'ork to do in the decades 

ahead to meet the historic growth in \mrld food demand. For years, I haw discussed 

this challenge and opponunity with producers noting that to get the job done, we cannot 

lcaYe any productiYc capability on the sidelines. Additionally, there are consumers 

who have distinct demands of the marketplace which provides additional oppot1unitics 

for altcrnatiw uses. local markets, small. local and organic producers that allow 

producers a larger share of that agriculture dollar. I will work to protect a kvel working 

field which in these growing food markets should yield success among all the diYerse 

producers. If we have producer choice and consumer choice. the American fanner will 

be a winner. 

b. Can I have your commitment that you will work to advance policies that support all 

producers, all crops, and all regions equitably and not make decisions or take positions 

unworkable for certain regions or commodities? If confirmed. yes. 
148 

Senator Joni Ernst 

(1) Too often I hear from Iowa farmers that the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has gotten 

away from its original intent of converting highly erodible cropland and other environmentally 

sensitive acreage to vegetative cover. They are also generally quick to note how they, or 

someone they know, has been "out-bid" by CRP. Will you commit to work with me and this 

committee to ensure we authorize the proper number of acres ofCRP, and get it re-focused on 

protecting marginal acres, and away from competing with fanners? Yes. As Secretary of 

Agriculture in Iom1, I hav·e beard the same feedback. The CRP program must achiew balance 

between achicYing its conservation goals and not disrupting market land prices in local 

communities. If c:onfinncd, l will work to ensure that CRP operates as intended. 
149 

Senator Steve Daines 

I. As you know, Montana and much of the West has been devastated by a severe drought and 

wildfire season to the extent we haven't seen in decades. Over one million acres in Montana 

have been consumed (2)by flames. While the weather has tumed and diminished most of the 

remaining fires, the impacts of this fire season on Montana's farmers and ranchers still remains. 

Will you commit to working to provide fanners and ranchers as much flexibility as possible 

within FSA and NRCS programs to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters when they strike? 

If confirmed, yes. 

2. The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) has been utilized in places like the 

Clark Fork River basin, to improve aging irrigation infrastmcture while also helping restore 

the river. If confirmed, how will you ensure that the RCPP serves the needs of western 

producers who rely on large-scale irrigation infrastructure? The Secretary has stated the 

conservation of resources. especially our water. air and land. must be a top priority fbr CSDA. 

lam intimately familiar with how these programs are dcliwrcd and utilized in Iowa, but I have 

not been fully briefed on the specific applications of RCPP in western states. lf confirmed. I 

will fully review and gain a better understanding of how RCPP serves the ne.cds of wcstem 

producers who rely on large-scale irrigation infrastructure. 
150 

Senator Patrick Leahy 

(I) In your opinion, what are the major management challenges facing the Farm Service Agency 

(FSA) today? How do you intend to address any such challenges? I believe that Secretary 

Perdue's ctTorts to align FSi\. RMA, and l'RCS and create a one-stop shop for L'SDA"s 

customers \viii go a long way in improving coordination across the three agencies. At the same 

time, it is going to take a focused and coordinated effort to manage this change and ensure that 

it results in better service and better results for our tanners. 1 also bclicn: there are signi tic am 

IT challenges to make sure that USDA customers aren't overburdened vvith paperwork and 

that the systems of the three Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) agencies work 

together. If continncd, I will quickly get to work to fully understand the changes that are being 

undertaken and make sure they are done in a c\·ay that isn't disruptive to our producers and 

improves our program delivery. 

(2) In your opinion, what are the major management challenges facing the Risk Management 

Agency (RMA) today? How do you intend to address any such challenges? I bclic1e we ha\e 

to continue to innovate and dewlop risk management tools to suppon our fanners. This 

challenge requires we have a strong work force that understands and is connected to our 

customer. I intend to focus on workforce, customer sen·ice, and technology needs to ensure 

RMA and the other FPAC agencies are best prepared to serve our customers today and 

tomorrow. 

(3) In your opinion, what are the major management challenges facing the Natural Resources 

Conservation Service (NRCS) today? How do you intend to address any such challenges? I 

belie\c that Secretary Perdue's efforts to align FSA. RMA, and NRC:S and crente a one-stop 

shop for USDA "s customers will go a long way in improYing coordination across the three 

agencies. At the same time. it is going to take a focused and coordinated effort to manage this 

chang.: and l'nsure that it results in better service and better results for our farmers. I also 

believe there ar.: significant IT challenges to make sure that CSDA customers aren't 

overburdened with paperwork and that the systems of the three Farm Production and 

Conservation (FPACJ agencies work together. If confirmed. l will quickly get to work to fully 

und.:rstand the changes that are being undertaken and make sure they are done in a way that 

isn "t disruptive to our producers and improves our program delivery. 

(4) The USDA reorganization created your new position of Undersecretary for Farm Production 

and Conservation (FPAC). You will oversee an extremely broad mission area related to 

domestic agricultural issues, which now include both the FSA and NRC:S. How will you ensure 

that conservation efforts and resources are not lost or mitigated in this transition? As Secretary 

of Agriculture in Iowa, I recognized and championed appropriate conservation cffcnis, and 

appreciate your >trong leaden;hip on this issue. If con tinned, I will assist Secretary Perdue to 

ensure that our fanners and ranchers arc supported as they do their part in terms of conservation 

effmis, and to ..:tTcctivcly and efficiently use the consenation resources prm idee! to USDA by 

Congress as intended. l\ly goal with this transition would to be make better usc of taxpayer 

dollars for ronsen·ation. not to diminish them. 
151 

(5) In your testimony you mentioned how as Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture, you have 

significantly increased the state's efforts in improving water quality, and an increased focus on 

soil health. In Vennont, the NRCS staff are doing an amazing job of working with fanners and 

our Vermont Agency of Agriculture to implement critical new water quality practices on fanns 

that are directly helping to reduce phosphorus runoff in the four targeted areas of the lake. In 

fact, recent data is showing that the hard work and dedication of the farmers in the basin to 

expand the use of cover crops, reduce tillage, and improve nutrient management, all with 

significant financial and technical assistance from the NRCS, is reducing phosphorus loading 

across the entire basin. 

a. Do I have your commitment to continue the work started by Secretary Vilsack to help 

our farmers in Vermont comply with stricter state water quality regulations by 

addressing phosphorus runoff and ensuring the safety and health of our water sources? 

Yes. 

b. The conservation practices installed in the Lake Champlain basin over the last few 

years are already making a positive impact on soil and water health, but this is only 

possible due to the financial commitment from the USDA through the Environmental 

Quality Incentive Program, the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and the 

Regional Conservation Partnership Program, and the hard work of our fanners to 

implement these changes. If confirmed, will you commit to fighting for these vital 

conservation programs and not requesting or recommending any reductions in funding 

or spending for these voluntary conservation programs? If conJirmed, 1 commit to fully 

reviewing USDA's conscrYation programs and making sound recommendations for 

consideration by the Secretary, the Administration, and Congress. 

(6) Secretary Perdue has stated that it will be critical for FPAC to improve customer service at the 

USDA's most fanner facing agencies, improve USDA's impact on helping fanners for their 

natural resources, and implement the farm programs as directed by Congress. The Committee 

has been informed that Secretary Perdue and the staff at USDA are studying different 

consolidation, personnel realignments, automation initiatives, and even hiring freezes to 

streamline the department. I am concerned that these steps to reduce staffing, including the 

proposed Fiscal Year 2018 decrease of 278 direct staff years for the FSA, will result in 

unacceptable levels of customer service. 

The same should be said of the NRCS where the agency appears to have been rather creative 

when tallying their total number of unfilled positions for Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018, despite 

the stories our Committee has heard from across the country of unfilled positions and a forced 

hiring fi·eeze, without calling it a hiring fi·eeze. The USDA tried to claim in its Congressional 

Budget Justification for Fiscal Year 2018 that the NRCS for Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018 has, 

and would have, absolutely no unfilled positions. Quite frankly that is an absurd claim and I 

am concerned that this hiring freeze is causing delays in implementing farm conservation 

practices at NRCS, including important water quality work in Vennont and Iowa, and it is 

leading to increased frustration for fa1mers across the country. 

In 2015, as the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture you raised similar customer service concerns 
152 

with the NRCS' proposed procedures for State Offsite Methods (SOSMs) in completing 

wetlands determinations. Specifically you said that the SOSMs proposal would "decrease 

NRCS staff working directly with fanners, and as such may decrease farmer trust when 

determinations containing wetlands are made since onsite visits may not always occur as 

proposed in the SOSMs." 

a. Do you agree that a similar argument can be made here, that such dramatic NRCS 

staffing reductions and the ongoing hiring freeze could lead to a decrease in farmers 

trust as they find it harder to receive technical assistance and financial assistance from 

the NRCS? I am not familiar with the staftlng numbers at NRCS but if confirmed, J will 

take a thorough look at staft!ng in NRCS. as well as FSA and RMA, to make sure that 

\YC are strategic in proYiding exceptional service to our farmers and ranchers. 

b. Do you agree that a similar argument can be made that with the FSA staff hiring freeze, 

the agency's reliance on natural attrition, and increased automation, farmers will 

experience a decrease in staff working directly with them and a reduced customer 

service, which will decrease their trust in the Department? As !mentioned previously. I 

do not hm·e access to starring data at USDA, but if confirmed. will work to carry out a 

transition that does not diminish the level of sen·ice provided to producers. 

c. In the past the Senate Agriculture Committee has taken strong stances on opposing FSA 

office closures and the Senate Appropriations Committee has also pushed back on 

proposed closures. Based on your experience in Iowa as Secretary of Agriculture and a 

farmer yourself, how have USDA office closures and low staffing levels directly 

impacted fanners? I agree thJt insufficient staffing can be a challenge for farmers who 

use USDA programs. I also believe that strong data and analysis has to back any 

decisions on staffing and oHice locations. If confirmed, my goal would be to take a 

thoughtful approach to staffing and offices, making sure USDA resources <Jre allocated 

to where they arc most needed. 

(7) Secretary Perdue has clearly expressed that it is his primity to deliver services as efficiently 

and effectively as possible to farmers across this country. Despite this, the General Services 

Administration (GSA) is forcing the relocation of the busiest joint NRCS-FSA county office 

in New England in St. Albans, Vermont, to move to a high level security federal facility that 

the USDA leadership at both the State and National level have determined is incompatible with 

efficiently serving farmers, and will interfere with their ability to fulfill their mission. 

Will you commit to quickly looking into the imminent move of the Franklin County Vermont 

USDA Service Center, and to oppose this move with the GSA should you agree that it will 

impair delivery of these important USDA programs? If confirmed. I will give full consideration 

ro all proposed oHicc moves and closures. 

(8) You recently submitted comments on a proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule 

that would establish maximum cyanobacteria levels in water allowed for recreational activity 

in which you raised concems that these proposed levels were too high and would be a burden 

to implement. 
153 

a. Are you committed to establishing and enforcing strong, credible conservation and 

water quality regulations based on the recommendations of the scientists at USDA? 

Yes. 

b. Are there areas in land conservation and water quality that you would highlight as 

needing more or less regulation to improve soil and water health? Secretary Perdue has 

been charged by the President with remoYing burdensome regulations within USDA. 

If confirmed. 1 will take a deeper diYe into the FPAC mission area's re~:,Ttdations and 

provide the Secretary with fully vetted recommendations to improve service for our 

customers and to maximize benc!its of our taxpayer-supported programs. 

c. Are there areas in land conservation and water quality that you would highlight as 

needing more federal support to encourage voluntary conservation practices? I truly 

believe, and see ewry day. that farmers want to protect and conserve the land. As Iowa 

Secretary of Agriculture. I worked closely with Iowa farmers to incentivize and 

encourage voluntary land cons.:rvation and water quality measures that helped impnl\'C 

our natural resources across the stale. If confirmed. !look forward to working through 

:-.IRCS and FSi\ to encourage fanners to try new practices and make long term 

commitments to conservation. 

(9) I understand that you were a member of the EPA's Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities 

Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC), which had a rather constructive policy dialogue about 

EPA efforts to restore, maintain, and enhance water quality through nutrient management 

programs. 

a. Can you share with us how your participation in the FRRCC has better prepared you 

for this Undersecretary position to which you have been nominated? The FRRCC 

helped me better understand the challenges faced at the fedcrnllcYel as the agriculture 

community works to address water quality issues. It also hdpcd me understand a 

diverse group of viewpoints that I'll be able to reflect upon if confirmed. 

b. What national experiences and background did you gain as a part of the FRRCC that 

have helped to prepare you for this national role as Undersecretary? /\s the Iowa 

Secretary of Agriculture. l was lucky to have a \·ery agriculture-centric group or 

constituents. On the FRRCC, I had the opportunity to work with other Ath·isory 

members from all over the country with a range of experiences and backgrounds. These 

diYersc viewpoints helped to broaden my own viewpoints and better understand 

challenges that other parts of the country and agriculture industry arc experiencing. lf 

confinned, I'll han' to take a national approach to serYing in my role, overseeing farm 

production and conscJYation programs across all types of agriculture in all states and 

letTitories. 

(I 0) This summer Secretary Perdue was quoted in the press as saying that he wants farmers to 

use crop insurance -not abuse it In your testimony you stated that "Crop insurance is the most 

important part of the farm safety net and through RMA, we need to ensure that we maintain 
154 

this vital tool for producers." Unfortunately our nation's dairy farmers are basically being 

blocked from really using insurance as a tool at all as long as the USDA continues to classifY 

milk as "livestock," rather than treating milk as an eligible commodity the same way you do 

corn, soybeans, nuts, or nursery crops. It is the milk that our farmers want to insure, not the 

dairy cows producing that milk. 

a. If you believe that it is the most important part of the farm safety net, do you agree with 

me that crop insurance should be extended to fully support dairy farmers and aid in the 

creation of more dairy revenue insurance products and policies, which companies are 

currently discouraged from doing as long as milk continues to be classified as 

"livestock" by the USDA for insurance options? I hav-e heard many concerns from 

many producers about the lack of risk management tools for dairy producers and the 

chalkngcs with the MPP program. If confirmed. I would like to see how \W can do 

bc1tcr for the U.S. dairy industry. I commit to learning more about the classification 

issue you raise and examining all possible solutions so that we can make sure that dairy 

fanners are properly supported by the f~u·m safety net. 

b. Do you support having the RMA and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation utilize 

their existing authorities to expand and enhance insurance products for dairy farmers 

by treating milk as the commodity it truly is so that it is fully eligible for policies and 

new insurance products through the Federal Crop Insurance program? Why or why 

not? I commit to learning more about this issue and exmnining all possible solutions so 

that we can make sure that dairy fanners are properly supported by the farm safety net 

If con fim1ed. l look forward to working with Congress to ensure this issue is fixed in 

statute in the upcoming Fam1 Bill. 

(ll) In Vermont, dairy farmers are the biggest single part of our state's agricultural economy. 

The state has estimated that 80% of agricultural land in Vermont suppmis our dairy industry 

in one way or another. According to the 2012 USDA Ag Census, Iowa had approximately 

I, 180 dairy farms, but over the previous five years the state has lost some 580 or 24% of your 

dairy farms. I believe that we should use this next Farm Bill to make sure that our family dairy 

fanns survive and thrive, which is important not only to the dairy industry, but also to our rural 

communities who greatly benefit from dairy's positive impact throughout the country. We have 

had a terrible problem in both of our states where so many dairy farmers have lost not just 

income, but have lost their livelihood, which has destroyed hundreds and hundreds of our 

country's dairy farms, year after year. 

a. Do I have your commitment to work on supporting congressional solutions to improving 

the Margin Protection Program (MPP) in the next Fann Bill, and working with your staff 

at the FSA to develop recommendations for Congress to make much needed improvements 

to the MPP? Yes. 

b. Our dairy farmers are seeing less competition for their milk, which is leading to lower 

prices, margins, and profitability. With the U.S. supply growing faster than our domestic 

demand for dairy, we have seen exports gaining importance but leaving our farmers at the 
155 

whim of volatile foreign markets. What suggestions do you have for building more demand 

and production capacity here in the U.S. to give our dairy farmers additional markets for 

their milk? On the domestic demand side, I think there is more we can do to help suppoti 

this nutritious Cood like we\·c seen Secretary Perdue do when he announced more 

flexibility around milk in school lunches. If confirmed, I'd like to explore oppornmities 

like that with the Food and :iutrition Service and the Agricultural Marketing Service. 

Growing exports is also going to be '.'ita! during this Administration. I look fonYard to 

working with my colleague. Cndcr Secretary McKinney. to encourage foreign market 

growth for U.S. dairy. Regarding production capacity, that is an issue I'll hme to look into 

further if confirmed. but is an important area I think we should explore. 

c. I have heard complaints that our current dairy pricing system stands as a disincentive to 

make donations of dairy products, and a dairy processor or farmer cooperative has a 

perverse financial incentive to simply dump milk in manure lagoons rather than donating 

it to food banks or other feeding programs. Would you support changes to our Federal Milk 

Marketing Orders to encourage the donation of dairy products rather than just seeing that 

milk dumped into manure pits? I know the dairy pricing system is a controversial topic for 

dairy producers. If confirmed, I will work with my colleagues at the Agricultural :\1arketing 

Service from a peripheral role on addressing this. 

(12) Dairy farmers are also the biggest single part of Puerto Rico's agricultural economy. They 

account for about a third of Puerto Rico's total agricultural production, in part because oflimits 

on milk imports while Puerto Rico imports most of its other foods. What suggestions do you 

have to help these struggling dairy farmers in Puerto Rico, these American farmers, to get back 

on their feet? Hurricane lm1a was absolutely devastating to Puerto Rico and its agricultural 

economy. USDA has a number of great programs within the FP AC mission area to help in 

situations such as this. I am eager, if conJinncd, to reinforce efforts these programs arc already 

taking in Puerto Rico to ensure a speedy recovery. 

(13) As part of now Deputy Secretary Censky's nomination heating before this Committee, in 

his response to questions for the record he stated that "Lumber and its by-products are crops 

the same as corn or wheat." 

a. Do you agree with Deputy Secretary Censky? Y cs. 

b. If so, do you support looking at ways for the USDA farm loan programs to better support our 

forestry industry and loggers, who need more access to capital and lines of credit to help this 

industry? Yes. 

(14) We must do more to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to energy detived from 

domestic renewable energy resources. 

a. Do you agree that climate change and the energy security of our country are two very 

important issues facing our nation? I ogrce that we need to do more to look at long-term 

challenges caused by weather, climate, and energy using sound science to direct USDA's 

resources. 
156 

How will you work to address climate change and energy security? I think it is critical to 

have strong science to infom1 any effcn1s we undertake to support our farmers in 

addressing and responding to the impacts of climate on their crops. 

b. Do you agree that agriculture and forestry can play a central role in our country's energy 

transition and should eam economic rewards for doing so? Y cs. 

c. Do you believe that farms and ranches can provide ideal sites for wind power and solar 

energy, as well as methane biodigesters systems, and can be an important resource basis 

for a new energy economy? Yes. if done in respect of private property rights. 

d. Finally, how will you work to support the role of farms and our forests in a new renewable 

energy economy that supports rural jobs and communities? lf confirmed. I pledge to 

always be a great supporter of our farms and forests. and of landowners' ability to sustain 

rural jobs and economic gro\\1h on their lands and in their communities. \Vhile the Forest 

Service is no longer housed with NRCS by mission area, T intend to work closely with the 

l'nder Secretary Cor :--Jatural Resources and Em ironment on collaboratiYe solutions. 
157 

Senator Michael F. Bennet 

1) In Colorado, private landowners have worked to protect wildlife habitat with the help ofNRCS 

initiatives like Working Lands for Wildlife. During the last administration, we made sure these 

voluntary efforts were counted as part of the decision to avoid a listing for the Greater Sage 

Grouse. Through initiatives like Working Lands for Wildlife - and targeting USDA's 

conservation dollars the broader public receives a solid return on investment. 

a. What can we do within existing conservation programs, such as EQIP, CSP, or CRP, 

to target conservation dollars toward important western wildlife habitat in the next farm 

bill? Programs like EQJP have been helpli.tl in providing incentives for landowners to 

implement wildlife habitat practices on their operations. The 5 percent set-aside within 

the statute has been one way to ensure these initiatiws are maintained. Will you work 

with my team to advance these efforts? Yes. 

b. With the movement ofNRCS into the Farm Production and Conservation mission area, 

what steps will you take to ensure that collaborative conservation remains a top 

priority? Conservation is a critical part of the CUITent and future success of /\merican 

agriculture. lf confim1ed, I will work with the Secretary to ensure the realignment of 

:-IRCS into FPAC increases the effectiveness of the agency and maximizes the success 

of its programs. 

2) As you know, swings in the farm economy-with low commodity prices and persistent drought 

can hit beginning and small farmers especially hard, and can even prevent individuals from 

entering the fanning and ranching business. Young farmers in Western states like Colorado 

are especially interested in how USDA's conservation programs can improve the affordability 

of land, conserve water resources, improve soil health, and help their business. 

a. Would you agree that it is important to enroll new and beginning fmmers in conservation 

programs early and often, particularly to improve outcomes for water quality and soil 

health? Yes. 

b. What steps will you take to ensure USDA's conservation programs are accessible to 

fatmers and ranchers who are new to the business? How can the Committee assist you 

in this effort? '\'e\1' and beginning fanners are the future of American agriculture. If 

confirmed, I will prioritize outreach to this important segment of the agriculture 

community to ensure that they ure able to fully utilize conservation pro,grams as well 

as other FPAC programs and thereby increase their chances for success. This 

Committee can maintain pmvisions within the Farm Bill statute that proYidc higher 

cost-share rates and other incentives for new and beginning fanners and ranchers, 

veterans, and other historically underscryed producers. 

3) As you may know, I suppotied providing a new $150 million in FY17 for NRCS' Watershed 

Act program. Together with seven other Colorado River Basin Senators, Republicans and 

Democrats, we asked that USDA dedicate half ofthis funding to the Basin, We supported this 
158 

program because it can holistically address western agriculture's on and off farm needs. I was 

disappointed to learn that the Department did not fund any Colorado projects. 

a. Could you provide us with a list of projects submitted for consideration and the total 

dollar amount of funding sought? How many of these program applicants were former 

beneficiaries of the program? While I am not currently priYy to the specific answers to 

this question, if con tinned. I plan to be briefed on the details of this issue and look 

forward to speaking more with you about it in the ltJture. 

b. How did you ensure that the FY17 funding was distributed in an equitable fashion? 

While I do not yet haw access to the specific answers to this question, if confirmed. I 

plan to be briefed on the details of this issue and look forward to speaking more with 

you about it in the future. 
159 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand 

(I) While New York does not have as many farms as Iowa, it does produce an extraordinarily 

diverse range of crops. The Risk Management Agency has worked hard to expand specialty 

crop insurance options and I know my growers appreciate that. However, not every insurance 

program has worked as well as it should. I have been very disappointed with the Whole Farm 

Revenue Program. The Whole Farm program requires a farmer track the sales of all their crops 

in every way that they come to market. For a diversified vegetable farmer that grows 10 

different crops and sells some wholesale, some at farmers markets, and some in a CSA, they 

would require a degree in Accounting to comply. 

a. How could you direct RMA to improve the Whole Fann policy and make it easier to use 

for New York farmers? If confirmed. I will explore this matter in detail. As you describe 

it, it sounds \Cry much like a problem Secretary Perdu.: would insist be resolwd as well 

and I will rely upon your input. 

b. How would you ensure that agents know about the product and give farmers a Whole Farm 

option if it is right for them? Program deliv.:ry and customer service is a stated priority of 

the Secretary and if contim1ed, I commit to working to ensure that our program deJi,·ery 

structure is up to the task. 
160 

Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. 

(I) Pennsylvania has a long and successful history of utilizing the Conservation Reserve 

Enhancement Program (CREP). The conservation practices funded through CREP, riparian 

buffers in particular, are a key element of Pennsylvania's strategy for improving the health of 

local waterways and meeting the state's Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals. Unfortunately, 

Pennsylvania CREP enrollment has stalled in recent years. I am advised that one of the factors 

contributing to this decline is the confusion that results from having two agencies, the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency, share implementation of the 

program. 

As you know, the recent USDA reorganization has placed NRCS and FSA under a single 

mission, which you will oversee if confirmed. 

a. As Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, what steps will you take to 

encourage greater collaboration and cooperation between FSA and NRCS in order to 

improve the implementation ofCREP? If confirmed, I will ensure that FSA and NRC'S 

arc both at the table when CREP agreements arc being written with states and make 

sure they plan for long term coordination and success for both CSDA and the state's 

goals to be reached. 

b. What role do you think third parties can play in increasing enrollment in CREP or CRP 

working lands programs? While third parties cannot truly execute CREP agreements. 

they can play a crucial role in outreach and education to eligible participants. 

NRCS FSA partners that provide technical assistance through agreements would be 

ideal organizations to help encourage CREP enrollment. 

c. If confirmed, how would you increase flexibility in the implementation of CREP? 

While the implementation ofCREP agn:ements varies based on the specific agreements 

signed, if conlirm.:d. I plan to aggressively pursue new CREP agreements and ensure 

that Oexibility is buill into those new agreements that would not hamper progress if a 

state is to change their contribution rates or other unforeseen circumstances arise. 

(2) One of the challenges to getting conservation practices implemented is the need for additional 

boots on the ground. 

a. Could you speak to the role you envision third parties, whether they be NGOs or private 

sector businesses, playing in delivering conservation technical assistance? 

Conservation Technical Assistance is the backbone of service that NRC'S provides our 

customers. \\'ith tighter budgets it is becoming even more important that our 

.:onservation partners. certilled Technical Sen·ice Providers, are able to hdp reach our 

wide network of customers in a timely. professional manner to help implement 

Yoluntary. incentive-based conservation pructices. 
161 

b. Do you think this is an opportunity to deliver more conservation in areas where it is 

most needed? There are ahYays opportunities for improvement. including in the area of 

conservation practice adoption. 

(3) I have been informed that the Farm Service Agency, through the Conservation Reserve 

Enhancement Program, may have set aside a $20 million funding allocation from the 

Commodity Credit Corporation for riparian buffer work in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

Pennsylvania's fanners want to install conservation practices that will lead to cleaner local 

watersheds and help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay, but they need help. This set 

aside would provide assistance that is badly needed throughout the watershed. 

a. If confirmed, will you have FSA brief my office on the statns of these funds? Yes. 

b. If eon finned, will you commit to ensuring that these funds are expeditiously applied? 

Yes. 

(4) While the ag economy has really been in a downtnm the last number of years, and a lot of our 

producers are hurting, especially those young and beginning fanners that have just gotten their 

start in the last few years, I am concerned with the proposed cuts to USDA's budget that have 

been made by President Trump. How do you believe that you will be able to continue to 

provide a level of service to sustain and then grow what is the number one industry in 

Pennsylvania, as well as to maintain our position as a leader in the world for having the safest 

and most affordable food supply? I think that Secretary Perdue is a tighter and an innoYator 

who will ensure that we modemizc and impro\'e our delivery of scrYicc to make sure that we 

continue 10 provide high quality service in the Federal go\·ernment's leanest und most efficient 

depurtmenL 
162 

Senator Chris Van Hollen 

( 1) Of utmost importance to my constituents in Maryland are efforts to protect the Chesapeake 

Bay. We work closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement 

projects that provide assistance to agricultural producers to minimize excess nutrients and 

sediments into the Chesapeake Bay through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, 

or RCPP. I have heard a number of concerns from my constituents about needed improvements 

to the RCPP Program in order to make sure the Chesapeake Bay gets the attention it needs and 

I am cunently working on legislation to do so. If confinned, can I get your commitment to 

work with me on this important issue? Yes. 

(2) I have heard some concerns from stakeholders about USDA's ongoing reorganization and the 

lack of information and stakeholder engagement about the process. Specifically, Maryland soil 

and water conservation districts feel in the dark about how the new processes for hiring and 

office leasing will work. I've also heard from the Chesapeake Bay Commission that the Natural 

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff are stretch too thin doing administrative that 

used to be done by the Farm Services Agency (FSA), leaving significantly less time for oneon-one engagement with fanners. Can you assure the Committee that if confirmed, you will 

begin to engage with these core partners about the reorganization? Yes. 

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