There’s lots of buzz about who could be the next leader at the USDA, but one political analyst thinks there’s not enough focus on the subcabinet position picks. If former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp is not selected to lead USDA, Pro Farmer policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer says she may still end up at the agency as deputy ag secretary. “That’s a critical position, the glue holding the USDA together. The deputy secretary covers budget matters and consults with the ag secretary. Her former experience being a senator would work very well in the role.” Wiesemeyer expects President-elect Biden to listen closely to cabinet members, making the subcabinet picks very important. “Included in that is USDA’s top economist. Rob Johansson is leaving at the end of the year. Who will fill that role? I think they’ll let the USDA secretary choose their top economist.”
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