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Senate confirms Censky, McKinney to USDA posts

The United States Senate has confirmed Stephen Censky as deputy secretary of agriculture and Ted McKinney as under secretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

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The United States Senate has confirmed Stephen Censky as deputy secretary of agriculture and Ted McKinney as under secretary of agriculture for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.

The full U.S. Senate confirmed the pair to their nominated posts on October 3, just one day after they gained bipartisan approval from the Senate agriculture committee.

Censky, a native of Minnesota and current resident of the St. Louis area, has most recently served as the CEO of the American Soybean Association (ASA), having held that position since 1996. McKinney has most recently been the director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. He was sworn in to that position in 2014 by then-Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, who is currently the vice president of the United States.

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Ted McKinney | Indiana State Department of Agriculture

Federal leaders pleased with confirmations

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue praised the Senate’s confirmation of the two men to fill key posts within the agency he oversees.

“I commend the Senate for confirming these two experienced, prepared, and capable nominees, who will provide the steady leadership we need at USDA,” Perdue said in a statement.  “Steve Censky will help us be responsive to producers reeling from the effects of multiple hurricanes and also offer prudent counsel as Congress continues work on the 2018 Farm Bill.  Ted McKinney will take charge of the newly-created mission area focused on trade, and wake up every morning seeking to sell more American agricultural products in foreign markets.  We eagerly await their arrival at USDA, and urge the Senate to continue to act on other nominees who are awaiting confirmation.”

Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, in a statement said Censky has been a strong voice for farmers in his state and across the nation.

“His extensive knowledge and leadership in the agriculture industry, prior public service, and experience growing up on a farm will make him a tremendous asset to the department. I look forward to working with Mr. Censky to help ensure farm families across the nation have the tools they need to be successful,” said Blunt.

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