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Iowa farmer is interested in top USDA post

An Iowa farmer says she’s interested in becoming the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

Annette Sweeney of Alden, Iowa was one of the original members of then-candidate Donald Trump’s ag and rural advisory committee. In recent days, some other members of that committee have suggested to the Trump transition team that they give Sweeney an interview.

Sweeney tells Brownfield she would welcome the opportunity.

“Oh, wouldn’t that be exciting—I would love to have that opportunity,” Sweeney says. “But for me, that opportunity is for American agriculture—and I live and breathe it.”

Sweeney and her husband, Dave, raise purebred Angus cattle as well as corn and soybeans. Sweeney served in the Iowa House for four years and was the first Republican woman to be chair of the Iowa House Ag Committee. She also co-chaired the bipartisan “America’s Renewable Future” group that lobbied presidential candidates to support the ethanol production mandate.

Sweeney says she’s not concerned that it’s taking so long to find an agriculture nominee. She says Trump’s team is relying heavily on his ag advisory committee for input on potential nominees.

“I’m encouraged by the administration listening to individuals that are directly involved in agriculture,” she says.

AUDIO: Annette Sweeney