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Wisconsin Governor wants another farmer for next Ag Secretary

Wisconsin’s Governor Scott Walker says when Ben Brancel retires Sunday at the close of the State Fair, he would like another farmer as Ag Secretary.  During the Wisconsin State Fair Tuesday, Walker told Brownfield, “There’s a lot of different agriculture-related, farm-related groups in the state so Ben was able to navigate that because he had credibility, he was well respected, he’s very humble, even though he was a great leader.   Those are the characteristics I’d like to have.  Someone who I think is universally respected and who understands the political process, not only with the various groups but with the Legislature and with other state agencies.”

Walker tells Brownfield he and the administration have a short list of possible Secretary candidates.  “Oh yeah, we’ve got a number of names, both with folks we’ve talked about and, as you can imagine, going around the fair and other places,  people have brought up suggestions and were always open to ideas, but again it’s a unique talent for someone to fill the boots, not the shoes, but the boots of Ben Brancel.”

Walker tells Brownfield Secretary Ben Brancel has done an outstanding job promoting agriculture, expanding ag exports, and working with both legislators and farm organizations.  The Governor says he will likely wait until after the state budget is completed to appoint a new Secretary for the Department of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection.