President-elect Joe Biden says he had to do a bit of persuading to convince former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to agree to serve again as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Biden introduced Vilsack and four other members of his domestic policy team today, three of whom served in the Obama … [Read more...]
Vilsack appears to be Biden’s pick to return as ag secretary
It appears Tom Vilsack may serve longer as the nation's ag secretary than he did as Iowa's governor. Several national media outlets are reporting Vilsack is Joe Biden's choice to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Vilsack served as ag secretary during all eight years of the Obama … [Read more...]
Vilsack says Perdue needs to hear of Iowa biofuel woes
Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has some advice for current Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue, who is scheduled to visit Iowa tomorrow. "First and foremost Secretary Perdue obviously needs to visit a farm. He needs to talk to farmers and he also needs to hear the concerns that have been … [Read more...]
Wind turbines on private property a flash point for Iowa lawmakers
Three GOP members of a key committee say they plan to block state regulators from expanding their authority to turn over private property for wind energy developments. Some Iowa counties have passed local zoning ordinances restricting where wind turbines may be placed. Critics say those … [Read more...]
Iowa lawmakers, ag leaders cite hits to rural economy
Iowa's congressional delegation and the leaders of ag and commodity groups are warning the coronavirus pandemic is significantly damaging the rural economy. Some dairy farmers have dumped milk due to the dramatic drop in demand. Tom Vilsack, the former Iowa governor who served eight years as U.S. … [Read more...]
Biden says endorsements from Tom and Christie Vilsack ‘gigantic’ boost
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and his wife, Christie, endorsed Joe Biden's bid for president today. Tom Vilsack said Biden has a unique combination of experience and long-standing relationships with decision-makers around the globe. "We elected a rookie in Donald Trump," Vilsack said during … [Read more...]
Grassley and Vilsack meet up to tout USMCA ratification
Two prominent politicians from opposing parties held an event Monday to call for approval of the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement. The new deal would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, updating some provisions and changing others. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley appeared at a dairy in Des … [Read more...]
Grassley and Vilsack together in D.C., touting USMCA
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, a Democrat, joined forces today in the nation's capitol -- making the case for ratification of the USMCA, which would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. Vilsack, who served eight years as U.S. Secretary of … [Read more...]
Two Iowa governors — one Democrat, one Republican — share a meal
Two Iowa governors who first chatted 32 years ago on a doorstep in southeast Iowa recently met privately for a meal, chatting about the past and at least one idea for the future. Former Governor Tom Vilsack and his wife, Christie, hosted current Governor Kim Reynolds and her husband, Kevin, in … [Read more...]
Vilsack says USMCA ratification would be a victory for farmers, economy
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack -- who served eight years as President Obama's secretary of agriculture -- says having congress ratify the "U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement" will provide stability to farmers and momentum for other trade deals. "Having this agreement passed creates optimism, creates … [Read more...]