The Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing Thursday on the nomination of Sonny Perdue as Agriculture Secretary. National Association of Wheat Growers President David Schemm, who farms in northwest Kansas, says he’s pleased they’re finally moving ahead with the confirmation hearing.

Schemm is also encouraged that Senate Democrats have signaled they won’t block the nomination of Perdue as they have with President Trump’s other Cabinet nominees.

He says it’s important to have an Agriculture Secretary in place to help farmers dealing with the depressed ag economy and to make sure important programs are running properly that can assist them.

Schemm says the Ag Secretary also needs to be confirmed so he can work with lawmakers on the new farm bill and trade.