The National Corn Growers Association along with other agricultural groups have written to the President asking his administration to get moving and fill vacancies at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NCGA Board member Keith Alverson says those decision makers need to be in place to serve farmers, ranchers and consumers.

Alverson says the agency has more than 100,000 employees and needs a full leadership team in place. He says they serve more than just farmers and ranchers but also a host of other programs.

Alverson says because farm income has decreased 55 percent over the last three years, the need for effective leadership at the USDA is more important than it ever has been.