Yesterday Sam Clovis withdrew his nomination for undersecretary for research, education and economics, effectively known as the USDA chief scientist position. The move comes as a disappointment to past Iowa Soybean Association President Rolland Schnell. He says if Clovis had been confirmed he would have done a good job.

Clovis had been criticized for not having a scientific background and not being qualified for the position. However, Schnell doesn’t think that job requires someone trained as a scientist.

Schnell says the Senate now needs to move ahead with the many other USDA confirmations.

Clovis who was nominated at USDA’s top scientist said in a letter to President Trump that he does not want to be a distraction or a negative influence. He had been linked to the Russia investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller.