The Trump Administration could finally have a Secretary of Agriculture in place as early as next week. However, Jon Doggett, NCGA executive vice president, says Perdue’s delayed confirmation is the first in a long list of other candidates that must be placed in key Department of Agriculture roles.

He explains there are hundreds of other politically appointed positions still sitting vacant at USDA.

Doggett says the delay is stalling talks concerning current farm bill programs, as well as slowing initial discussions about the next farm bill.

Sonny Perdue’s confirmation hearing before the Senate is slated for April 24th.