Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue told lawmakers this week he may be the lone political appointment at the Department of Agriculture until September or later. 15 executive posts at USDA are vacant and await White House nomination. Nebraska Farm Bureau National Affairs Coordinator Jordan Dux says that’s concerning because while temporary workers are doing their best, there are important things not getting done.

He says it’s also troublesome that Perdue waited nearly 100 days after being nominated before receiving Senate confirmation. He says that means even after nominations are made, it’ll take time to get appointees in place.

Dux says all of the USDA positions that need to be filled are equally important.

Perdue says the names of six USDA nominees including Deputy Secretary have been sent to the White House, but it’s unlikely any will be ready for Senate confirmation before the summer recess.