Thursday, the Senate Agriculture Committee recommended the approval of Sonny Perdue as the next Agriculture Secretary. The full Senate now must vote on his confirmation. Nebraska Corn Growers Association President Dan Wesely says Perdue got good bipartisan support from the committee and he hopes the full Senate approves his appointment soon.

South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal thinks Perdue will be confirmed quickly by the Senate. He says that’s critical with several important ag issues on the table including trade, the next farm bill and immigration.

VanderWal says Perdue needs to push for approval of a new farm bill before 2018 because the farm economy is in tough shape and needs the help new farm legislation can provide.

Wesely says his group’s priority for Perdue is working on trade agreements so can corn growers can access needed foreign markets.