Ibach confirmed for USDA post

The state ag director, and Dawson County farmer Greg Ibach has been confirmed for a key USDA post.

Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded the Senate’s confirmation of Greg Ibach, who was nominated to serve as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In a statement, Perdue said, "Greg Ibach will bring experience and integrity to his new role at USDA, and carries with him the knowledge he’s gained in the dozen years he has served as Nebraska’s Director of Agriculture. His expertise in a wide cross-section of agricultural issues will be invaluable to our customers: the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers of America. I look forward to working with Greg and urge the Senate to continue to act on other nominees who are awaiting confirmation."

The vote was unanimous.

Sen. Deb Fischer, a fellow rancher said, "I am thrilled to hear my friend and fellow Nebraskan, Greg Ibach, was just confirmed to serve as Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA. Greg’s deep knowledge, vast experience, and strong passion for agriculture, will serve America’s farmers and ranchers well. I know he will make Nebraskans proud, and I look forward to working with him to provide more certainty for the producers in this country who feed a hungry world."

Ibach has served as the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for the past 12 years.

Gov. Pete Ricketts offered congratulations. He said, "Greg’s experience growing Nebraska will be a great asset to President Trump’s team. We look forward to partnering with him in his new role as we work to expand access to international markets for Nebraska’s quality agricultural and manufactured products and other goods."

Nebraska Farm Bureau leaders also praise the choice. Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson has called Ibach an "outstanding choice."

Nelson said, "I want to publicly thank Greg for all the work that he has done for Nebraska Agriculture over the years. He has been a strong advocate for Nebraska farmers and ranchers and the members of our organization appreciate his efforts."

"Greg is very much a farmer. He’s worn that hat and brought that voice throughout his service as Nebraska’s Director of Agriculture and that won’t change when he heads to Washington, D.C. We look forward to working with him in his new position and are confident he will be an asset to USDA and to American agriculture," Nelson said.

Sen. Ben Sasse said agriculture communities will be served well with Ibach in the USDA position.

“Greg Ibach earned this USDA spot utilizing the honesty, determination, and smarts that Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are known for," Sasse said. "Whether it’s emphasizing the importance of agriculture or working hard to expand Nebraska’s trading partners, Greg has a proven track record of public service bringing common sense and innovative solutions to his work."