WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House announced on July 13 it would nominate American Soybean Assoc. (ASA) CEO Stephen Censky as USDA deputy secretary.

 

Censky worked at the USDA for both the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush presidential administrations, becoming administrator of the agency’s Foreign Agriculture Service in 1992. As CEO of ASA since 1996, Censky has made export market expansion one of his priorities.

His nomination will be considered by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry before advancing to the full Senate for a vote.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from South Dakota State University, Censky earned a master’s in agriculture science from the University of Melbourne, Australia. He became a Congressional staffer in D.C., working as a legislative assistant for Sen. Jim Abdnor (R-S.D.).

Censky and his wife, Carmen, reside in suburban St. Louis, Mo., and have two daughters in college. “Our work has only just begun in delivering results for the people of American agriculture, and the experience and leadership skills of Stephen Censky will only enhance our efforts,” said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. “He will bring enthusiasm and a dedication to this country, which will be great assets to USDA’s customers.

“I am extremely pleased with the nomination for this key position and am hopeful that the Senate will take it up in short order.”

National Corn Growers Assoc. President Wesley Spurlock said Censky’s experience in leading ASA makes him an ideal fit for the job. “Steve knows firsthand the importance of increasing global demand for U.S. agricultural products, growing the renewable fuels industry and protecting risk management programs,” he explained. “His background and experience are especially welcome as we begin to shape the next farm bill.

“Two weeks ago, we called on President Trump

to move quickly to fill out the entire leadership team at USDA. With the rural economy struggling, USDA needs a full leadership team to serve the interests of farmers, ranchers and consumers. We’re pleased to see a strong, experienced deputy nominated today. We urge the President to continue moving forward with other USDA nominations.”

CropLife America (CLA) commended the administration on its choice. CLA represents the developers, manufacturers, formulators and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States.

“His background growing up on a soybean, corn and diversified livestock farm near Jackson, Minnesota, speak to the strengths he will bring to the department, and ensure farmers and ranchers on the ground will have a voice at the federal level,” said Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA.

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) President Chris Jahn expressed its support for quick Senate action to confirm. “American agriculture could not find a stronger advocate in Steve Censky. If he is confirmed, his knowledge of the unique opportunities and obstacles facing agribusiness will be a tremendous asset to Secretary Perdue and the entire agriculture community,” Jahn said.

“Farm profitability depends on many uncontrollable variables, such as weather and global market forces. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to ensure that farmers have the best information to manage those factors that are in their control.”