WASHINGTON (RFD-TV)— The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the Public Lands Council (PLC), and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) applauded the U.S. Senate for confirming a slate of nominees to leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Chairman Boozman noted the importance of filling vacancies that had slowed policy work across federal agencies, highlighting nominees Dudley Hoskins, Dr. Scott Hutchins, and Richard Fordyce as especially critical to USDA’s mission of serving farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
“President Trump has been in office for eight months, and there are still numerous vacant positions across the federal government. These vacancies delay the ability of federal agencies to craft policy and address issues facing America’s cattle producers,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We thank Majority Leader John Thune and all the senators who voted to advance this slate of highly qualified nominees. With new confirmed officials, important teams under USDA, the Interior Department, EPA, and CEQ can be even more effective in serving America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”
“Filling these key USDA roles is essential to carrying out President Trump’s agenda for rural America,” Boozman said. “Dudley Hoskins, Dr. Scott Hutchins, and Richard Fordyce bring strong agricultural experience and are well-equipped to serve farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. I look forward to working with them as they advance USDA’s mission and strengthen communities across farm country and beyond. I’m especially appreciative of Dudley’s guidance and counsel during his service on the Senate Agriculture Committee. He’s been a trusted member of the team since my time in committee leadership, and I’m particularly proud he’s agreed to serve as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. I’m confident he will continue to serve at USDA with the same dedication.”
U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs:
- “NCBA congratulates Dudley Hoskins on his confirmation,” said Ethan Lane, NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. “With experience at USDA, NASDA, and the Senate Agriculture Committee, he is a highly qualified nominee who will strengthen the economic health and security of the U.S. cattle industry.”
- Dr. Scott Hutchins, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
- “As a scientist and researcher, Dr. Hutchins has dedicated his career to protecting American agriculture and advancing gold-standard research,” Lane said. “We look forward to working with him to support family cattle farmers and ranchers.”
- Richard Fordyce, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation:
- “Farmers rely on FPAC to manage FSA offices, risk management tools, and voluntary conservation programs. NCBA is grateful to see Richard Fordyce confirmed to lead these critical efforts that support healthy ranches and rangelands,” Lane added.
Environmental Protection Agency
- Jessica Kramer, Assistant Administrator of the Office of Water:
- “For too long, EPA has been a burden to cattle producers and created more red tape for family farms and ranches,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “We welcome Assistant Administrator Kramer’s confirmation and look forward to her charting a new course that recognizes the environmental benefits of raising cattle.”
U.S. Department of the Interior
- Leslie Beyer, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management:
- “Leslie Beyer will oversee the Bureau of Land Management, whose daily work impacts 22,000 western ranchers with federal grazing permits,” said Kaitlynn Glover, PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources. “We look forward to building on that partnership.”
- Andrea Travnicek, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science:
- “With the level of drought facing the West, there is no shortage of work ahead on managing water resources,” Glover said. “Her leadership will be critical to stewarding our nation’s supply.”
- William L. Doffermyre, Solicitor:
- “Solicitor Doffermyre will play an important role in holding the department accountable to rural communities,” Glover said. “We look forward to working with him to eliminate burdensome regulations that hinder family ranchers.”
Council on Environmental Quality
- Katherine Scarlett, Member of CEQ:
- “NCBA congratulates Katherine Scarlett on her promotion from staff to Senate-confirmed member,” Glover said. “We are eager to work with her to modernize NEPA and unleash new opportunities for rural America.”
PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover, NCBA Senior Vice President Ethan Lane, and NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
“From USDA to Interior to EPA and CEQ, these leaders have the opportunity to make a real difference for cattle producers and rural families across the country,” Glover said. “NCBA and PLC look forward to working with each of them to ensure federal policies support—not hinder—the farmers and ranchers who feed the nation and steward our natural resources.”
