The Office of Chief Ag Negotiator could soon be filled.
AgriPulse reports the White House is set to name Doug Hoelscher as Chief Ag Negotiator. Hoelscher is currently at the America First Policy Institute, the same think tank co-founded by Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins. He held positions in the first Trump Administration, as well as the George W. Bush White House.
Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig backs the move, saying his policy experience will serve the country well.
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