Tom Vilsack, 73, has previously come under scrutiny for his close ties to agribusiness companies and organizations. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
MADISON, Wis. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who moved into a dairy industry position following his first go around as head of the USDA, did not reject making a similar move once his current time as secretary ends.
Speaking to reporters last week at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Vilsack was asked by Investigate Midwest if he would again join the rotation of federal regulators working in the agriculture industry.
“My plans are to be here today to talk about the dairy industry, because I care about the industry,” he said to a group of reporters after speaking at the Global Dairy Summit, hosted by the state’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
“That’s what I’m focused on today. That’s what I’ll be focused on tomorrow. That’s what I’m going to be focused on as long as I’ve got energy and breath.”