Nebraska Governor pegged to head Ag department

Northwestern Financial Review, Jan 1-Jan 14, 2005 by Hilgert, Jackie

Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns has been chosen by Pres. Bush to become secretary of Agriculture. The Iowa native was midway through his second term as governor when the President announced Johanns was his choice to replace Ann Venemann, who tendered her resignation Nov. 14, 2004. Lt. Gov. David Heineman will serve as Nebraska's governor for the remainder of Johann's four-year term.

"We've had great relations with both the Governor and the Lt. Governor and would look forward to working with him as well," said Tom Wolf, 2004-2005 chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association. The change in executive offices at the state house won't take effect until Johanns receives Senate confirmation, which is expected early this month.

On Johanns' new role as Ag secretary, Wolf was bullish. "It's a wonderful opportunity for him and a terrific opportunity for the state of Nebraska - and all agricultural states," he said. Wolf is CEO of Platte Valley Bank, North Bend, Neb., a $44 million institution heavily tied to the state's agriculture economy. "He's [Johanns] got a great deal of expertise in agriculture and I think his passion is agriculture."

Johanns was raised on a dairy farm in Osage, Iowa, then became a lawyer and served in county and city government before becoming mayor of Lincoln, Neb., in 1991. He was elected governor in 1998.

"I'm very proud of my ag background," Johanns commented upon the announcement of his selection. "I do feel that those years on that dairy farm did much to define who I am as a person."

Wolf said he couldn't think of anyone who would be better suited to be Agriculture secretary than Johanns. While governor, Johanns led five separate delegations of agriculture, business and government leaders on trade missions promoting Nebraska's beef, pork and grain commodities. "He is a fine, fine gentleman and I know he'll do a wonderful job," Wolf said.

The ag economy in Nebraska was much improved in 2004, Wolf reported. "We've gotten nice moisture, we had record yields and good livestock prices," he said. Most farmers should make good headway this year, he added. Wolf also said the water level of the state's largest reservoir, Lake McConaughey, rose between 8 feet and 9 feet this year.

By Jackie Hilgert

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