New Orleans is open for business. Come and see this historic destination with the Coleman Chapter #281 Order of the Eastern Star on a nine-day trip for fun and entertainment
President-elect Joe Bidenâs choice of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as his U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary should bode well for Mississippi farmers whose agriculture production value was $7.35 billion in 2020.
As a former mayor, state legislator, governor, and dairy industry advocate, Vilsack brings a wealth of experience to the job. He served eight years as the head of USDA during the administration of President Barack Obama. The Biden appointment will position Vilsack to become the second longest-serving USDA secretary since fellow Iowan James Wilson headed the agency from 1897 to 1913.
Vilsack, 69, is no stranger to Mississippi.
During his prior tenure at the helm of USDA, Vilsack toured the devastation of the 2011 F5 tornado that slammed Smithville and other Mississippi and Alabama communities. Vilsack joined then-Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, former Department of Human Services Secretary Janet Napolitano, former Federal Emergency Administrator Craig Fugate, Sma