PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota Gov.-elect Kristi Noem is appointing a farmer and former state lawmaker to serve as state Agriculture secretary.
Noem announced Wednesday that Kim Vanneman will be appointed to the cabinet post. A spokeswoman for Noem says Vanneman will be the state’s first female Agriculture secretary.
She’s currently co-owner of Vanneman Farms in Ideal and a director for Farm Credit Services of America.
Noem will be sworn in Jan. 5. Vanneman was a state representative from 2007-13 and served on the Education and Agriculture and Natural Resources committees.
Noem says Vanneman shares her vision for developing the state’s agricultural economy and allowing more young people to thrive as farmers and ranchers. Noem says Vanneman is a “fierce advocate” for agriculture.
Vanneman says it’s an honor to work with Noem to add value to commodities grown in South Dakota and expand working lands conservation.
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