WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on July 13 announced plans to nominate Stephen L. Censky as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. Mr. Censky has been chief executive officer of the American Soybean Association since 1996. He began his career as a legislative assistant for Senator James Abdnor of South Dakota and later served in the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eventually serving as administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service. He holds a bachelor science degree in agriculture from South Dakota State University and a postgraduate diploma in agriculture science from the University of Melbourne, Australia. He grew up on a soybean, corn, and livestock farm near Jackson, Minnesota.
The nomination drew high praise from Secretary of Agriculture George E. (Sonny) Perdue.
“Our work has only just begun in delivering results for the people of American agriculture, and the experience and leadership skills of Stephen Censky will only enhance our efforts,” Mr. Perdue said. “He will bring enthusiasm and a dedication to this country which will be great assets to U.S.D.A.’s customers. I am extremely pleased with the nomination for this key position and am hopeful that the Senate will take it up in short order.”
