Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Agriculture Leaders Praise Gov. Blunt's Appointment of Katie Smith
The following agriculture leaders today voiced their support for Katie Smith, who the governor appointed to lead the Department of Agriculture.
"Katie's wide ranging experience and expertise offers a superb example of professionalism and will help continue Missouri agriculture's record of success. I applaud Governor Blunt for his selection and am delighted Katie will apply her talent to promote Missouri agriculture."
Kit Bond
Missouri U.S. Senator
"We look forward to working with Katie Smith as we continue our efforts to make Missouri's beef industry the best and most profitable in the nation."
Merrel Breyer
President of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association
"I worked with Katie Smith during her tenure with Senator Talent. She is very knowledgeable regarding agricultural issues and dedicated to Missouri farmers. I think she is a great choice for Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
Mike Briggs
Past President of the National Turkey Federation, President of Willow Brook Foods
"I think Katie Smith is a great choice for Director of Agriculture given her background and experience. I look forward to working with her to continue moving Missouri's agricultural economy forward."
John Bryan
Missouri Poultry Association
"I have worked with Katie Smith during both her time at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and her service as chief agriculture advisor to Senator Talent. Katie has a great reputation with agricultural leaders in both Missouri and Washington D.C. I am certain that she will continue her great work as Governor Blunt's director of agriculture."
Paul T. Combs
Chairman of USA Rice Federation
"We congratulate Katie Smith on her appointment to lead the Department of Agriculture and look forward to working with her on behalf of Missouri agriculture and our dairy producers."
Dave Drennan
Executive Director of Missouri Dairy Association
"Katie Smith is a professional who grasps all aspects of farm policy. She is a champion for Missouri farm families who possesses a deep knowledge and thorough understanding of agriculture issues at every level of government. She is the perfect person to lead Missouri agriculture forward."
Jo Ann Emerson
Missouri's Eighth District U.S. Representative
"Katie Smith understands agriculture and the renewable fuels industry. We look forward to working with her to build on Missouri's position as a leader in the production and use of ethanol."
Mike Geske
President of the Missouri Corn Growers Association and farmer from Matthews, MO
"There is no better person to take the lead at Missouri's Agriculture agency. Missouri farmers and our strong agriculture industry is in capable hands with Katie Smith. I am pleased she will be a part of Gov. Blunt's strong Cabinet."
Sam Graves
Missouri's Sixth District U.S. Representative
"Katie Smith is an excellent choice as Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. She is from a rural Platte County family and with her background in Senator Talent's office she will have the necessary experience to make an effective agriculture director for the state of Missouri."
Gary Hanman
Former Chief Executive Officer, currently Senior Advisor
Dairy Farmers of America
"Katie Smith has been integral to supporting alternative fuels on the federal level and we look forward to working with her to enhance the use of renewable fuels in Missouri."
Joe Jobe
CEO of National Biodiesel Board
"Katie Smith comes from a farm background and has considerable experience in developing and implementing agricultural policy. We in Farm Bureau look forward to working with her in strengthening Missouri's agricultural economy."
Charles Kruse
President of Missouri Farm Bureau
"It is fitting that Katie Smith has returned to her rural roots and is set to carry on Missouri's commitment to agriculture."
Marion Lucas
Director of the Missouri State Fair
"Katie Smith's knowledge and understanding of agriculture will be a tremendous benefit as she begins her new duties at the Department of Agriculture. Katie's experience in Washington D.C., and her understanding of the issues facing Missouri soybean producers make her an excellent selection to lead this important agency."
Dale R. Ludwig
Executive Director and CEO of the Missouri Soybean Association
"Katie Smith is a terrific choice and someone who is committed to improving the future of Missouri agriculture."
Don Nicodim
Executive Vice President for the Missouri Pork Association
"As an Ag alum and experienced advocate for agriculture, Katie Smith has the expertise and knowledge to help carry Missouri agriculture forward. I applaud Gov. Blunt for his excellent selection and look forward to working with Mrs. Smith to encourage more Missouri students to pursue degrees and careers in agriculture and related industries."
Thomas Payne
Vice Chancellor and Dean
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri-Columbia
"The Missouri Wine and Grape Board are proud to support Katie Smith as she begins her duties as leader of Missouri's agriculture department."
Tim Puchta
President of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board
"Katie Smith's tremendous experience and knowledge was instrumental in guiding the Renewable Fuels Standard through tough negotiation and compromise in the United States Senate. Her leadership and knowledge of agriculture issues will be invaluable as she takes on this challenge. Governor Blunt has made an excellent choice in Katie Smith to lead the state's agriculture agency."
Jim Talent
Former U.S. Senator
"The governor continues to tap outstanding leaders whose enthusiasm and energy are working to enhance Missouri state government. Katie Smith is another example of the dynamic leaders he is recruiting into state government service that will build on this administration's record of success."
Charlie Shields
Majority Floor Leader, Missouri State Senate
"Missouri's agriculture interests have been fortunate to have Katie Smith as their advocate in the nation's capitol. I am confident Missouri's success in agriculture will grow exponentially under her leadership."
Lloyd Smith
Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson