Judge Stephen Vaden Confirmed as Deputy Ag Secretary — Industry Reacts

Stephen Vaden, a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade and former General Counsel for USDA, was confirmed Tuesday as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in a 51-44 Senate vote along party lines. Vaden will serve under Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

A Tennessee native, the 43-year-old Vaden has a farming background and spent his childhood helping out with his family’s farm and real estate ventures.

Prior to his nomination to the Court of International Trade, Vaden served as the General Counsel for the Department of Agriculture from Dec. 2018 to Dec. 2020 during the first Trump administration. In 2019, it was announced that Trump would nominate Vaden for the Court of International Trade. 

Early sentiments from the agriculture sector have been positive to Vaden’s confirmation as reactions continue to roll in.

Federal Officials

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins

Brooke Rollins has served as the head of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Trump administration since her confirmation on Feb. 13.

Rollins congratulated Vaden on his confirmation and praised him as part of an “all-star team.”

“Judge Vaden is a seasoned lawyer and patriot dedicated to putting Farmers First. I welcome his experience serving in the first Trump Administration, and I look forward to him returning to USDA to serve alongside me as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture,” Rollins said.

Sen. John Boozman

Senator John Boozman, R-Ark., is the chair of the Senate Ag Committee.

“I’m pleased the Senate confirmed Judge Vaden to be USDA Deputy Secretary,” Boozman said on the Senate floor after the vote. “He is a dedicated public servant and is well-prepared to continue his service in this new role. His knowledge of agriculture policy and the needs of America’s farm communities will be valuable as a leader at the department. I congratulate him and look forward to working together to help our hardworking farmers, ranchers, and producers succeed.”

Farm Organizations

American Farm Bureau Federation

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is the nation’s largest farmer-run organization and serves farmers in all 50 states.

“Farm Bureau congratulates Stephen Vaden on his confirmation to be the next Deputy Secretary of Agriculture,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “His deep-rooted commitment to agriculture began on his family farm in Tennessee and has continued through his previous work at USDA and as a judge on the Court of International Trade.

“There is a lot of work to be done, and Judge Vaden will hit the ground with a firm understanding of the challenges facing America’s farmers. We look forward to engaging with him to create opportunities for farmers and ranchers to continue growing the food, fuel and fiber families rely on.”

Commodities Groups

National Cattleman’s Beef Association

The National Cattleman’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898 and is the largest association of cattle producers in the U.S.

“Mr. Vaden has spent his career immersed in trade issues and fighting for farmers and ranchers,” NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane said. “His unique skillset will be especially important right now as the Trump administration works to expand market access for cattle producers.

“We strongly encourage the U.S. Senate to continue swiftly confirming key nominees across the administration that directly impact the success of family farmers and ranchers throughout the country.”

The Meat Institute

The Meat Institute “represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day,” per its website.

“Judge Vaden’s experience, service, expertise and dedication to agriculture make him highly qualified to help lead the Department,” Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said. “His knowledge of trade issues is especially important as we look to expand market access for meat and poultry and his deep understating of regulatory issues will ensure the entire supply chain is promoted and protected. We look forward to continuing our work with Judge Vaden in his new role.”

Industry Organizations

National Association of State Departments of Agriculture

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories.

“Deputy Secretary Vaden’s experience, demonstrated leadership within USDA and commitment to U.S. agriculture make him well-qualified to serve in this critical leadership role at USDA to address current challenges and opportunities in agriculture,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. “We are confident that Deputy Secretary Vaden’s leadership alongside Secretary Brooke Rollins will ensure USDA remains a strong advocate for farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural communities.

“We look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Vaden to continue advancing U.S. agriculture and helping ensure a safe, abundant food supply for all.”

Editor’s note: Some of the previous statements have been edited and/or condensed by Successful Farming for style and clarity.