Source: USDA, 12/11/14

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today made the following statement on the retirement from federal service of USDA Chief Economist Dr. Joe Glauber:

"No one has a higher level of credibility on issues impacting the agricultural economy than Dr. Glauber. Farm country and, truly, the country as a whole have been extraordinarily well served by Joe throughout his 30 years of federal service. I will miss Joe's expertise and wise counsel, and wish him well as he begins the next phase of his distinguished career."

Current USDA Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Robert Johansson has been named Acting Chief Economist. Johansson has served as USDA's Deputy Chief Economist since 2012 and holds a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota. Johansson will assume the duties of Chief Economist beginning January 1, 2015.