Date set for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture hearing

May 08, 2023

Xochitl Torres Small will appear in front of the Senate Ag Committee on May 10

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

President Biden’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture will appear in front of a senate committee this week.

Xochitl Torres Small, the current under secretary for rural development, is scheduled to meet with the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry on May 10 at 10:00 AM.

The senate ag committee announced the hearing date on May 3.

During the committee hearing, members will have opportunities to question Torres Small and make statements about her qualifications.

Questions can range from broad issues to state-specific topics and asking Torres Small to visit the state to experience the issue herself.

After the hearing, the committee can vote to report Torres Small’s nomination to the full Senate. At that point, she would only need a simple majority of senator support to be confirmed.

President Biden nominated Torres Small in February to replace Jewel Bronaugh, who announced her resignation in January to spend more time with her family.

Since the president announced Torres Small’s nomination, multiple farm groups have voiced support for her.

“Her dedication to public service and skilled administration of the USDA’s Rural Development mission makes her uniquely qualified for the role of Deputy Secretary of Agriculture,” says a March 23 letter signed by organizations including the American Farm Bureau, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and the National Pork Producers Council.

In April, the National Farmers Union penned its own letter supporting Torres Small’s nomination.

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.