Nominees announced for two Minn. agricultural positions

The Obama administration announced nominations for two top state agricultural positions today.

The administration nominated Linda Hennen as the state's executive director for the Farm Service Agency at the United States Department of Agriculture. Hennen previously served as the agency's district director, where she had oversight for farm program operations and management decisions in ten southeastern counties.

The Farm Service Agency administers and manages farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster and loan programs.

The administration also announced the nomination of Colleen Landkamer for Minnesota State Director for Rural Development at the USDA. She has been the County Commissioner for southern Minnesota's Blue Earth County since 1988.

Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress.

"These two individuals understand Minnesota agriculture and will work hard to keep our farms and rural communities strong," DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a statement. "They recognize the importance of having a strong safety net for farmers and investing in the rural energy economy -- which will create jobs, boost our economy and help Minnesota farmers."

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