Vilsack Goodbye and Veterans in Ag

The nation’s 30th agriculture secretary has unveiled his portrait which will hang among his predecessors on the walls of USDA's headquarters in Washington D.C.

During Thursday’s emotional ceremony, attended by several lawmakers and former ag secretaries, Tom Vilsack teared up as he came to the end of his speech and thanked his wife, Christie, for her support over the past eight years.

There appears to be a shortage of labor in the agricultural industry across the country at the same time there’s a growing interest of veterans who want to work in agriculture.

Lori Culler with Michigan-based Ag Hires says they’re seeing a huge trend for farms and agribusinesses wanting and seeking military veterans with the skills and abilities they’re looking for.

Culler encourages employers to keep an open mind about applicants who have the drive, but not much experience in ag.