Running for office

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns resigned his post to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Chuck Hagel (R-NE). Johanns, a former Nebraska governor, says he'll run on a platform of less government and more border security.

Chuck Conner, the former deputy secretary, has been named as acting secretary. Conner grew up on a family farm in Benton County, IN, and served as staff director of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the mid-90s. He was special assistant to the president for agriculture prior to being appointed deputy secretary of agriculture.

Meanwhile, Cindy J. Smith, DVM, is the new administrator of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, replacing Ron DeHaven, who retired Aug. 3. A 28-year veteran of the agency, Smith had served as acting administrator since Aug. 3, and as associate administrator since April.