This week, Pennsylvania Governor-elect Tom Wolf announced the nomination of Russell Redding as his designated state Secretary of Agriculture. Redding, a long-time public servant in agriculture is well known across the state, even in Washington, D.C, for his strong farm background and expertise.

Redding has stepped down as the Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley College. He currently serves as chair of the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture.

Redding resides in Adams County with wife Nina. In 2012, he was named an honorary Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer by the Master Farmers Association.

HE'S BACK! Russell Redding is Governor-Elect Wolf's nominee for Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture.

He previously served as Ag Secretary for the Governor Rendell administration. Before that as a deputy secretary of agriculture, Redding developed the Adjusted Gross Revenue insurance program piloted initially in Pennsylvania, then expanded nationwide under USDA's Risk Management Agency. It's the forerunner of today's whole farm revenue insurance program.

Well-fitted for the job
"Russell can hit the ground running in an agency that serves the Commonwealth's primary economic engine," notes Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Rick Ebert. "He understands the complex nuances of agriculture policy, animal and plant health, commodity pricing and nutrition.

"Farmers across the state feel more comfortable knowing that the agriculture secretary has experience as a farmer, because they believe he will better understand the challenges and the opportunities available for those involved in the state's number one industry," adds Ebert.

Redding's background in education is another positive characteristic, Ebert says. "Agriculture is an evolving profession in which farmers are constantly adapting to new technology and research.

Redding received his Bachelors of Science and Masters degrees in agriculture and extension education from Penn State University.