As expected, Congressman Frank Lucas announced that the former Chairman and ranking member of the House Ag Committee, Bob Goodlatte of Virginia will take the subcommitte ranking position that Lucas has held the last couple of years- and that two other key subcommittee ranking positions will be retained by the veteran members of the House Ag Committee.

"I am pleased to announce these new leadership posts for the Committee. All of the Subcommittee Ranking Republicans are seasoned members and strong advocates for American agriculture. They understand the value of our farmers and ranchers and how important rural communities are to our nation's economy," said Ranking Republican Frank Lucas.

Lucas also announced that Rep. Bill Cassidy from Louisiana will be joining the Agriculture Committee. Rep. Cassidy represents the 6th Congressional District. Cassidy is a medical doctor from Baton Rouge. He also served a stint as a senator in the Louisiana State Legislature. Rice is the leading crop in his district, followed by dairy and timber.

The subcommittee ranking members will include:
Rep. Bob Goodlatte, Virginia, will be the Ranking Republican on the Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research Subcommittee.
Rep. Jerry Moran, Kansas, will be the Ranking Republican on the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee.
Rep. Randy Neugebauer, Texas, will be the Ranking Republican on the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee.
Rep. K. Michael Conaway, Texas, will be the Ranking Republican on the Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee.
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, Nebraska, will be the Ranking Republican on the Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry Subcommittee.
Rep. Jean Schmidt, Ohio, will be the Ranking Republican on the Horticulture and Organic Agriculture Subcommittee.

# # #