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U.S. Secretary of Ag could become America’s next VP

Tom Vilsack in the running as Clinton’s choice

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

Tom Vilsack, the current U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, could be Hillary Clinton’s vice presidential running mate in November’s election.

Vilsack’s loyalty and his influence in rural parts of the country could play a major factor in Clinton’s decision.

“As a running mate, Vilsack could also deliver Iowa, a key swing state, to Clinton, as Vilsack previously served in various roles in local government before being a well-liked [governor] of the state," writes Carolyn Heneghan on FoodDive.com.

“Reaching out to voters in rural America would likely be a personal mission for Vilsack,” someone close to Clinton told CNN.

Political insiders say Vilsack’s demeanor, which makes him stand out from the crowd, also plays into his favor.

Prior to joining President Obama's team in 2007, current press secretary Josh Earnest worked on Vilsack's brief presidential run; Earnest said it's Vilsack's demeanor that separates him from the rest of the pack.

Tom Vilsack
Tom Vilsack

“Secretary Vilsack stands out in D.C. not just because of his discipline, his smarts and his competence. His decency is what distinguishes him," he told NBC News.

In addition to his work as a politician, Vilsack also has a personal relationship with the Democratic frontrunner that spans more than 40 years.


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Funds Ditch Ag Commodities, Chase Stocks Amid an End to Middle East War, & Trade Deal Buzz

Video: Funds Ditch Ag Commodities, Chase Stocks Amid an End to Middle East War, & Trade Deal Buzz


The 12-day war between Iran-Israel came to an end sending crude oil futures plunging as the big fund speculators removed the war risk premium.

The weather risk premium in the Ag complex is sending corn, wheat and soybean futures lower on month-end selling ahead of the market moving USDA quarterly grain stocks and acreage reports on June 30th.

Instead, funds were chasing and sending tech stocks higher with the S&P 500/NASDAQ indexes setting new all-time record highs!

June 1 USDA Hogs and pigs report was slightly bearish while the U.S. $ Index traded to new contract lows as the de-dollarization that began in 2014 continues.

Feed in the form of soybean meal futures for livestock producers got cheaper, trading to new contract lows.

The Stats Canada seeded acreage update was bullish canola and wheat.