Tom Vilsack Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (profile/biography)
Tom Vilsack has uniquely shaped American agricultural policy through two administrations as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (2009-2017, 2021-present). His journey from small-town mayor to governor and cabinet secretary reflects his deep commitment to rural America and agricultural development. Known as the "Rural Czar," he has overseen the transformation of American farming while managing USDA's $150 billion annual budget.
Tom Vilsack Career Milestones:
• 1987-1992: Mayor of Mount Pleasant, Iowa
• 1992-1998: Iowa State Senator
• 1999-2007: Governor of Iowa (Two terms)
• 2009-2017: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (Obama Administration)
• 2017-2021: President/CEO of U.S. Dairy Export Council
• 2021-present: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (Biden Administration)
Tom Vilsack Awards & Recognition:
• Presidential Leadership Scholar
• Norman Borlaug Lifetime Achievement Award
• World Food Prize Distinguished Service Award
• National Corn Growers Association President's Award
• American Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Citation
Tom Vilsack Unknown Facts:
• Was adopted from a Catholic orphanage as an infant and didn't meet his biological family until his 40s.
• Started his political career after a tragic shooting at a city council meeting motivated him to run for mayor.
• Lives on a farm and still personally operates a tractor during planting season to stay connected to agricultural realities.
• Maintains a collection of soil samples from every state he visits as Agriculture Secretary.
• Learned Spanish at age 60 to better communicate with farm workers and rural communities.
• Started each day as Governor of Iowa having breakfast with a different farming family.