Posted: 01.25.2011

It doesn't appear that Ben Brancel will have any problems being confirmed as Wisconsin's Ag Secretary - but his testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Higher Education gives the state some general ideas on his goals for the department.

While testifying in front of the committee, Secretary Brancel said he hopes to make regulations "fair, effective and efficient" under his watch.

"Our department should be the one you look forward to working with," Brancel said during the hearing.  He also said he recognizes that there are some challenging issues to be faced by the department including the controversy over raw milk sales.

Brancel said he's won't approach new or controversial issues with an ideological agenda, but did tell the committee, "We need to create a climate for employment."

A vote on Secretary Brancel's appointment is expected today, Tuesday, January 25th.

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