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Release Date: December 29, 2017
Media Contact: Bill Cosh, Communications Director, 608-224-5020, william2.cosh@wi.gov
MADISON – Today Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and
Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Sheila Harsdorf announced Keith Ripp as
DATCP’s Assistant Deputy Secretary. In this role, Ripp will oversee policy
development and administration and lead relations with external stakeholders.
“I am happy to appoint Keith as DATCP’s Assistant Deputy
Secretary,” said Harsdorf. “His first-hand experience as a third-generation
farmer, small business owner and legislator will be a great asset as we work
together to be accessible and responsive to industry and consumer needs.”
Ripp will begin his new position on January 1, 2018. Ripp has
served as a State Representative since 2008. While in the Assembly, he was
chair of the Committee on Transportation, chair of the Committee on Consumer
Protection, vice-chair for the Committee on Local Government and a member of
the Committee on Agriculture.
“I am proud to be a Wisconsin farmer, and it is truly an honor
to now be able to serve the agricultural industry as Assistant Deputy
Secretary,” said Ripp. “I know DATCP has a wide range of responsibilities. I
look forward to working with the agency’s knowledgeable staff to address
challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.”
Ripp is an active member of the agricultural community, having
served as a former president and vice-president of both the Wisconsin Soybean
Marketing Board and the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association. He was also a
former president and co-founder of Badger Agvest and Lodi FFA Alumni.
Ripp attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm and
Industry Short Course Program after high school. In addition to raising
livestock and grain on their family’s farm in Lodi, Ripp and his wife, Lori,
own and operate a small trucking business. Ripp is the father of three adult
children and has two grandchildren.
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