A trusted name in Wisconsin agriculture has been appointed to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Deputy Secretary position.
Today, DATCP Secretary Sheila Harsdorf announced Keith Ripp of Lodi, 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 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.
Not only is Ripp a farmer and State Representative but he is also an active member of the agricultural community. Ripp 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.
“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 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.
Ripp will begin his new position as Deputy Secretary on January 1, 2018
For more information on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) visit, https://datcp.wi.gov
Photo provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
