The United States Senate has confirmed (Aug. 2, 2025) the appointment of the President and CEO of the South Dakota Trade organization to a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Luke Lindberg will work as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
Lindberg served as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States during President Trump’s first term. Lindberg holds degrees in Government & Politics, Public Policy, and Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
South Dakota Trade is a public–private partnership focused on expanding international market access for regional exporters.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins says, “Our farmers, ranchers and producers feed, clothe and fuel the world, and they deserve a strong advocate in every trade negotiation and in every market promotion.” She says “his drive and deep experience will ensure we not only defend our producers, but also open new doors to global trade.”
REACTIONS:
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement: USMEF applauds the U.S. Senate for confirming Luke Lindberg with a strong showing of bipartisan support. This is a critical time for agricultural trade and Mr. Lindberg brings great passion and extensive experience to this role. He has a proven track record as a champion for U.S. agriculture and USMEF looks forward to working with him to expand global demand for U.S. red meat.
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane issued a statement on the confirmation of Luke Lindberg to serve as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): “Trade has been front and center in this administration, and with the sheer volume of deals in progress, it’s critical to have a Senate confirmed official leading trade and foreign agricultural affairs for USDA. NCBA is thrilled to see Luke Lindberg confirmed to this post. Lindberg has spent his career expanding trade opportunities for American businesses and fixing unfair trade deals. We look forward to working with him to secure even more trade wins for America’s cattle farmers and ranchers.”
National Sorghum Producers congratulated Luke Lindberg on his confirmation as U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. “We’re excited to welcome Luke Lindberg into this important role,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a farmer from Scott City, Kan. “Trade is the lifeblood of sorghum farming families, and having a strong advocate for agriculture at the table makes all the difference. I’m confident his experience and drive will help open more doors for U.S. farmers and ensure our voices are heard on the global stage.” International trade is a top priority for National Sorghum Producers, and the organization looks forward to working with Under Secretary Lindberg to continue developing new markets and strengthening existing ones for U.S. sorghum.
U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand spoke highly of the appointment of Luke Lundberg as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs over the weekend: “The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council congratulates newly named Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) Luke Lindberg and looks forward to working with him on many ag trade efforts around the world. He will surely be an advocate for U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol and distillers grains in negotiations with many leaders in the markets in which we work to find homes for our products and I’m confident he will help lead the way in opening new markets for which they are sorely needed.”
National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council applauded the Senate’s confirmation of Luke Lindberg to the position USDA Under Secretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
Statement from Gregg Doud, President and CEO of NMPF:
“We are excited to get to work with Under Secretary Lindberg, who has a proven track record of advancing American agricultural interests and will help USDA deliver results for American dairy producers and cooperatives. Mr. Lindberg’s leadership and understanding of trade policy strengthen the future of U.S. dairy. We look forward to working with Under Secretary Lindberg and the entire Trump administration to champion American dairy farmer interests, fight back on unjustified and unscientific barriers to American exports and open markets across the globe.”
Statement from Krysta Harden, President and CEO of USDEC:
“The confirmation of Luke Lindberg represents a significant win for U.S. dairy exporters and our industry’s global competitiveness. Mr. Lindberg’s experience leading trade missions and managing export initiatives position him perfectly to break down trade barriers and create pathways for American dairy to reach global consumers. Last year, U.S. dairy exports reached a historic $8.2 billion, demonstrating the tremendous global demand for American dairy products. This position is critical to advancing America’s leadership in international dairy markets. Together we can put more Made in America dairy on more overseas shelves. We are delighted to have a strong advocate for policies that enhance competitive dairy access into international markets.”
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney congratulates Luke Lindberg on his recent confirmation as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. McKinney issued the following statement: “NASDA welcomes Under Secretary Lindberg’s enthusiasm in addressing agricultural trade challenges and opportunities for U.S. farmers. The agricultural industry needs a steadfast advocate in this role to stand with our farmers and exporters as they continue to provide safe and nutritious food to people worldwide. NASDA remains ready to collaborate closely with Under Secretary Lindberg and Secretary Rollins on these critical priorities.”
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