CHICAGO - President-elect Barack Obama selected former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as his Secretary of Agriculture. Obama made the announcment Wednesday Morning.

KCRG-TV 9's Josh Hinkle was at today's news conference in Chicago. After the announcement he sat down with the former Governor for an exclusive 1-on-1 interview. Josh will have a full report tonight on KCRG-TV 9 News at 5 & 6.

During Wednesday's announcement, Vilsack says his experience as a small town lawyer in Mount Pleasant gives him the experience he needs. Vilsack says he worked with many farmers as they dealt with tough economic times.

The former Iowa Govenor also spoke about the challenges the Department of Agriculture will face and vowed those that worked under him will meet those challenges. Vilsack also says that he hopes he can be the Ag Secretary that the nation's farmers and ranchers deserve.

After the announcement, Iowa 1st District Congressman Bruce Braley released this statement. “My friend Tom Vilsack is a great choice for Secretary of Agriculture, and I’m glad to see that an Iowan will play a major role in President Obama’s administration. Governor Vilsack knows agriculture and is a strong supporter of renewable energy and biofuels. I can’t think of a more qualified and capable candidate for the job.”

2nd District Congressman Dave Loebsack also released a statement following the announcement. “Governor Tom Vilsack is an outstanding choice as the next Secretary of Agriculture, I can think of no better person to serve our nation in this capacity. Governor Vilsack is a proven leader and he possesses a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural America. As Secretary of Agriculture, Governor Vilsack will be able to draw on his experience and knowledge to protect family farms, support rural communities, and end our nation’s dependence on foreign oil by bolstering the production of bio-fuels and other renewable sources of energy. Iowans are proud of Governor Vilsack, and excited by the opportunity to have one of our own serve as a cabinet secretary in the new Obama Administration.”

Vilsack sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008 but dropped out after poor showings in early primries. He endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and campaigned actively for her in the long primary campaign against Obama. After Obama defeated Clinton in the primaries, Vilsack endorsed him.

Vilsack served two terms as governor of Iowa from 1999 to 2007.