Nebraska cattle producer Charles Herbster shakes hands with former President Donald Trump during a Greenwood rally for Herbster's gubernatorial campaign in the 2022 GOP primary. Herbster is among candidates Trump is considering tapping to lead the USDA in his next cabinet, Politico reported Tuesday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Charles Herbster, the wealthy Falls City cattle producer who finished second in Nebraska's Republican gubernatorial primary in 2022, is among the candidates to be President-elect Donald Trump's U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, .
Herbster, who was an agricultural adviser to Trump during his first presidency and who donated more than $450,000 to support Trump's bid for the White House, is among at least five candidates Trump is considering for the position, Politico reported Tuesday.
In a social media post Tuesday afternoon, Herbster said it "would be a distinct honor" to be considered for the post and noted the Politico article lists "many well-qualified candidates."
Politco reported that  Sarah Frey, the founder of Frey Farms; Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller; former Trump official Kip Tom; and Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
"I ask that you keep me in your prayers over this appointment and for guidance if given an opportunity to serve," wrote Herbster, who did not return a phone call seeking comment Wednesday afternoon.
Herbster became a familiar figure at White House events during his previous stint as an agricultural adviser.
Herbster has long been an ally to Trump, who endorsed the Conklin CEO's 2022 run for governor and came to Nebraska ahead of that year's primary to campaign for Herbster , who was the runner-up to Gov. Jim Pillen.
In the waning weeks of the 2022 primary race, Herbster was publicly accused of previously groping multiple women  — including a conservative state lawmaker — in allegations that he denied and cast as a “smear attack.â€
More recently, as a part of the president-elect's successful race this year for the White House.
A millionaire who poured $11 million into his own race for governor two years ago, Herbster has donated $452,500 to the Trump 47 Committee and Make America Great Again, Inc. since the start of 2023, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
If appointed to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Herbster would be the first Nebraskan to head the agency since then-Gov. Mike Johanns left the state in 2005 to serve as the secretary of agriculture for the final two years of President George W. Bush's second term.
Clayton Yeutter, who was born and raised Eustis and later taught agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln , served in the role under President George H. W. Bush from 1989 to 1991.
In 1969, University of Nebraska Chancellor Clifford Hardin left his post to become President Richard Nixon's secretary of agriculture, a position he held until 1971.
Julius Sterling Morton — who moved to the Nebraska Territory before it achieved statehood in 1867 and edited the Nebraska City News, served as a lawmaker and twice served as the territory's acting governor — was the secretary of agriculture under President Grover Cleveland from 1893 to 1897.
Photos, videos: Trump visits Nebraska in support of Herbster
Trump-Herbster
Former President Donald Trump speaks to a crowd at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday. Trump was there in support of Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster shakes hands with former President Donald Trump during a rally on Sunday at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster shakes hands with former president Donald Trump during a rally on Sunday at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Spectators stand for the pledge of allegiance during a rally for gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood  on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Former NFL player Jack Brewer (left) prays over Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster during a rally Sunday at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Former president Donald Trump speaks during a rally for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway on Sunday near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Former president Donald Trump speaks during a rally for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway on Sunday near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster told supporters during a rally Sunday that he was ready to "take back Nebraska" from elites entrenched in the state's political leadership.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Watch now: Trump is introduced
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Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster speaks to supporters during a rally at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster speaks to supporters during a rally at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster speaks to supporters during a rally at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster speaks to supporters during a rally at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster speaks to supporters during a rally at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster speaks to supporters during a rally at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster speaks to supporters during a rally at the I-80 Speedway on Sunday near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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As seen through open cable holders, Mike Lindell (center) waits on gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster to make an appearance after giving a speech during a rally at the I-80 Speedway on Sunday near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Former NFL player Jack Brewer (on screen) leads a crowd of more than 3,000 people in a prayer during a rally for Charles Herbster. Brewer accused women who said Herbster had groped them of lying.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
As seen through open cable holders, supporters of gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster and former President Donald Trump cheer as Herbster takes the stage during a rally at the I-80 Speedway on Sunday near Greenwood.Â
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Supporters of Donald Trump blow kisses, give cheers and vie for position as Trump takes the stage during a Trump rally for Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway on Sunday near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Supporters of former president Donald Trump react as they are greeted by gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster near the media riser during a Trump rally for Herbster at the I-80 Speedway on Sunday near Greenwood.Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Former President Donald Trump is greeted by avid supporters on Sunday as he walks on to the stage during a rally for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway in Greenwood. Trump had been scheduled to appear Friday, but weather postponed his trip.Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Former President Donald Trump watches as clips of President Joe Biden play during a rally on Sunday for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Former president Donald Trump points out "the fake news" during a Trump rally for Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway on May 1, 2022, in Greenwood, Nebraska. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Sunday for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Former president Donald Trump addresses supporters on Sunday under the watchful eye of Secret Service agents during a rally for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.Â
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Sunday for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Sunday for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Former President Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Sunday for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
Donald Trump speaks during a rally on Sunday for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Lt. Gov. Mike Foley (center) is seen up front during a Trump rally for Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Trump rally 5.1
A gust of wind catches the hair of former president Donald Trump as he briefly removes his MAGA cap during a rally for Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Supporters hold up political signs during a Trump rally for Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Supporters of Donald Trump and Charles Herbster line up outside of the interior gate during a Trump rally for Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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A young supporter of Donald Trump sneaks a bite of his hot dog while praying during a Trump rally for Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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Avid supporters of Donald Trump raise their hands for a chance to be on the riser behind him on Sunday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
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A man's cap is adorned with Trump rally pins from different events.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com . On Twitter @andrewwegley
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