BEATRICE – The State of Nebraska officially has a new Director of Agriculture...the first woman to hold the post. 

Sherry Vinton’s appointment to the position was confirmed by the Nebraska Legislature, Wednesday.

Senator Steve Halloran, who chairs the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, spoke of Vinton’s appointment.

"Sherrry Vinton is a familiar figure to the state's agriculture community and brings an accomplished resume to the job of director. She and her family operate a cow-calf operation south of Whitman in Grant and Hooker Counties...a fifth generation ranching operation. She grew up in North Platte, Nebraska where her father ran a farm implement, manufacturing and dealership business. She met her husband, Chris while attending the University of Nebraska as an accounting major. Ms. Vinton has served in leadership capacities on local, state and national agriculture associations and advisory committees."

Vinton was appointed by Governor Jim Pillen and takes over for Steve Wellman, who held the post under former Governor Pete Ricketts.

Vinton has served on the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Beef Board…the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board and as a Vice-President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, among other roles.