Gov. Matt Blunt just announced that he’s appointed Don Steen, a former legislator and longtime cattle-turkey farmer from Eldon, to be the state’s new director of the Department of Agriculture. 

The appointment is effective July 7. Technically, Steen must face Senate confirmation. But it’s unclear whether the body will have any opportunities to act (maybe during the veto session?) before Blunt leaves office.

As today’s announcement delicately explains, time is apparently of the essence:

“Mr. Steen will replace Katie Smith, who is stepping down in anticipation of an expanding family.”

Here’s more from the statement:

“Mr. Steen’s lifelong farm experience, history of public service, and active involvement in all that is Missouri agriculture will build on our successful efforts to Missouri agriculture,” Blunt said. “I appreciate Katie Smith’s service to our state and Missouri agriculture and wish her and her growing family the very best.”

“Mr. Steen, 58 of Eldon, was born and raised in Missouri and continues working on the same farm where he grew up and where he raised his family.  His family has been in the turkey business for 35 years and also raises cattle.  Mr. Steen has a bachelor’s in animal science from the University of Missouri and continued his education at Ozark Christian College….”

         ”From 1990 to 1998 Mr. Steen served the people of Cole, Camden and Miller Counties in the Missouri House of Representatives…”