Trump’s new agriculture brain trust includes Rick Perry, Jim Gilmore

by Ben Kamisar - 08/16/16 10:46 AM ET

Donald Trump announced his new agricultural advisory committee on Tuesday as he looks to improve his standing with voters, especially in rural swing states.

{mosads}The roster includes six conservative governors — Terry Branstad (Iowa), Sam Brownback (Kan.), Pete Ricketts (Neb.), Mary Fallin (Okla.), Dennis Daugaard (S.D.), and Jack Dalrymple (N.D.) — as well as 2016 GOP primary rivals Rick Perry and Jim Gilmore.

Five federal lawmakers — Sen. Pat Roberts (Kan.) and Reps. Bob Goodlatte (Va.), Mike Conaway (Texas), Rodney Davis (Ill.) and Robert Aderholt (Ala.) — will also sit on the committee, which includes former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary John Block, former Harris Teeter grocery store CEO Bob Goodale, and other industry leaders.

“The members of my agricultural advisory committee represent the best that America can offer to help serve agricultural communities,” Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, said in a campaign statement.

“Many of these officials have been elected by their communities to solve the issues that impact our rural areas every day. I’m very proud to stand with these men and women, and look forward to serving those who serve all Americans from the White House.”

The announcement comes the week after a series of swing-state polls painted a gloomy picture for Trump, especially in states where he expects to perform well among rural voters. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton leads him by about 9 points in Pennsylvania and 3 points in Ohio, according to the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls, while the two are effectively tied in Iowa.

This post was updated at 12 p.m.

Tags Bob Goodlatte Donald Trump Hillary Clinton Pat Roberts Robert Aderholt