WASHINGTON – House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota and Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway of Texas issued the following joint statement on the passing of Farm Credit Administration Chairman and former USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager, who died Tuesday evening at age 64.

“I am very sorry to hear of Dallas’ passing. My thoughts are with his wife Sharon, their sons Josh and Keith, and the entire Tonsager family,” said Peterson. “Dallas spent his career fighting on behalf of farmers and ranchers in his native South Dakota, and across the country. He worked especially hard to ensure the success of the biofuels industry, as well as highlighting the healthcare and broadband needs of rural America. His leadership and dedication to rural communities will be greatly missed.”

“Production agriculture and rural America are better off due to the hard work of Dallas Tonsager, and I was saddened to hear of his untimely passing,” said Conaway. “Dallas was a tireless advocate for rural America, serving as Undersecretary of Rural Development and Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration board. I join many others in offering my thoughts and prayers to the Tonsager family during this difficult time.”