Steve Kerr steps down as agriculture secretary

MONTPELIER, Vt. --Agriculture Secretary Steve Kerr resigned Thursday from Gov. Jim Douglas' cabinet.

Neither Kerr nor the governor's administration offered any reasons for the resignation, simply saying he "would be moving on from the agency."

Kerr has been a member of the governor's administration since Douglas first took office in 2003, first as agriculture commissioner and then as agency when it was elevated to a full agency.

Douglas praised Kerr in a very brief statement.

"These have been challenging times for Vermonts farmers, and I appreciate Steve's leadership. I wish him well in his future endeavors."

A telephone message left for Kerr was not immediately returned.