[4] Previous deputy secretaries by recency include Chuck Conner (September 2005–January 2009),[5] Jim Moseley (August 2001 – April 2005),[6] Richard Rominger (May 1993 – January 2001),[7] Ann Veneman (1991–1993),[8] and Jack Parnell (1989–1991).

[9] On July 13, 2017, President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Stephen Censky, the CEO of the American Soybean Association, as deputy secretary.

Jewel H. Bronaugh previously served as the senate-confirmed Deputy Secretary from her confirmation on May 13, 2021 until her departure in March 2023.

Xochitl Torres Small was nominated by Joe Biden in February 2023, and served as the deputy secretary from July 2023 to January 20, 2025.

Two deputy secretaries have gone on to head the Department of Agriculture, Ann Veneman and Richard Lyng.