Former Nebraska US Sen. Johanns joins Deere board

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) - Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns joined Deere & Co.'s corporate board this week just days after leaving the U.S. Senate.

Deere announced the election of the former Nebraska governor on Wednesday. Johanns' replacement was sworn in to the Senate on Monday.

Deere Chairman and CEO Samuel Allen says Johanns' background in agriculture, foreign trade and governance will help the company.

The Republican Johanns decided not to run for re-election to the Senate after his first term. He served as Secretary of Agriculture from 2005 to 2007 under President George W. Bush.

The world's largest maker of agricultural equipment will have 12 board members after Johanns joins the group.