WASHINGTON — Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson says he expects former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack to win confirmation as the next head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Nelson met with Vilsack on Thursday, before the former governor’s confirmation hearing next week.

Nelson said he doesn’t see anything that would prevent Vilsack from being confirmed by the Senate. The two discussed issues affecting Midwest farmers, including conservation and alternative energy and a pending trade deal with South Korea.

Nelson says Vilsack understands the partnership between the USDA and Congress and that they can work together on issues.

Vilsack was nominated by President-elect Barack Obama last month to lead the agency.