LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln has been named the new chairman of the Senate's Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, becoming the first woman ever to serve as the panel's leader.

The Democrat, who's up for re-election next year, takes over for U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa.

As a congresswoman, Lincoln served on the House Agriculture Committee from 1993-1995. She has served on the Senate's committee since January 1999.

The daughter of an east Arkansas farmer, Lincoln said the committee does significant work for Arkansans and the state's economy.

Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota says the Agriculture Committee would be well-served by Lincoln's chairmanship.

Johnson told reporters Wednesday he's sure she could run the committee fairly and would do a "great job."

Sen. John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, echoed that sentiment. He did say Harkin has been a strong advocate for many Midwest issues, especially biofuels, but that the panel -- of which he is a member -- would adapt to new leadership.