By Julie Tomascik
Editor

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced two appointments for state directors of the Farm Service Agency and Rural Development in Texas.

“When rural America succeeds, our entire country is stronger. These newly appointed USDA state directors will play a critical role in advancing President Trump’s America First agenda in the states and ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are prioritized,” Rollins said. “Farm security is national security, and this administration is prioritizing protecting small family farms for the next generation of American farmers. I appreciate these newly appointed directors’ commitment to our mission and look forward to seeing them lead with the kind of vision that puts American farmers and rural communities first.”

The Farm Service Agency provides critical support to farmers and ranchers through farm loans, commodity programs, disaster assistance and conservation initiatives.

The Rural Development office helps strengthen rural communities by providing loans, grants and technical assistance to improve housing, infrastructure and essential services. The agency also supports rural businesses and economic development, working to enhance quality of life and to promote growth in rural America.

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) works closely with the leaders of both agencies.

“Texas Farm Bureau welcomes the appointment of Dan Hunter and James Redfield to these important leadership roles,” said Laramie Adams, TFB associate director of Government Affairs. “Their experience and knowledge of Texas agriculture and rural communities will be invaluable as FSA and Rural Development continue their work across the state. We look forward to partnering with them to ensure farmers, ranchers and rural Texans have the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

Farm Service Agency
Dan Hunter was named state executive director of the Farm Service Agency in Texas.

He most recently served as the assistant commissioner for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Prior to that, Hunter was the executive director of a worldwide research institute within the Texas A&M University System.

He has worked in leadership positions with both the cotton and peanut industries and has served on numerous commodity boards.

Rural Development
James Redfield was named state director for Rural Development in Texas.

He most recently managed government and external relations for the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Previously, Redfield served as a policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Secretary Ben Carson and as a legislative staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives for two former Texas members.