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USDA announces additional Farm Service Agency and Rural Development state directors

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced his intent to appoint six U.S. Department of Agriculture regional positions, including four Farm Service Agency State Executive Directors and two Rural Development state directors.

“These talented individuals joining USDA will play an integral role in advancing and promoting USDA’s mission by ensuring that we touch the lives of individuals throughout the country,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each of them is a valued addition to our growing team.”

FSA state executive directors oversee Farm Service Agency operations and agricultural policy implementation in the state. Each state executive director works with the state committee to administer FSA programs and county office operations, develops and maintains stakeholder relationships with customers and other agencies and governments.



RD state directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of rural development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, state directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.

FARM SERVICE AGENCY

Kent Peppler has been appointed FSA state executive director for Colorado



Kent Peppler is a fourth-generation farmer from Mead, Colo. He was a member of the Colorado FSA executive committee from 1995 to 2000. Additionally, Peppler served briefly as the FSA assistant state executive director and acting state executive director. He also served as a trade adviser on the United States Department of Agriculture Sweeteners Agriculture Trade Advisory Committee. Peppler has also served as president of the Colorado Young Farmers Educational Association and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. He holds an associate of arts degree from Northeastern Junior College and a bachelor of arts in agriculture education from Colorado State University.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Armando Valdez has been appointed RD state director for Colorado

A native of the San Luis Valley, Armando Valdez was raised on a farm and ranch near Capulin, Colo. Most recently, Valdez worked as an assistant professor of management and the director of the Health Care Administration Program in the School of Business at Adams State University. He currently serves as a member of the Colorado State University System Board of Governors. During the Obama Administration, Valdez was appointed to Colorado’s FSA executive committee. He was appointed as executive chair of the committee in 2012 and served in that role until 2018. Valdez continues to operate the family farm and ranch he was raised on with his wife and children.


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