Ag nominee Richard Fordyce is expected for a second stint at USDA

Richard Fordyce is also waiting for his time before lawmakers. He has been picked for Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation. It would be his second go-around with USDA, an opportunity he says he is excited about.

“You know, it’s been four years since I’ve been at USDA as the administrator, so you know, I think it’s going to take some time to get in and see how things are different today, and so I don’t really have any planned things on a bucket list other than to do our very best to represent American agriculture, and specifically, farmers and ranchers across the country.”

Farming is in Fordyce’s blood, saying it makes him uniquely qualified for the role.

“I’m a farmer from Northwest Missouri. You know, that’s all I’ve ever wanted to be when I was growing up and wanted to be like my dad and, you know when I went to work last time at USDA. I mean, what a thrill. You know, what a thrill to be a part of some of the programs that we did then. We implemented the 2018 Farm Bill, which, man, that was an insight into an activity that I would have never guessed I would have had the opportunity to do.”

Fordyce will have to be confirmed by the Senate before taking office. So far, his hearing has not been scheduled.

Related Stories
Productivity gains are supporting supply despite limited herd expansion.
The Biden Administration launched the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (ILCMA) program in 2023 to help underserved farmers facing barriers to land ownership.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided guidance on navigating the R&D tax credit, emphasizing record-keeping, eligibility, and maximizing potential savings as crop margins remain the key pressure point for farmers.
New label rules may strengthen demand for U.S. products.
Tight red meat supplies continue supporting livestock markets.
Recent USDA reports show a steady feedlot supply despite growing consumer demand for beef, ahead of typical seasonal summer trends.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.