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
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the Dairy Margin Coverage program, recent improvements, and what producers need to know ahead of this week’s enrollment deadline.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
Fed cattle numbers are down two percent in February, according to the latest USDA report. Marketings fell 13 percent, signaling continued pressure on beef prices in 2026.
Pre-filled Applications Available Online to Producers with a Login.gov Account
Pollination costs remain volatile, raising planning risk for specialty crop producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided insight on updated PLC rate estimates, the role of base acres, and the upcoming enrollment window for ARC and PLC programs.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
National FFA Organization CEO Scott Stump shares the importance of Give FFA Day, how contributions support students, and why today is an opportunity for everyone to help invest in the future of agriculture.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
Analysts warn the closed U.S.-Mexico border is straining cattle supplies and packing capacity. StoneX and USDA data point to long-term industry shifts.
Agriculture Shows
Watch Rural Evening News on RFD Network to catch up on that day’s news surrounding agriculture and markets from across the world.
Every day on RFD Network, “Market Day Report” delivers LIVE coverage of agribusiness news, weather, and commodity market information from across the world. Our commodity markets coverage is updated every half hour to bringyou the latest agriculture news.
Farm Monitor shines a light on Southeastern agriculture and is the only weekly news and information program dedicated to Georgia’s largest and most important industry: agriculture.
Check out FFA Today, a fun and fast-paced show featuring fascinating stories about amazing kids and unique agriculture industries.