Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins names Tom Schultz as Chief of USDA’s Forest Service

“I will work tirelessly to further support and protect our rural communities.” — Tom Schultz

Tom Schultz_photo by Christophe Paul via USDA.jpg

Tom Schultz

Photo by Christophe Paul via USDA

Newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins appointed Tom Schultz as the 21st Chief of the Forest Service.

In a statement, Rollins expressed her certainty with this pick:

“Tom is the right person to lead the Forest Service right now, and I know he will fight every day to restore America’s national forest.”

Schultz is taking the helm from Chief Randy Moore, who recently announced his retirement.

Schultz expressed his gratitude for the role:

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be the next Chief of the Forest Service. I will work tirelessly to further support and protect our rural communities.”

Schultz previously served as VP of Resource and Government Affairs at Idaho Forest Group. He is also a former U.S. Air Force Officer and was Director of the Idaho Department of Lands.

Related Stories
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.
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

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.