Mike Strain Commissioner | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Mike Strain Commissioner | Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new leadership appointments within the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. These appointees are expected to advance President Trump's America First agenda, providing essential support to farmers, ranchers, and producers.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of FPAC, stating, “FPAC is the most farmer-facing mission area at USDA, housing the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service—agencies producers rely on every day.” She further noted that these appointments would ensure efficient delivery of support to farmers and ranchers following a recent $10 billion economic assistance announcement.
Brooke Appleton has been appointed as Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Her previous experience includes serving as Vice President of Public Policy for the National Corn Growers Association and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary at USDA during President Trump's first term.
Andrew Fisher will serve as Chief of Staff for FPAC. He brings experience from his roles as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Roy Blunt.
Aubrey Bettencourt has been named Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Her background includes positions such as Global Director of Government Relations for Netafim and President and CEO of the Almond Alliance.
Bill Beam takes on the role of Administrator for the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Beam operates Beam Farms Inc. in Pennsylvania and has previously served as Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs for FSA under Trump’s first administration.
Pat Swanson will lead as Administrator for the Risk Management Agency (RMA). She has served on various boards including that of the American Soybean Association and has run a crop insurance agency with her husband in Iowa.
Colton Buckley assumes his position as Chief of Staff for NRCS after serving as CEO of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils. His past roles include positions on Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and other advisory councils focused on rural development.
These appointments are part of efforts to reinforce support systems critical to rural America under current administrative policies.
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