Biden Administration Appoints Matthew Russell to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Iowa

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2021— The Biden Administration recently appointed Matthew Russell as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Iowa Farm Service Agency (FSA). Russell joined the Iowa FSA team on Nov. 29, 2021.

“Individuals selected to serve as FSA State Executive Directors are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America.”

Russell is a fifth-generation farmer operating a family farm and ranch near Lacona, Iowa. In 2018, he began as the executive director of Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, a statewide faith-based climate action organization. Russell has previously worked at Drake University’s Agricultural Law Center, the Iowa Citizen Action Network, the National Catholic Rural Life Conference and Bishop Gorman High School in Law Vegas, Nevada. He has a master’s degree in Rural Sociology from Iowa State University and a bachelor’s degree from Loras College.

As SED, Russell will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in Iowa.  These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant, and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for consumers.

“The State Executive Director is a pivotal leadership position for the Agency and for the agricultural producers we serve,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations.  “These leaders, appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective states. We are happy to have them on board and wish them much success.”

Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. 

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