By Blake Jackson
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced the appointment of five agricultural leaders to serve on the New York FSA state committee.
FSA state committee members are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and play a critical role in overseeing farm programs and county committee operations.
They handle program delivery appeals, maintain cooperative relationships with industry stakeholders, and keep producers informed about current FSA initiatives, supporting the Trump Administration’s Farmers First commitment.
Each state committee consists of three to five members, including a designated chairperson. The newly appointed New York members are:
- Lawrence K. Eckhardt, Chair (Stephentown): Eckhardt manages a diversified farm producing sweet corn, grain corn, hay, small grains, vegetables, and beef cattle. He also owns a crop management consulting firm, is a certified crop advisor, and a member of the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants.
- Ryan Timothy Fessenden, Member (King Ferry): Fessenden, a seventh-generation farmer, operates Lake Road Vineyards since 2021. He earned a B.S. in Animal Science with a Viticulture and Enology minor from Cornell University and serves on the board of New York State Wine Grape Growers.
- Barbara J. Hanselman, Member (Bloomville): Hanselman manages a dairy farm with registered Holstein and Brown Swiss cows, along with hay, row crops, sweet corn, and vegetables. She is a board member of the American Dairy Association North East and Dairy Management Inc.
- Brenden L. Martin, Member (Salamanca): Martin operates a 120-cow dairy farm and holds a degree in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University. He is active in local agricultural organizations including the Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau and Holstein Association.
- Joseph P. Shultz, Member (Lowville): Shultz owns a registered Holstein dairy operation and has served as president and vice president of the Lewis County Farm Bureau.
“These individuals, selected by Secretary Rollins in partnership with key stakeholders in each state, are held in high regard in the agriculture industry and are entrusted to ensure FSA programs are delivered in a manner consistent with federal farm policy and in the best interest of all agricultural producers in their state,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam.
“Their appointment to the FSA state committee is a testament to their standing in the industry and their dedication to the agriculture industry, rural America and President Trump’s America First, Farmers First policies.”
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: New York, Government & Policy