NASDA Honors Tenure of Fourteen State Agriculture Leaders The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture held its inaugural "Years of Service Ceremony" at its 2026 annual meeting in Portland, Maine, recognizing state agriculture commissioners, secretaries, and directors for sustained tenure in their roles. Three honorees received awards for more than 20 years of service, five for at least 15 years, and six for at least 10 years. The organization plans to make the awards an annual tradition. "Having served in these roles over 10, 20 to nearly 30 years, adds up to countless hours members have worked day-in and day-out with farmers to find the best ways to innovate how we grow our food and fiber, care for our environment and support local communities in good times and hard times," NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said. "Going beyond service to their local farmers, ranchers and food producers, these members have given their experience and expertise to NASDA to help hone federal regulation and craft policy that works better for all Americans, farmers, ranchers and consumers alike."

20+ Years of Service Former Chief Ken Ayers of the Rhode Island Division of Agriculture retired this year after 28 years of service. Commissioner Steve Troxler of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Commissioner Hugh Weathers of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture each logged 20 and 22 years respectively.

15+ Years of Service Honored for at least 15 years of service were Commissioner Doug Goehring (North Dakota), Commissioner Louis Peterson (Virgin Islands), Secretary Karen Ross (California), Commissioner Mike Strain (Louisiana), and Secretary Jeff Witte (New Mexico).

10+ Years of Service Six officials received recognition for at least 10 years of service: Commissioner Richard Ball (New York), Commissioner Sid Miller (Texas), Director Doug Miyamoto (Wyoming), Secretary Russ Redding (Pennsylvania), Director Derek Sandison (Washington), and Secretary Wes Ward (Arkansas). NASDA also recognized John Baugh, former Purdue University Director of Agricultural Services and Regulations, who recently retired after serving in that role for over 30 years and collaborated with NASDA members throughout his career.

Why It Matters

State agriculture departments shape regulatory frameworks, commodity programs, and environmental policy that directly affect farm economics and foodservice supply chains. Recognizing long-tenured leaders underscores NASDA's role as a coordinating body across all 50 states and four territories, bringing institutional continuity to agricultural policy conversations at the federal level.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors