Ag News

USDA announces FPAC appointments

On March 21, the USDA announced key presidential appointments to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area.

The FPAC mission area plays a vital role in delivering USDA programs directly to farmers and ranchers across the country, from disaster assistance and risk management to conservation efforts that protect and enhance working lands.

Appleton Appointed deputy Undersecretary for FPAC 

Brooke Appleton served as Vice President of Public Policy for the National Corn Growers Association. In this role, Appleton led NCGA’s Washington, D.C., office, overseeing advocacy for policy effecting corn farmers across the country. Previously, Appleton served as chief of staff to the deputy secretary at USDA during the first Trump administration. Prior to her time at USDA, Appleton worked at the National Association and Wheat Growers and started her career on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Representative Sam Graves of Missouri. Appleton holds a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management from the University of Missouri and was raised on her family’s row-crop and cattle farm in Stanberry, Missouri.

Fisher Appointed FPAC chief of staff

Andrew Fisher served as a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and previously held the same position for U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics from the University of Missouri. Fisher grew up on a farrow-to-wean hog operation where he also assisted his grandfather with backgrounding cattle.

Bettencourt Appointed as NRCS chief

Aubrey Bettencourt is a prominent leader in agriculture, water, and sustainability, most recently serving as the global director of government relations and external affairs for Netafim. Her previous roles include serving as president and CEO of the Almond Alliance and deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior in the first Trump administration. Her work reflects a strong commitment to water policy, agricultural support, and sustainable practices, supported by her family’s farming roots in Kings County, California. Aubrey holds a degree in history from Westmont College.

Beam Appointed Farm Service Agency administrator

Bill Beam is from Elverson, Pennsylvania, where he owns and operates Beam Farms Inc. with his family. In addition to growing corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, Beam Farms has a sawdust and wood shavings business that serves the wood industry and agriculture throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Bill has served on various boards and committees including the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, United Soybean Board, United States Soybean Export Council, Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment and Tel Hai Board. Bill formerly served as deputy administrator of farm programs for FSA in the first Trump administration.

Swanson Appointed RMA administrator

Pat Swanson has served as a director for the American Soybean Association (ASA) and completed her term on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board. Along with her husband, Don, Pat has experience running a crop insurance agency, helping farmers in southeastern Iowa manage risk through crop, forage, pasture and livestock insurance. Pat and her family run a seventh-generation farm near Ottumwa, Iowa. They raise soybeans, corn, and have a cow-calf operation. Pat is an alumna of Iowa State University and is passionate about advocating for farmers through her involvement with Iowa 4-H, CommonGround Iowa and her work with ASA.

Buckley appointed NRCS chief of staff

Colton Buckley served as the CEO of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Previously, Colton was appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry. He is a proud alumnus of Turning Point USA. Colton holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural services and development from Tarleton State University, a master’s degree in communication from Liberty University, and was raised on his grandparents’ cattle ranch in Gatesville, Texas.

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