WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2025— The Trump Administration recently appointed Ronnie Russell as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Missouri.

 “When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

“FSA State Executive Directors serve in a critical role carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level — ensuring that our focus is on meeting the needs of local agricultural producers by putting farmers and ranchers first,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Rural communities need our support now more than ever. Our newly appointed state leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their position as SED, and they will play an integral role in shaping the future of agriculture in their state.”

Originally from Richmond, Missouri, Russell has farmed corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay, in addition to operating a cow/calf operation and retail commercial fertilizer business. He recently served on the board of directors for the American Soybean Association, the Missouri Soybean Association Board of Directors, and the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board, and has been involved in his local community, serving on the Ray County Hospital Board of Trustees and on his local extension council.

As SED, Russell is responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in Missouri. These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for all Americans. See USDA news release for full list of recent FSA and Rural Development appointees.