Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources alumnus Dan Hunter, a longtime agricultural policy leader and advocate, has been appointed as the new State Executive Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency in Texas. In 2020, Hunter was honored as a Davis College Distinguished Alumnus.
Hunter, who earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Texas Tech in 1986, and his master's degree from Tarleton State University, will oversee the delivery of a wide range of federal farm programs to agricultural producers across the state. These include commodity support, conservation initiatives, farm credit services and disaster assistance – programs designed to maintain a secure and affordable supply of food, fiber and fuel.
“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 Bill Beam, Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, in a statement announcing the appointment.
Hunter arrives at the post with decades of experience across state government, academia and commodity organizations. Most recently, he served as Assistant Commissioner at the Texas Department of Agriculture, where he advised on matters ranging from trade and the economy to water policy. His portfolio included oversight of rural affairs programs, rural health care, and international marketing initiatives for Texas agriculture.
Previously, Hunter served as Executive Director of a global agricultural research institute within the Texas A&M University System. In addition to his new role, Hunter has been active in Texas’ specialty crop sectors, serving on the Texas Wine Advisory Committee, the Texas Olive Oil Advisory Board, and the Ag Workers Insurance Advisory Board.
Hunter’s contributions to agricultural leadership have earned him widespread recognition. This past summer, he received the FFA Passion for Agriculture Award for his commitment to agricultural education and youth leadership.
The USDA Farm Service Agency describes its mission as helping farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, protect and expand their operations, while ensuring the vitality of the nation’s agricultural economy.
CONTACT: Scott Burris, Chair, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8689 or scott.burris@ttu.edu
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