Ronnie Russell Appointed Missouri State Executive Director For FSA

USDA Names New Leader to Oversee Missouri Agricultural Programs

• Bonnie Johnson
• September 30, 2025
• Media Article

Ronnie Russell is appointed as Missouri’s FSA state executive director, where he will lead USDA programs that support agriculture, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance to strengthen farming communities across the state.

---

The Trump Administration has announced the appointment of Ronnie Russell as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Missouri. This appointment places him in a key leadership role managing the delivery of agricultural programs across the state.
 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said, “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.”
 

FSA Administrator Bill Beam emphasized the importance of the role, stating, “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.
 

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.”
 

Russell, originally from Richmond, Missouri, has years of experience in agriculture. He has worked with corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay, in addition to operating a livestock and retail fertilizer business.
 

He has also served on the boards of the American Soybean Association, the Missouri Soybean Association, and the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board. His community involvement includes serving on the Ray County Hospital Board of Trustees and his local extension council.
 

As state executive director, Russell is responsible for managing FSA programs that provide support in commodities, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance. These programs are designed to ensure Americans have a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food, fiber, and fuel.
 

The FSA plays a central role in implementing agricultural policy, delivering loan programs, and managing conservation and disaster recovery. Through a network of state and county offices, FSA helps producers improve, protect, and expand their operations.
 

Photo by: usda