Bonnie Johnson
May 19, 2025
Media ArticleThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new group of state-level leaders to serve in the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) programs. These leaders will help carry out national agriculture and rural policies in their local regions, with the goal of helping rural communities thrive.
“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 Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
FSA State Directors manage programs that support farmers through loans, disaster assistance, and conservation. They help apply federal policies at the state level and make sure programs serve local needs. These directors are responsible for planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs in coordination with local offices.
RD State Directors focus on improving life in rural America. They guide programs that support infrastructure, housing, business growth, and community development. These efforts aim to create strong and sustainable rural economies in line with the America First agenda.
One of the new appointments is Michael Cabell, named State Director for Rural Development in Pennsylvania. Cabell previously served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he worked on rural economic growth, infrastructure, and education. Before his time in government, he co-founded a behavioral healthcare company serving multiple Pennsylvania communities.
These appointments are part of USDA’s ongoing effort to empower rural communities, strengthen agriculture, and build local leadership that supports economic opportunity and agricultural success across the United States.
Photo by:usda
