USDA Appoints Indiana Leaders to Farm Service Agency Committee

By Andi Anderson

The United States Department of Agriculture has announced new appointments to the Indiana Farm Service Agency State Committee. These appointments bring experienced agricultural leaders together to support farmers and ranchers across the state through effective program oversight.

Members of the Farm Service Agency State Committee are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and play an important role in serving the agricultural community.

In support of the Farmers First commitment, committee members oversee farm programs and county committee operations, resolve program delivery appeals, maintain cooperative relationships with industry partners, and keep producers informed about available services.

Each state committee includes three to five members and a designated chairperson. In Indiana, the newly appointed chair is Thomas McKinney of Kempton. He is a lifelong grain producer with deep experience in corn and soybean farming, agricultural leadership, and community service.

The committee also includes four members with diverse agricultural backgrounds. Tracey Clifford of Auburn is a row‑crop producer who manages business operations on her family farm and brings professional experience from working in Farm Service Agency offices.

William Gelfius of Hartsville is a grain and livestock producer with decades of experience in diversified farming and agricultural leadership. Timothy A. Schwab of Batesville is a lifelong cattle producer with extensive involvement in state and national beef organizations. Kevin Underwood of West Lafayette is a grain and livestock producer with long‑term leadership experience in county and state agricultural organizations.

“These individuals, selected by Secretary Rollins in partnership with key stakeholders in each state, are held in high regard in the agriculture industry and are entrusted to ensure FSA programs are delivered in a manner consistent with federal farm policy and in the best interest of all agricultural producers in their state,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Their appointment to the FSA state committee is a testament to their standing in the industry and their dedication to the agriculture industry, rural America and President Trump’s America First, Farmers First policies.”

The Farm Service Agency supports farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners by administering farm loans, conservation programs, disaster assistance, and marketing support. Through state and county offices, FSA helps producers improve and protect their agricultural operations.

These Indiana committee appointments strengthen leadership, improve program delivery, and ensure agricultural policies are carried out fairly and effectively for producers across the state.

Photo Credit: usda