Central ND News

U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer have announced the appointment of Brad Thykeson and Tom Campbell to significant roles within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in North Dakota. The appointments were made by the Trump administration.

Brad Thykeson will take on the role of North Dakota State Executive Director of the Farm Service Administration (FSA). Thykeson, a lifelong farmer, previously held this position during President Trump's first term. During his prior tenure, he was responsible for implementing FSA programs and managing policies that provided support to producers during periods of market instability and natural disasters.

Senators Hoeven and Cramer expressed their support for Thykeson's reinstatement, stating: "Brad Thykeson has a proven track record at FSA, having helped ensure farmers could navigate challenges new and old." They emphasized the need for experienced leadership due to increased production costs, trade negotiations, and recovery efforts from wildfires and severe weather conditions.

Tom Campbell has been appointed as North Dakota State Director for Rural Development. His experience includes co-founding Campbell Farms, a potato production business with multiple locations, as well as serving in the North Dakota State Senate from 2013 to 2018.

In recommending Campbell for this role, Senators Hoeven and Cramer highlighted his public service background: "The RD State Director position calls for a person ready to serve the community on day one. Time and again, Tom has answered the call to be a public servant." They noted his history of working with agricultural groups at both local and national levels as beneficial for his new position.