05.02.25

Hoeven, Cramer: Brad Thykeson & Tom Campbell Appointed to Serve in Key USDA Positions

Senators Recommended Thykeson as FSA State Executive Director, Campbell as Rural Development State Director

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer today announced the Trump administration appointed Brad Thykeson and Tom Campbell to key leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) state offices in North Dakota:

  • Brad Thykeson will serve as the next North Dakota State Executive Director of the Farm Service Administration (FSA).
  • Tom Campbell will serve as the next North Dakota State Director for Rural Development (RD).

Brad Thykeson – Farm Service Agency State Executive Director

The senators supported reinstating Brad Thykeson to serve as the North Dakota FSA Executive Director. Thykeson is a life-long farmer, who served in the same position during President Trump’s first term. During his previous tenure leading the agency, Thykeson implemented FSA programs and oversaw policies providing producers with assistance in times of market uncertainty and natural disasters.

“Brad Thykeson has a proven track record at FSA, having helped ensure farmers could navigate challenges new and old,” said Hoeven and Cramer. “Between an increased cost of production, efforts to secure better trade deals and an ongoing recovery from wildfires and harsh weather, our farmers need someone at the head of the state FSA office who knows our ag economy. Brad is the right person for the job, and we appreciate the administration for heeding our call to reinstate him to this critical position.”

Tom Campbell – North Dakota State Director for Rural Development

In recommending him to lead the USDA’s rural development efforts in North Dakota, Hoeven and Cramer cited Campbell’s experience as a lifelong farmer as well as his extensive public service. Campbell is the co-founder of Campbell Farms, a multi-locational potato production farm and served in the North Dakota State Senate from 2013 to 2018.

“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. From his service in the North Dakota Senate to a variety of leadership roles with both local and national agricultural groups, Tom has worked to help fellow producers manage agricultural policy. This long history of building relationships with producers in the state and advocating for policies that benefit farmers, ranchers and rural communities will serve him well in the state director position,” said the senators.

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