USDA appoints new members to Texas Farm Service Agency state committee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new appointments to the Texas Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee, naming five agricultural leaders to help oversee the delivery of federal farm programs across the state.

Two of the new members have ties to Capital Farm Credit. John Malazzo of Caldwell currently serves on the board of directors, while Erick Richards of Stamford is a valued CFC member and previously served on the Association’s Nominating Committee. Erick is also the former owner of Ag Crop Insurance, which was recently acquired by CFC. He currently serves as a contractor for the Association.

The appointments were made by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins in support of the Trump Administration’s Farmers First commitment.

FSA state committee members play a critical role in guiding the implementation of farm programs, overseeing county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals, maintaining strong relationships with agricultural stakeholders, and ensuring producers remain informed about available FSA resources. Each state committee is made up of three to five members, including a designated chair.

Malazzo, past chairman of the CFC Board of Directors, was appointed chair of the Texas committee. A longtime farmer and rancher producing cotton, corn, feeder cattle, and replacement heifers, he brings decades of leadership experience through service with organizations such as Producers Cooperative and the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Joining Malazzo is Richards, who brings more than 30 years of experience in dryland crop and cow-calf operations. They are among five new committee members who represent diverse regions and production systems across Texas. Others include:

• Scott Born of Ferris, a veteran row crop producer with more than 30 years of experience farming wheat, corn, cotton and sunflowers.
• Jody Brown of Beeville, a partner and co-manager of a family ranching operation with extensive experience in cattle production, farm management and agricultural consulting.
• Kody Carson of Olton, a diversified crop and livestock producer with a strong background in agricultural economics and national policy leadership.

“We are so proud to have these ag producers leading the way for Texans,” said Jeff Norte, president and CEO of Capital Farm Credit. “They are highly respected, and I have no doubt they will work tirelessly on behalf of all producers to ensure that FSA programs are the best that they can be for Texas.”

Through its nationwide network of state and county offices, FSA supports farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners by administering credit, conservation, commodity, disaster recovery, and marketing programs. More information is available at fsa.usda.gov.