Dan Hunter was appointed by the Trump Administration to serve as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Texas in July 2025.

Prior to his appointment, Hunter served as assistant commissioner for the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) where he was a top advisor on critical issues related to economy, trade, and water. He oversaw matters on U.S. policy and the important role it plays in agriculture and the Texas economy. He also provided direct oversight on programs involving rural affairs, including rural health care, communications and marketing.

Before joining TDA, Hunter served as executive director of the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research and as an adjunct professor at Tarleton State University. Prior to that, Hunter was executive officer of the Southwestern Peanut Growers Association. Earlier in his professional career he served as the government relations representative for the National Cotton Council association in Washington, D.C. He also worked as a primary legislative staff member for former Congressmen Larry Combest and Fred Grandy.

Hunter has served on numerous international trade, commodity, and policy advisory committees. He currently serves on the Texas FFA Foundation Board of Directors and the Texas Ag Workers Advisory Committee. He previously served on the Texas Wine Advisory Committee, Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, and the Texas Olive Oil Advisory Board.

Hunter earned degrees from Texas Tech University, Tarleton State University, and Western Texas College. He was recently honored as Outstanding Alumnus from Texas Tech University.

Hunter grew up in Roscoe, Texas, on a family farm and ranch where they raised cattle, horses, cotton, sorghum, oats, hay and swine. He currently lives in College Station with his wife Ana. He has two children and four grandchildren. He is an avid hunter, golfer, and enjoys spending time with his family.