Trump Administration Appoints Brad Thykeson to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in North Dakota

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2025— The Trump Administration recently appointed Brad Thykeson as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in North Dakota. Thykeson joined the North Dakota FSA team on June 2, 2025.

“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

“FSA State Executive Directors serve in a critical role carrying out USDA’s mission at the state level — ensuring that our focus is on meeting the needs of local agricultural producers by putting farmers and ranchers first,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Rural communities need our support now more than ever. Our newly appointed state leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their position as SED, and they will play an integral role in shaping the future of agriculture in their state.”

Thykeson returns to FSA where he previously served as the FSA State Executive Director for North Dakota during President Trump’s first term. He and his wife, Karla, are third-generation farmers, who grow corn, soybeans, wheat, and edible beans with his two sons and their families in Steele, Barnes, and Traill counties in North Dakota.

As SED, Thykeson is responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in North Dakota. These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for all Americans. See USDA news release for full list of recent FSA and Rural Development appointees.