Great Falls Tribune: Nelson named head of Farm Service Agency
Bruce Nelson of Montana was officially appointed Friday to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency.
Nelson has served as acting administrator of the national Farm Service Agency since May.
He replaced acting Administrator Val Dolcini, who returned to his role as FSA state executive director in California. Dolcini had served as acting administrator since Feb. 15, replacing Jonathan Coppess, who left the position to serve as chief counsel to the Senate Agriculture Committee to begin work on the 2012 farm bill.
“Farmers and ranchers in Montana and across the country will be well served with Bruce Nelson at the head of the Farm Service Agency,” Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said in a news release. “I congratulate Bruce on his appointment, and look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen the family farms and ranches that are the backbone of Montana’s economy.”
“Bruce is a fourth-generation Montana wheat farmer and an all-around great guy,” Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said in a news release. “I look forward to continuing to work with Bruce as we fight to make sure the next farm bill is as strong as it can be for Montana jobs and our agriculture industry. My congratulations go out to Bruce and his family — this is truly great news for Montana and farmers everywhere.”
Nelson has served as the state executive director of Montana FSA since 2009, and previously served in the post from 1993-2000, when he was awarded the Administrator’s Distinguished Service Award.
