NASDA Member Spotlight: Richard Fordyce, Missouri Department of Agriculture

What is your background in farming and agriculture?
I am a fourth-generation Missouri farmer from Bethany, Mo., and have been involved in production agriculture my entire life. I planted my first corn at 8 years old.

I was named Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture in December 2013. I've held leadership roles in agriculture on the local, state and national levels for more than 20 years and have worked my entire life to move the agriculture industry to new heights.

As Missouri's Director of Agriculture, I have set forth priorities to advance youth in agriculture, international trade, farm safety, consumer awareness and environmental stewardship.In 2015, I established the Missouri Agricultural Stewardship Assurance Program (ASAP), a verification program championing farmers who are responsible stewards of the land, and created the Missouri Agricultural Foundation to support projects that promote sound agricultural growth and opportunities. I've led agriculture awareness campaigns including the My Farm, My Story video series introducing consumers to some of the state's finest farmers and FarmScape, an urban initiative that brings the farm and rural lifestyle to large cities and urban neighborhoods. I have been featured on numerous local, state and national news broadcasts and shows including The Food Channel's Four Bean Pod: The Connected Farmer. Most recently, we've rolled out 'Ag Rundown with the Director,' a weekly video that I record wherever I am in the state to highlight what's happening in Missouri agriculture.

I currently serve as the chairman of the Marketing & International Trade Committee for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), which represents the departments of agriculture in all 50 states. I'm a member of the Missouri Agricultural Foundation Board, Missouri State Fair Commission, Missouri Wine & Grape Board, Missouri Development Finance Board and Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority Board of Directors. Just this week, I finished an 11 year appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on the United Soybean Board.

I chaired the state's Soil & Water Commission for more than 5 years, and earned the 2012 Soil Conservationist of the Year. Other leadership roles include president of Harrison County Farm Bureau for more than 15 years and chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for the Missouri Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau. I have served in roles for the Northwest Missouri State Fair, National Biodiesel Board and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.

In 2015, I was awarded the Missouri Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award and the Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) Alumni of the Year. I was also awarded the 2015 Missouri Corn President's Award.

My wife, Renee, and I grow soybeans and corn as well as raise beef cattle on the family farm in Harrison County. Our children, Ethan and Emma, attend the University of Missouri.