Obama Administration names Linda Hennen to Serve as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2009- The Obama Administration today announced that Linda K. Hennen will serve as Minnesota State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA.

"Linda K. Hennen has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Hennen has more than 30 years of experience working with the Farm Service Agency, including 15 years of management experience. She served as District Director in Minnesota from 2000-2007, where she had oversight for farm program operations and management decisions for 10 southeastern counties. Prior to that position, Hennen worked in the Minnesota FSA office in a variety of roles where she gained expertise on the state's agricultural issues. She has many years of direct experience with regional producers and grew up farming in Minnesota. Hennen continues to be a part-owner of a family farm in Stevens County.

The Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include providing direct operating loans for farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as rural housing loans to help rural people buy, build or rent housing. FSA also procures various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs. At the same time, the agency creates jobs by funding the growth and creation of rural businesses and cooperatives.

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.