Agricultural News
Biden Administration Appoints Steve Kouplen to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA's Farm Service Agency in Oklahoma
Fri, 18 Feb 2022 08:45:50 CST
The Biden Administration recently appointed Steve Kouplen as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Oklahoma Farm Service Agency (FSA). Kouplen joined the Oklahoma FSA team on Feb. 14, 2022.
"Individuals selected to serve as FSA State Executive Directors are incredible public servants who have a proven track record when it comes to their commitment to advance their states and communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Each will serve on the frontlines, carrying out USDA's mission at the state level and ensuring the voice of each and every USDA customer is heard. We are fortunate to have each of these talented individuals at this critical time for farmers and producers and rural communities across America."
Born and raised on a family farm and ranch in Oklahoma, Kouplen graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Education. While operating a commercial cattle ranch and farm, he served as President of the Okmulgee County Farm Bureau and Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Chairman of the Oklahoma Beef Council. Kouplen also served as a member of the board of directors for the East Central Electric Cooperative, the Beggs School District, his local FSA County Committee, and the Okmulgee County Rural Water District #6. In 2009, he was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives and served as Minority Leader from 2017 to 2018.
As SED, Kouplen will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of FSA programs to agricultural producers in Oklahoma. These commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance programs ensure a safe, affordable, abundant, and nutritious food, fiber, and fuel supply for consumers.
"The State Executive Director is a pivotal leadership position for the Agency and for the agricultural producers we serve," said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations. "These leaders, appointed by the Biden-Harris Administration, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective states. We are happy to have them on board and wish them much success."
Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural partners through the effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of federal agricultural programs. The Agency offers producers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. Additionally, through conservation programs, FSA continues to preserve and protect natural resources and provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including targeted loan funds for beginning, underserved, women and military veterans involved in production agriculture.
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