As RRFN first reported three weeks ago, Emerado, North Dakota farmer Jared Hagert is the new USDA deputy administrator of farm programs. In an interview during Commodity Classic, Hagert said he met with USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce and FSA Administrator Bill Beam while on a trip to Washington, D.C., last fall. Hagert, Fordyce and Beam had served together on the United Soybean Board. “I had no idea that they were looking to fill any position,” said Hagert. “One conversation led to another, and here we are.” Taking the federal job meant Hagert resigned from the Legislature and left the farm. “It was really odd leaving home for the last time, knowing I wouldn’t be back to put a crop in for the first time in over 30 years.” Listen to the full interview, including an update on the bridge assistance for sugarbeet producers.
