Department of Agriculture: Former Lobbyists

Bio, via USDA.Gov:

Ken Barbic most recently served as a senior director for the Irvine, CA-based Western Growers Association, where he has worked for nearly a decade to advance the competitiveness of American produce farmers. He grew up in Bakersfield in a farming family, which, from an early age, gave him an appreciation for the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture. Prior to his work with Western Growers, Barbic served as Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Congressional Affairs and as a legislative assistant with the House Committee on Ways and Means. He graduated with honors from Maranatha Baptist University with a B.S. in business management.

Bio, via Farm Service Agency:

Bushue is a proven leader and advocate for agriculture and natural resources in Oregon with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He is the owner and operator of Bushue Farming in Boring, Oregon. Bushue previously served as president and chief executive officer of the Oregon Farm Bureau Federation where he represented the agriculture industry by advocating for public policy for farmers and ranchers. He also served as vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation from 2008 through 2015. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University. The Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs. The agency offers farmers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. FSA continues to conserve natural resources and also provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including special emphasis on beginning, underserved and women farmers and ranchers. Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. And understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture. As SED, Bushue will use his leadership experience to oversee FSA programs in a customer-focused manner to ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food supply for consumers.

Bio, via Alabama Farmers Federation:

Gray has decades of political experience on and off Capitol Hill and formerly served as National Affairs director for the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. Previously, he was a legislative assistant for then-U.S. Rep. Terry Everett, R-Alabama, who served on the House Agriculture Committee. More recently, Gray was president of Gray Matter Consulting, LLC. “Agriculture is woven into the fabric of America’s rural communities. Providing crop insurance tools for farmers is important for them to manage and mitigate risks in farming,” said Gray, who grew up in Tallassee. “President Trump and Secretary Perdue have proven they are committed to farmers and are focused on improving services to them.” RMA manages the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to provide crop insurance products to America’s farmers and ranchers. Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) sell and service Federal crop insurance policies through a public-private partnership with RMA. The agency backs AIPs who share risks associated with catastrophic losses due to major weather events. “Our agency is determined to provide better service to our customers — American farmers — and USDA is focused on how we can deliver farm programs better and more efficiently,” Gray said. “This is an exciting opportunity for me, and I am happy to serve USDA and be a part of this team.” RMA Administrator Martin Barbre, an Illinois farmer, was appointed earlier this year and was sworn in by Perdue April 30. He is the former president of the National Corn Growers Association. “We’re really fortunate to have Keith on board at RMA,” Barbre said. "His extensive background in agriculture and grasp of the issues that farmers care about will help us achieve many of our goals — from expanding the farm safety net to increasing access to capital for beginning farmers.” Federation President Jimmy Parnell congratulated Gray on his appointment. “Keith has an excellent record of serving Alabama farmers, and we’re excited about the opportunity for him to put his knowledge and experience to work for USDA and farmers across America,” Parnell said. Gray is a preferred trainer and chair of the Grants Management Committee of the Grant Professionals Association. He is also a trainer for the National Grants Management Association. Gray graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in political science and a master’s in public administration. He also is a graduate of the George Mason School of Law in Arlington, Virginia. He is district chairman of Colonial District in northern Virginia and an executive board member of the Boy Scouts of America National Capital Area Council. He and wife Nicole live in Alexandria, Virginia, and have two children.

Bio, via USDA Risk Management Agency:

Before USDA, Mr. Layher worked as a staff assistant for a retired Member of Congress, was Director of Health & Regulatory Affairs at the American Horse Council, and most recently was a Legislative Assistant for House Agriculture Committee member Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) where he handled the agriculture portfolio. R.J. grew up on his family’s fifth generation row-crop farm in Southeast Michigan. Upon graduating High School, he attended Hillsdale College and graduated in 2010 with a degree in Political Economy. Currently, he is on track to complete a Masters of Agribusiness degree at Kansas State University in 2019. In his free time, Mr. Layher enjoys cooking and traveling with his wife, playing golf and softball, and watching college football and basketball.

Bio, via LinkedIn:

Visionary developer of people and relationships. Change agent for individuals and organizations. Realistic administrator of ideas, strategies and resources. Friendly connector, contemplative organizer and expressive communicator who is able to simplify complex concepts for the average person and engage diverse audiences in finding consensus.