Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles released the following statements today regarding the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) announcement of the following appointments:

Brian Lacefield's appointment as State Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kentucky:

"I applaud the selection of Hopkinsville's Brian Lacefield to head the Farm Service Agency in Kentucky. The FSA State Director is the direct contact between our farmers and the United States Department of Agriculture. Simply put, Brian is a slam-dunk pick for Kentucky agriculture. He is well respected across Kentucky and will bring the right skills and leadership to the job. I know Brian personally and can confidently say his agribusiness background makes him the perfect fit to lead the USDA's farm programs and conservation efforts in our state."

Hilda Legg's Appointment as State Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development in Kentucky:

"I congratulate Pulaski County's Hilda Legg on her appointment as the United States Department of Agriculture's State Director for Rural Development in Kentucky. Hilda has been a champion for rural voices throughout her career. From her service as a teacher in a rural community to her experience at the Center for Rural Development, she is well equipped to advocate for our communities. I thank her for serving Kentucky and the nation once more."