Photo credit: National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture concluded its 2026 Annual Meeting in Portland, Maine, after bringing together 460 in-person and virtual attendees to discuss challenges and opportunities affecting agriculture.
The meeting brought together the nation’s commissioners, directors and secretaries of agriculture under the theme “Deep Roots, Bountiful Future.” Discussions focused on how agriculture is adapting to current opportunities and how state agriculture departments can help farmers and ranchers address local and global challenges.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discussed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s work with states to support farmers and ranchers. She also announced the USDA’s new Stand-Up Program, which will provide up to $50 million to help states join or expand federal-state meat inspection programs.
NASDA CEO Ted McKinney highlighted the Data on Economic and Bankruptcy Trends Project, developed by NASDA and the National Agricultural Law Center. The project is intended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of bankruptcy trends across the United States.
NASDA elected Washington Agriculture Director Derek Sandison as its 2026-27 president and elected its 2026-27 Board of Directors. The board includes Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig as vice president, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper as second vice president, Massachusetts Agriculture Commissioner Ashley Randle as secretary-treasurer and Maine Agriculture Commissioner Amanda Beal as past president.
Other board members include Illinois Agriculture Director Jerry Costello as at-large representative, Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts as Northeastern representative, Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks as Southern representative, Ohio Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge as Midwestern representative and Idaho Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt as Western representative.
NASDA also announced its 2026 Honor Award recipients and staff awards. The organization recognized employees of state departments of agriculture for their service and named ADM as the recipient of its Public-Private Partnership Award.
NASDA Associate Director of Public Policy Logan Moss received the Outstanding NASDA Staff Award for his work on challenging issues and relationship building.
NASDA Foundation Senior Director of Food Safety Programs Joe Reardon was recognized for 10 years of service with the organization, while NASDA Associate Director of Grants and Finance Ellen Roth was recognized for five years of service.
The conference also included 17 NASDA Next Generation students, who engaged with agricultural policy and industry leaders, developed professional connections and participated in state and federal policy discussions.