Your feedback ensures we stay focused on the facts that matter to you most—take our survey.
Richard Fordyce
Richard Fordyce is a former Missouri Director of Agriculture. He was appointed to the position in December 2013 by Gov. Jay Nixon.[1] His term of office ended following the swearing-in of Governor Eric Greitens in January 2017.
On January 16, 2025, President Donald Trump (R) announced Fordyce would serve as United States Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the Department of Agriculture in his second presidential administration.[2]
Prior to this appointment, Fordyce was chairman of the Missouri State Soil & Water Districts Commission. He also served as a member of the South Harrison R-II School Board.[3]
Biography
Fordyce is a fourth-generation farmer from Bethany, Mo. He has spent his career promoting agriculture and conservation in Harrison County, where he raises cattle and grows corn on his family farm, as well as in the state of Missouri and the federal government. Fordyce served in leadership roles in community organizations and various levels of government for decades before his appointment to statewide office in 2013. One such position was president of the Harrison County Farm Bureau, which he held from 1993 to 2010.[3]
Fordyce is one of Missouri's three directors serving on the United Soybean Board. He is also affiliated with the National Biodiesel Board, Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.
In 2012, Fordyce was named the Soil Conservationist of the Year award by the Conservation Federation of Missouri.[3]
Political career
Director of Agriculture (2013-2017)
Fordyce began serving as head of the Missouri Department of Agriculture following his appointment by Gov. Jay Nixon in December 2013.[1] He was succeeded in January 2017 by Chris Chinn.
Appointments
2013
Fordyce was appointed Missouri Director of Agriculture by Gov. Jay Nixon in December 2013.[1]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Fordyce resides in Harrison County with his wife, Renee.[3]
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Richard Fordyce Missouri Agriculture. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
| Missouri | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
External links
Footnotes
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Harry Bozoian |
Missouri Director of Agriculture 2013-2017 |
Succeeded by Chris Chinn |
| ||||||||||||||
