Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed three new members to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Board of Directors, responsible for guiding USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) in managing federal crop insurance. Newly appointed members Ryan Lankford, Brandon Willis, and Donna King will serve four-year terms, while Nicole Berg was reappointed for a second term.

Ryan Lankford, representing producers, grew up on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and helped expand his family’s farm to include organic crops and Red Angus livestock. Lankford also serves on Tribal and FSA committees, managing diverse crops on 10,000 acres of Tribal land.

“Through the FCIC board, I hope to promote the importance of crop insurance to livestock producers and other farmers who have been able to access new products created by RMA,” Lankford said. 

Brandon Willis, representing insurance regulators, has a background in agricultural law and previously held roles with USDA, including as RMA Administrator. He now works at Utah State University and owns Ranchers Insurance.

“I know firsthand the challenges that producers face in the agriculture industry and the important role that crop insurance plays when it comes to protecting and ensuring the future of successful agriculture operations,” Willis said. “My background with USDA and experience in crop insurance will allow me to represent the best interests of the producers we serve.”

Donna King, an insurance specialist in Delaware, focuses on Mid-Atlantic farmers, selling policies for various crops and livestock. She advocates for programs like Whole Farm Revenue Protection and supports new options, including shellfish and tropical storm coverage.

“Federal crop insurance is an important tool that can help producers manage risk on their operations,” King said. “I’m looking forward to continuing my efforts to provide an even stronger safety net that represents the diversity of agriculture across New England, as well as in other geographic areas.”

More information about the FCIC is available on the RMA website.