Earlier this year, Jon Wyss was reappointed as state executive director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for the third time. A lot has changed since his first term in 2019, and we wanted to know what keeps bringing him back, and what’s happening at the Washington state FSA office in 2025.
Welcome back for your third term as state executive director (SED). How does the beginning of this term look different than the beginning of your first or second term?
The beginning of this term has not been much different than the first or second term. My job as SED is to carry out the mission of the administration. Through Secretary Rollins, the Trump administration has provided clear guidance. The Trump team at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made this an easy transition.
Your job seems like it could be extremely stressful. Why keep coming back?
Farmers who tend to their lands through generational and applied conservation practices are the ones who have the stressful jobs. As SED, my job is to be here for them when they need the Farm Service Agency to alleviate their stress and to help ensure we address their needs quickly through our extensive conservation, commodity, price support, disaster recovery, and farm loan programs. I have worked closely with producers and their associations to build a long-term relationship, and I am committed to doing whatever we can to meet their financial and technical needs. I love serving the producers of Washington state and this great nation and will continue to do so, in coordination with the administration, for as long as I am able.
Can you tell me what the state office situation is like in terms of staffing?
Over the years, we have utilized USDA data analytics to our advantage in Washington state. In doing so, we’ve been able to balance the ebbs and flow of staffing that are inherent in any organization of this size. Our amazing staff has stepped up to the plate time and time again to ensure effective and efficient program delivery, and we are all genuinely dedicated to the producers we serve.
There’re rumors that USDA plans to close county offices. Have you heard that any of Washington state’s offices are going to be closed?
As you know, I have never been one to comment on rumors. I will say that Secretary Rollins has made it clear that she has no plans to close FSA county offices as they are front line USDA offices. We understand GSA (General Services Administration) has undertaken a process to review and consolidate current leases across the country. USDA has identified certain offices as critical offices and has asked GSA to rescind the office closure notifications. Additionally, on other office leases that GSA has slated to end, we are working with GSA to identify where there are multiple leases/facilities available in the nearby area to consolidate the offices. All services are continuing to be conducted.
Is any of your funding or programs on hold?
USDA is reviewing all programs to ensure they align with the Department’s goals and priorities. Secretary Rollins understands that farmers and ranchers and other grant-funded entities that serve them have made decisions based on these funding opportunities, and that some have been waiting on payments during this government-wide review. She is working to make determinations as quickly as possible.
Do you see any big changes coming to FSA’s mission with this new administration?
The Trump administration has laid out a vision for the country and much of what FSA does is administered through farm bill legislation. Congress is also debating a new farm bill. If any changes come, we will carry out the instructions as provided by the administration and outlined in the farm bill.
Long term, what are your goals and priorities for the next four years?
I met with FSA staff to put together a four-year plan outlining how FSA could better serve the producers of the state. We met directly with employees from across the state who represent a cross-section of our agency to field ideas about how the agency will function over the next four years. I would like to see us complete that plan in alignment with the vision of both Secretary Rollins and the president’s vision for American agriculture and putting farmers first.
Is there anything else you want Washington wheat farmers to know?
It’s an honor and privilege to be selected to serve as FSA state executive director and carry messages from Washington to the administration. It’s also an honor to represent this administration and help implement the plans and goals they want to achieve to ensure the longevity of the farmers and ranchers of this great state.
