Keith Rogers, Chief of Staff of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), was recently awarded the James A. Graham Award for Outstanding Service at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) annual conference in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The award is given by the NASDA in recognition of remarkable work in providing service to farmers and ranchers.
Rogers has a long history of service to agriculture, dating back to his childhood on a farm in rural Hardin County, Kentucky. He was active in 4-H and FFA, and after attending the University of Kentucky, he returned to his farm full-time to continue production projects he began while in high school. His farm operation included row crops, poultry, beef cattle, and tobacco.
Rogers' dedication to youth agricultural programs continued into his adult life. He served as Executive Director of the Kentucky 4-H Foundation for nearly eight years, and he has also served as president of the Hardin County Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Poultry Federation. He has also served as a member of the State Board of Agriculture, the State Egg Marketing Board, the Kentucky Agricultural Resources Development Authority, and as Chairman of the Kentucky Agricultural Council in 2009.
Rogers has also served in various government positions related to agriculture, including district director for U.S. Congressman Ron Lewis and senior legislative assistant for Agriculture and Natural Resources on Lewis' Washington staff. During the consideration of the 1996 Farm Bill, Rogers was one of only two active farmers serving on the staffs of House Members on Capitol Hill.
In his current role as Chief of Staff of the KDA, Rogers leads more than 200 employees and serves as the Department's point of contact for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural organizations in Kentucky. His role also involves implementing department initiatives, including strategic planning, legislative priorities, agricultural promotion programs, regulatory operations, and more.
NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said that Rogers "embodies an unwavering commitment to farmers and public service, and he goes above and beyond to ensure Kentucky agriculture is at the table for national agricultural policy conversations."
Rogers' award is a testament to his dedicated service to agriculture at the local, state, and national levels. He is a true champion for Kentucky farmers and ranchers.
Photo Credit: istock-cactusoup
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy