State agriculture officials conclude 2026 conference with reflections, announcements and new leadership

Press Release

PORTLAND, Maine – The nation’s commissioners, directors and secretaries of agriculture gathered in Portland, Maine, for NASDA’s 2026 Annual Meeting to address challenges and opportunities impacting the agricultural industry with 460 in-person and virtual attendees.

“It was an honor for Maine to welcome our colleagues from across the country to Portland and the surrounding area and to showcase the people, places and agricultural traditions and innovations that make our state so special,” said Maine Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry and 2025-2026 NASDA President Amanda Beal. “The strength of NASDA comes from bringing state leaders together to learn from one another, tackle shared challenges and find opportunities to strengthen agriculture across the country. I’m grateful to everyone who joined us in Maine and proud of what we accomplished together this week.”

“Guided by this year’s theme, ‘Deep Roots, Bountiful Future,’ we hosted productive discussions focused on how agriculture is advancing to meet today’s opportunities and how state agriculture departments can help and American farmers and ranchers overcome tomorrow’s local and global challenges,” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.

Highlights from the meeting included:

Remarks from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on the USDA’s collaborative work with states to support farmers and ranchers on a variety of issues. She also announced USDA’s new Stand-Up Program, which will provide up to $50 million to help states join or expand federal-state meat inspection programs.

Remarks from NASDA CEO Ted McKinney highlighted a new tool developed by NASDA and the National Agricultural Law Center, the “Data on Economic and Bankruptcy Trends (DEBT) Project.” The project reveals a more comprehensive understanding of bankruptcy trends across the U.S.

NASDA elected its 2026-2027 President, Director Derek Sandison (Washington), and Board of Directors. NASDA President Sandison also appointed NASDA’s 2026-2027 policy committee leadership. NASDA’s 2027 Board of Directors includes:

• President: Director Derek Sandison, Washington
• Vice President: Secretary Mike Naig, Iowa
• Second Vice President: Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia
• Secretary-Treasurer: Commissioner Ashley Randle, Massachusetts
• Past President: Commissioner Amanda Beal, Maine
• At-Large: Director Jerry Costello, Illinois
• Northeastern Representative: Secretary Anson Tebbetts, Vermont
• Southern Representative: Secretary Kevin Atticks, Maryland
• Midwestern Representative: Director Brian Baldridge, Ohio
• Western Representative: Director Chanel Tewalt, Idaho

NASDA announced its 2026 Honor Award recipients and NASDA staff awards.
NASDA recognized exemplary employees of state departments of agriculture for their service, awarded ADM as the NASDA Public-Private Partnership Award winner, and honored NASDA & NASDA Foundation staff for their contributions to the organization.

The Outstanding NASDA Staff Award for “continuing to go above and beyond his role as a staff member,” was awarded to Associate Director of Public Policy Logan Moss.

“Moss’ willingness to tackle challenging issues directly while building the relationships needed to move solutions forward makes him an invaluable part of NASDA’s success,” McKinney said.

NASDA Foundation Senior Director of Food Safety Programs was recognized for 10 years of service with the organization and NASDA Associate Director of Grants and Finance Ellen Roth was recognized for five years of service.

NASDA also welcomed 17 NASDA Next Generation students to the conference.
The students engaged with leaders in agricultural policy and industry, fostered professional connections and joined state and federal policy discussions.

Photos from the entire event can be found on NASDA’s website. Previously registered attendees are able to re-watch sessions in the online event portal.

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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA engages state departments of agriculture to strengthen U.S. agriculture and allied industries through policy, partnerships and public outreach. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.