Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for making appointments to Colorado’s Farm Service Agency State Committee. The FSA State Committees are responsible for the general direction and supervision of state FSA programs. Committees keep farmers informed of agency program activities while resolving appeals and complaints within the agriculture community.
In October, Bennet wrote a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to finalize the appointments to the FSA State Committee.
“I am pleased the USDA has filled these appointments with folks who will do a tremendous job serving the needs of rural Colorado,” said Bennet. “The State Committee is vital to ensuring that the FSA programs are administered effectively and efficiently, and it is important that these members be in place to serve the needs of rural Coloradans.”
The following people were appointed to Colorado’s FSA state committee:
James H. Hume, from Walsh, Colorado, has been a farmer and rancher for over four decades. Recently, he was a partner in Colorado Mills, a company that produced vegetable oil and cattle feed. Mr. Walsh founded the Walsh Community Grocery Store. He also served as President of the Baca County Agricultural Association. He received a B.S degree in Business from Panhandle A&M College.
William W. Warren, from Keenesburg, Colorado, owns and operates a 7000 acre farm in his hometown. Previously, he served as an Industrial Arts Teacher at Oak Park-River Forest High School. During the 1990s, he served as a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade in the USDA. Mr. Warren has a Masters of Arts from Colorado State College.
Marsha Daughenbaugh, from Steamboat, Spring, Colorado, as Executive Director of the Community Agriculture Alliance. In 2002 and 2003, Ms. Daughenbaugh served as Acting Executive Director for Colorado’s FSA. Throughout her professional career, Daughenbaugh has remained active in her community. She was part of the Community Agriculture Alliance, Western Heritage Partnership, and Colorado Agriculture Water Forums.
Paul A. Mallander, from Holyoke, Colorado, has managed his own farm since 1976. Mallander also owns Plaine Insurance Agency. He has served on several committees and boards, including the First National Bank Holding Committee Board of Directors. Mr. Mallander has a B.S in Accounting from Regis University.
Dr. Armando Valdez, from Capulin, Colorado, owns and manages a farm that has been in his family for generations. He recently was an Assistant Professor of Management and Healthcare Administration at Adams State College, in Alamosa, Colorado. He also served as Chair of Business and Allied Health Department for Front Range Community College from 2000 to 2006. Dr. Valdez has a PhD in Education and Human Resources Studies from Colorado State University.