A Murray local has been selected to head a division at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles says Brent Burchett will head the Division of Value-Added Plant Production.
“It’s exciting to see our leadership team continue to take shape, and Brent’s agricultural expertise will be an asset to the Department,” said Quarles. “His experience with the Soybean Board, his family farm, and leading the Livestock Coalition has bridged many aspects of agriculture, making him a valuable team member.”
A Calloway County-native, Burchett recently served as program director for the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board and Kentucky Soybean Association and also led the Kentucky Livestock Coalition.
Brent’s family has farmed in Calloway County for three generations. He is a graduate of the Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program, served on the West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Grassroots Committee, and was a representative on the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service State Extension Advisory Council.
“Fighting for Kentucky farmers is my passion and it’s truly an honor to serve under Commissioner Quarles,” said Burchett. “He will be a champion for our agricultural way of life and will bring the type of hands-on, collaborative leadership that farmers in this state deserve.”
In his new role with the KDA, Burchett will work with farmers in Organic Marketing and other Value-Added Plant programs.
