U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra said on Apr. 28 that he supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area agencies as they begin a reorganization process that includes agency restructuring and plans to relocate positions to Ames, Iowa.
The move is intended to modernize the USDA, improve support for employees, and focus more directly on farmers and producers. The reorganization aims to better align the department with its main priorities, strengthen investments in agricultural research, use advanced scientific methods, and reduce bureaucratic complexity.
“Representing one of the largest agricultural districts in the nation, I applaud relocating key USDA functions to Ames,” said Rep. Feenstra. “This reorganization will reduce bureaucratic complexity, strengthen leadership, and help bring the USDA closer to America’s farmers and producers that it serves. By streamlining operations and clarifying accountability, it will allow scientists, statisticians, and researchers to focus on core USDA mission work—advancing the science and data that drive American agriculture.”
REE Under Secretary Scott Hutchins also commented on the changes: “The Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area has been essential to the growth of U.S. agriculture since its creation and will remain a pivotal foundation for U.S. agriculture as we shape the next generation of agricultural innovation and economic research… Our mission to solve agricultural challenges across the nation will undergird this restructuring and bring U.S. farmers and ranchers the service and assistance that they need to thrive and remain profitable.”
Feenstra has represented Iowa’s 4th district in Congress since 2021 after replacing Steve King according to official records. He previously served in the Iowa Senate from 2009 until his election to Congress as reported by public sources. Feenstra was born in Hull in 1969 where he currently resides at age 54 according to biographical information, having graduated from Dordt University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1991.
