EPA Announces New Members to the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the appointment of 21 new members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The FRRCC provides independent policy advice and recommendations to the Administrator on crucial environmental issues affecting agriculture and rural communities.
Mr. William Thomas McDonald, from Five Rivers Cattle Feeding LLC, has been appointed as chair, and Mr. Michael Crowder, from Brushy Creek Farms, will serve as vice-chair, leading the FRRCC’s work. Together, these members bring practical experience and represent a broad range of perspectives from academia, agriculture and allied industries, non-governmental organizations, and state, local and tribal governments.
“The Trump EPA remains committed to ensuring American farmers and ranchers have a respected seat at the table in this Administration,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “The members of the FRRCC bring real-world knowledge and firsthand experience from across the country. Their insights will be instrumental in helping the EPA develop practical, commonsense solutions that enhance our rural communities and support viable farming operations. Together, we will power the Great American Comeback by building stronger, more resilient rural economies while protecting our shared environment.”
The FRRCC will continue to serve as a productive and valuable resource to the EPA. The committee will focus on several key priorities, including improvements to the technical assistance EPA provides to rural communities, outreach and education on advancing artificial intelligence for precision pesticide application and reduced chemical use in U.S. agriculture, and the critical balance between agricultural conservation, nutrient pollution reduction, and long-term farm viability.
The selection process for new members began in December 2025, with EPA issuing a request for nominations that drew more than 90 applicants. The agency selected individuals from a highly qualified pool, ensuring representation across the country. Members were chosen for their expertise in key EPA priority areas, including water quality and regeneative agricultural practices and represent a variety of agricultural sectors, rural stakeholders and geographies.
The members of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee include:
Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, Field to Market, Angola, Indiana
Chad Franke, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Lander, Wyoming
Chris Tanner, Tanner Farms, Norton, Kansas
David Graybill, Red Sunset Farm, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
Eric Orem, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Heppner, Oregon
James Henderson, Richfield Ranch Ag Ventures Inc., La Jara, Colorado
Jason Warren, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
Jeffrey Tiberi, Montana Association of Conservation Districts, Helena, Montana
John Klar, MAHA Farmers Hub, Brookfield, Vermont
Katherine English, Pavese Law Firm, Fort Myers, Florida
Michael Crowder, Brushy Creek Farms, Richland, Washington
Nocona Cook, Cook Farms, Cordell, Oklahoma
Rick Naerebout, Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Twin Falls, Idaho
Dr. Russell Hamlin, Grimmway Farms, Bakersfield, California
Ryan Schohr, Schohr Ranch, Chico, California
Dr. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia, Tifton, Georgia
Stephen Logan, Logan Farms, Giliam, Louisiana
Steve Keen, North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, Goldsboro, North Carolina
Stuart Swanson, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Galt, Iowa
Dr. Whitney Crow, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi
William Thomas (Tom) McDonald, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Dalhart, Texas