The Trump Administration recently appointed Brad Finstad as the new State Director for USDA Rural Development in Minnesota. Finstad began his new role on Monday, Nov. 27.
Finstad’s farming family upbringing and 4th generation New Ulm, MN area resident has provided the roots that have led him through a widespread multi-faceted career in support of rural prosperity. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Agriculture Education with emphasis in Rural Leadership Development, Finstad began his career in the Human Resources department for Christansen Family Farms, introducing him to “real people, the real world and agricultural production.” From there, Finstad’s career took him on a whirlwind of rural government, policy, and legislative service spanning more than 20 years. From a brief role as Area Director with the Minnesota Farm Bureau, to agriculture staff for Congressman Mark Kennedy, to a three-term elected Representative for District 21B in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and most recently serving as Executive Director of the Center for Rural Policy Research, Finstad has indisputably served the interests of rural communities from the start. A family man to the core, Finstad shares his passions with wife, Jaclyn, and their seven children.
As State Director, Finstad will use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to continue to restore prosperity in rural Minnesota.
“Whether it’s economic development, childcare, helping wastewater infrastructure facilities and really the brains and veins of Minnesota; I’m trying to be a true partner to advance rural Minnesota economically.”
Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. And understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn.