January 13, 2026 For Immediate Release Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731
North Carolina Farm Service Agency State Committee Appointments Announced
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) announced five leaders from North Carolina’s agriculture community have been appointed to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee.
“I commend Secretary Rollins, FSA Administrator Bill Beam, and State FSA Director Ron Garrett for appointing these great individuals to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s North Carolina Farm Service Agency State Committee," said Congressman Rouzer. "I know each of these members, and they are all great leaders with the experience, knowledge base, and skillset to do the job well. I look forward to working with them to support North Carolina’s farmers and rural communities.”
The individuals appointed to serve on North Carolina FSA State Committee:
Jeffrey Claybourne Lee, Chair (Benson) - Lee is owner, president, and CEO of his farm, where he manages tobacco, sweetpotato, and cotton production. He utilizes conservation tillage, precision guidance, and nutrient banding to improve crop quality and land stewardship. Lee previously served as a member of the North Carolina FSA State Committee.
Steve Leggett Griffin, Member (Washington) – Griffin is president and owner of his farm where he manages a diversified crop and farming operation. He previously served on the Beaufort FSA County Committee.
Joseph Brent Leggett, Member (Nashville) – Leggett is owner and operator of his farm, where he manages a diversified row crop operation, producing tobacco, sweetpotatoes, cotton, peanuts, and other crops. He’s responsible for agronomic and strategic management, workforce oversight, and long-term sustainability.
Richard Paul Renegar, Member (Harmony) – Renegar operates a diversified family farm in Iredell and Yadkin Counties, producing beef cattle, tobacco, row crops, and hay. He diversified into farm equipment sales and agritourism with hunting preserves and sporting clays. He currently serves as President of the Iredell County Farm Bureau Board and Director of the North Carolina State Farm Bureau Board as well as a voting delegate to the American Farm Bureau Federation. He previously served on the North Carolina FSA State Committee.
Faylene Whitehead Whitaker, Member (Climax) – Whitaker is co-founder and operator of a diversified family enterprise producing tobacco, corn, wheat, strawberries, vegetables, and greenhouse tomatoes. The operation expanded into agritourism, landscaping, two garden centers, a bakery, and equipment sales. She previously served on the North Carolina FSA State Committee for eight years and has also served on her FSA County Committee.
Members of the FSA State Committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. In support of the Trump Administration’s "Farmers First" commitment, committee members are responsible for overseeing farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals, and maintaining relations with industry stakeholders. Each FSA State Committee is comprised of three to five members, including a designated chairperson.
