Glen Smith Confirmed as USDA Rural Development Under Secretary

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Glen R. Smith of Atlantic, Iowa, as U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development, according to USDA.

Smith’s appointment places an Iowa farmer and agricultural business owner at the head of the USDA agency responsible for Rural Development programs. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said Smith’s experience in agriculture and rural lending will inform his work with farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

“Rural America is the backbone of this nation, and under President Trump, USDA is committed to ensuring our rural communities have the infrastructure, resources, and opportunity they need to thrive,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Glen Smith has spent his life in rural Iowa as a producer and a business owner supporting agricultural lending and credit and knows firsthand what rural communities across America need to succeed. I’m confident he will be a strong advocate for our farmers and ranchers, and the rural communities where they live and work and raise their families.”

Smith said he plans to work with rural communities on economic development.

“It’s a privilege to take this role, and I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for giving me this responsibility,” said Under Secretary Smith. “Rural Development’s programs and people are critical partners in the growth of the rural economy, and I’m looking forward to working with communities across the nation to find ways to bolster the economic engine of rural America.”

Smith was born and raised in Iowa and has farmed and ranched for more than 50 years. His operation includes soybeans, corn, and hay, along with a small cattle operation.

He also founded Smith Land Service Co., an agricultural service company specializing in farm management, land appraisal, and farm brokerage.

Smith most recently served on the Farm Credit Administration Board of Directors. President Trump appointed him chairman, a position he held from 2019 to 2022.

Smith is a graduate of Iowa State University.

Several Iowa officials also issued statements supporting Smith’s confirmation and cited his experience working with farmers, landowners and rural businesses.

“Glen Smith is a product of rural Iowa who’s spent his career serving fellow farmers. Having grown up in southwest Iowa, he understands our way of life and what it takes for family farmers to feed and fuel the world,” said Senator Chuck Grassley. “I congratulate Under Secretary Smith on his confirmation, and I look forward to working with him to deliver for the hardworking men and women who keep food on our tables.”

“I’m thrilled that my friend and fellow Iowan Glen Smith is officially confirmed as Under Secretary for Rural Development at USDA,” said Senator Joni Ernst. “Glen is a proven leader with a lifelong commitment to agriculture who I have no doubt will represent Iowans and all of rural America well. I look forward to seeing the revitalization of our communities under his leadership.”

“Iowans are in good hands with this confirmation. For over 40 years, Glen Smith has equipped farmers, landowners, and small businesses with the tools they need to succeed, in addition to operating his own family farm,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “I can’t think of anyone with better firsthand experience to support the development of rural communities across the nation.”

“Congratulations to my fellow Iowan, Glen Smith, on his confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development. Glen has spent his career fighting for farmers and rural communities, and I know he'll bring that same commitment to this important role,” said Representative Ashley Hinson (IA-02). “I look forward to working with Glen and the Trump Administration to strengthen rural infrastructure, expand economic opportunity, and ensure rural communities across Iowa and our nation have the tools they need to thrive.”