USMEF Director Ted McKinney Appointed Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture

Ted McKinney

USMEF Chairman Mark Jagels welcomed the news that longtime USMEF supporter and recent executive committee member, Ted McKinney, will be the new Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. He was appointed by Governor Mike Pence and will begin his role on Jan. 7, 2014.

“Ted McKinney is one of those individuals whose passion for agriculture is reinforced by a willingness to work hard and to give time and resources as a volunteer to USMEF and many other causes,” said Jagels. “He stands out as an effective leader who always saw the immense value of U.S. red meat exports. Witnessing his dedication to the industry, I have no doubt that he will be a valued and effective director of Indiana’s department of agriculture.”

McKinney served as a member of USMEF’s executive committee in 2012 and 2013. McKinney’s outstanding agriculture resume includes several years of service on the USMEF Board of Directors while working for Elanco Animal Health as Director, Global Corporate Affairs. McKinney grew up on a family farm in Indiana and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

The Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture is appointed by the Governor and is a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. McKinney’s responsibilities will include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses and licensing grain firms throughout the state.