JACKSON, Wyo. — Joe Budd has recently been named deputy director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) and started on the job Monday, Sept. 22.

Joe Budd, newly appointed Deputy Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Photo courtesy of WDA.

Budd is a sixth-generation Wyomingite who grew up on a ranch near Lander. According to a press release from the WDA, he has dedicated past work and academic pursuits toward agriculture and advocacy for the industry.

“We are incredibly happy and excited to have Joe join us at the Wyoming Department of Agriculture,” said Director of the WDA Doug Miyamoto in a statment. “With his strong ag background and education, he will bring a unique skill set and fresh perspective to our department that will help us navigate through the challenges the ag industry faces in Wyoming.”

Budd was a senior policy analyst at the WDA in the natural resources and policy division, before taking a position as senior policy advisor for Governor Mark Gordon.

“I’m honored and excited to be back at WDA” Budd said via press release. “Agriculture has been an integral part of my life and career and I’m looking forward to working with our farmers and ranchers again. The industry is a key piece of Wyoming’s identity and economy and continues to represent a way of life that is worth fighting for.”

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.