Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). In his role, Dr. Hamby will focus on advancing agricultural innovation, community outreach, and nurturing future agricultural leaders.
"Dr. Hamby’s deep-rooted experience in agriculture—from hands-on work in farming to decades of leadership in research and innovation—makes him the ideal choice to lead NIFA," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. "His commitment to advancing agricultural research, extension, and education will help drive solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges and ensure the continued strength and global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture."
A native of Tennessee, Dr. Hamby has a background rooted in agriculture from his upbringing on a family cow-calf operation. His early involvement with 4-H and FFA led him to serve as a national FFA officer. He pursued higher education in agricultural education at the University of Tennessee for his bachelor's degree and furthered his studies with master's and doctorate degrees at Oklahoma State University. Throughout his career, he has overseen numerous research initiatives focusing on concept testing, product marketing, value driver analysis, and market trend strategies aimed at supporting agricultural producers.
