.
Brad Pfaff has always had an interest in rural communities and the agricultural economy, both in his work for Sen. Herb Kohl and later for U.S. Rep. Ron Kind.
Now he will have an opportunity to address these issues on a statewide basis, as the new Wisconsin state executive director for the Farm Service Agency, a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Every state has a Farm Service Agency, and each has offices at the local level. Wisconsin has agency offices in 50 counties, including a La Crosse County office in Onalaska.
Pfaff, a policy advisor in Kind’s La Crosse office, said he expects to begin his new duties in August.
“I was raised on a farm, and agricultural policy is very important to me,” Pfaff said. “I want to make sure that farmers receive a fair and equitable price for their product. Farmers work very hard, and the products they produce are subject to Mother Nature and a worldwide market.”
Pfaff, 41, has worked in Kind’s office since 1997.
In 2004, he ran unsuccessfully for the 32nd District state Senate seat now held by Dan Kapanke.
He has been on the La Crosse County Board since 2006.
“I couldn’t think of anyone who would be a greater champion for family farmers throughout the state than Brad Pfaff,” Kind said. “He has served me well and worked tirelessly on behalf of family farmers.”
Tom Vilsack, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, issued a statement saying, “Brad Pfaff has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama administration’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America.”
Pfaff said his family will continue to live in Onalaska. He will commute to Madison. He said he wants to stay on the county board but wasn’t sure that would be possible in the new job.
.
Advertisement 
