Rodney Walker Applauds Alabama USDA Farm Appointments

U.S. Senate candidate and lifelong cattle farmer Rodney Walker has praised the appointment of five Alabama agriculture leaders to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee.

The USDA announced the selections of Roy Shepherd “Shep” Morris Sr., Wallace Drury, William “Billy” D. Hixon, Michael D. Reeves, and Dr. Mykel Rae Taylor to serve on the Committee, with Morris designated as Chair.

“These appointees bring real, hands-on knowledge from across Alabama’s agricultural community, and that perspective is critical to making sure our farmers and ranchers are truly well-served,” Walker said in a statement.

Walker, who runs a working cattle operation in Clay County, said farm policy must reflect the everyday realities producers face. “Farming is not theoretical. It’s affected by weather, markets, labor shortages, rising input costs, and federal regulations,” he said. “Our farmers need programs that work in the real world, not one-size-fits-all policies written by people who have never set foot on a farm.”

Under USDA rules, FSA State Committee members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. They play a central role in making sure federal farm programs are delivered in ways consistent with farm policy and benefit producers statewide.

The Farm Service Agency helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners access credit, disaster support, conservation programs and more through a network of State and county offices.

Appointees and Backgrounds

• Roy Shepherd “Shep” Morris Sr. (Chair): Longtime producer of cotton, corn and sesame and president of a cotton ginning operation.
• Wallace Drury: Owner of a multi-generational farm producing catfish, cattle and hay.
• William “Billy” D. Hixon: Manages a 1,500-acre diversified farm with beef, poultry and row crops.
• Michael D. Reeves: Oversees a fruit and vegetable operation with direct-to-consumer sales.
• Dr. Mykel Rae Taylor: Auburn-based agricultural researcher with roots in production agriculture.

Walker’s comments reflect a broader push among agricultural leaders for policies shaped by those who work the land daily. Ag experts say this approach helps ensure programs remain practical and responsive to real farm needs.

For more information on Rodney Walker and his campaign, visit https://www.walkerforalabama.com or follow him on social media.

For more information on Farm Service Agency Programs and resources available to Alabama farmers, go to https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Alabama/programs.