USDA taps Tennessee ag education expert Dr. Jaye L. Hamby to lead NIFA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appointed Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

usda building_Photo by kmiragaya via AdobeStock_124652477.jpg

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Building in Washington, D.C.

In his new role at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), Dr. Jaye Hamby will oversee efforts to advance scientific breakthroughs in agriculture, support community outreach initiatives, and cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders through the USDA‘s grant wing.

“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 in a press release. “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 Tennessee native, Dr. Hamby grew up on his family’s cow-calf operation and became involved in agriculture through 4-H and FFA, eventually serving as a national FFA officer. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Tennessee, followed by master’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University. Over the years, he has led extensive research on concept testing, product marketing, value driver analysis, and market trends to support agricultural producers.

Dr. Manjit K. Misra served as NIFA’s Director from May 8, 2023, to March 20, 2025, under the Biden Administration before Dr. Hamby was appointed the new director. Before Dr. Misra’s appointment, Dr. Dionne Toombs served as NIFA’s Acting Director from April 11, 2022 - May 8, 2023.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NIFA, READ THESE ARTICLES BY FARMHER:

Breaking The “Grass” Ceiling: From the Winter Strawberry Capital to Our Nation’s Capital
Ag InnovatHER Helps Lead NIFA from the Heartland

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, adding a decade of experience in the digital side of broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Fall is one of the best times of the year when it comes to seasonal produce! Save this list to have on hand for harvest season when you hit your local grocery store, farmers market, or CSA!
Today’s top agriculture news headlines (Thursday, April 3, 2025) and the top trending stories on RFD-TV News.
Today’s top agriculture news headlines (Wednesday, April 2, 2025) and the top trending stories on RFD-TV News.
The top agriculture news headlines from RFD-TV News today (Tuesday, April 1, 2025) and the top trending stories on RFD-TV News.
The top agriculture news headlines from RFD-TV News today (Monday, March 31, 2025), and the top trending stories on RFD-TV News.
The top agriculture news headlines from RFD-TV News today (Friday, March 28, 2025), and the top trending stories on RFD-TV News.
Agriculture Shows
Join markets specialist Scott Shellady, better known as the Cow Guy, as he covers the market-close, breaking down headlines that drive the commodities and equities markets with commentary from respected industry heavyweights.
Tara Beaver Coronado (formerly known as Beaver Vineyards) is a farmer in Northern California. She raises grain crops with her dad. Tara planted her very first vineyard in 2018. Her channel is centered around her daily life on the farm, as well as promoting the diversity and scale of California agriculture.
A few years ago, the Stoney Ridge Farmer moved from a 1/3-acre lot in the city to a 150-acre farm nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Cole Sonne is a fourth-generation farmer living in Southeastern South Dakota. His family farm raises Black Angus bulls and grows alfalfa, grass, hay, corn, and soybeans. Cole says, “I make these videos for your entertainment (and for my own, as well)!”
How Farms Work is a family-friendly YouTube channel that showcases beef and crop farms located in Southwestern Wisconsin. Equipment operation, techniques, and farming strategies are all first-hand accounts given by Ryan, an Agriculture Business major whose family runs these farms.