LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she will appoint Dr. Timothy Boring as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The new director is expected to assume the role on Monday, March 27.  

“Dr. Boring will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to MDARD,” said Governor Whitmer. “A sixth-generation family farmer from Stockbridge, Dr. Boring has held several high-level positions on leading agricultural associations, commissions, and committees. At MDARD, I am confident that he will lead admirably, working to support farmers, grow Michigan’s mighty agricultural industry, protect our natural resources, and power rural economic development.”

“Tim has been a wonderful partner and friend over the years,” said U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. “As Chairwoman of the US Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, I worked closely with him when he was with the Michigan Agri-Business Association and strongly supported his appointment to the USDA Farm Service Agency. I know he will be a fantastic leader at MDARD and look forward to working with him to continue advancing Michigan agriculture and growing Michigan’s economy.”

Dr. Boring was appointed by the Biden administration to serve as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in 2021. He previously operated his family’s sixth generation family farm in Stockbridge, Michigan. Prior to his appointment at the USDA, he was the president and founder of Michigan Agriculture Advancement. He also previously served as the Vice President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association and worked as research director of the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. Governor Whitmer has previously appointed Dr. Boring to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriscience, Master of Science in Crop and Soil Sciences, and Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University.

"I’m honored to be selected for this important position working on behalf of Michigan agriculture,” said Dr. Timothy Boring. “There are tremendous opportunities ahead of us to make meaningful progress improving climate resiliency, water quality, rural economies, and access to safe and nutritious food, and I look forward to serving within the Whitmer administration to advance these priorities.”

“Tim has dedicated his career to serving Michigan agriculture and brings strong experience in government leadership to this critical role,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “Our industry appreciates the hard work of MDARD employees statewide to help grow our state’s economy, and I am confident Tim will provide excellent leadership across the Department’s many critical functions.”

“We are delighted that Governor Whitmer has chosen Dr. Tim Boring to be the next Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,” said Bob Thompson, president, Michigan Farmers Union. “Dr. Boring is a proven leader who shares our values of supporting family farm operations, both traditional and nontraditional, and the communities in which they live. We look forward to working with Dr. Boring in his new role!”

“The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has an incredibly important role to play in protecting the health of the Great Lakes,” said Tom Zimnicki, agriculture and restoration policy director, Alliance for the Great Lakes. “We are excited about the selection of Dr. Boring who has a proven track record of focusing on and improving the environmental outcomes of Michigan agriculture throughout his career. We look forward to working with Tim and the Department on these critical issues in the coming years.”

Kathy Angerer has been serving as the acting director of MDARD following the retirement of Gary McDowell earlier this year. She will continue to serve in a leadership role at MDARD.