(Albuquerque NM January 13, 2026) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Travis L. Day is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of New Mexico. Director Day will implement President Trump's America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America's farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.
"When America's farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump's America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again," said Secretary Rollins.
"I am honored to serve as State Director for USDA RD in New Mexico. Rural communities are vital to the state's economy and culture, and I look forward to working with local leaders, farmers, and businesses to expand opportunity, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure that federal programs and resources reach the communities that need them the most."-said Director Day.
Travis Day serves as State Director for Rural Development (RD) in New Mexico. A native of New Mexico, Travis brings experience from the private, nonprofit, and government sectors, with a focus on creating opportunities for businesses and local governments. His leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of rural New Mexico. He previously served as chairman of the Sierra County Commission, where he championed community-driven growth initiatives.
State Directors serve as the Chief Executive Officer of USDA Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with leading teams to carry out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of all rural Americans. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for advancing the key priorities and initiatives of the Presidential Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. State Directors also provide key leadership to foster a mission-driven, accountable, and high-performing workforce focused on operational excellence, public trust, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
To learn more about USDA Rural Development's leadership and programs, view www.rd.usda.gov.
