Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation has formed a Commodity Division to expand services to farmers and agribusinesses, Executive Vice President David S. Beck announced today.

Jeff Harper, Commodity Division Director for the past six years, has been named director of the new division. A Mercer County native, Harper previously was a project analyst for the Governor’s Office on Agricultural Policy. He also served as Assistant Director of KFB’s Public Policy Division.

Beck said the Commodity Division “will continue the work we’ve done but also will expand our reach to better serve the needs of our agriculture industry. This will allow Jeff and his staff to devote more time and resources to meeting the needs and addressing issues of the various farm commodity sectors.”

Harper will continue to serve as a legislative agent on commodity issues. Joining him in the new division are Director of Market Information Ed McQueen, a veteran employee who specializes in market reporting and analysis; and Kara Keeton, who administers the popular Certified Roadside Farm Markets program. Plans to add another employee to the staff.

The division will serve as the organization’s liaison to the various agricultural commodity groups and will work closely with KFB’s Advisory Committees that review policies and programs affecting the respective farm commodities. The division also will handle marketing and promotional activities. Other key functions include the KFB Beef Expo and annual tours for Kentucky cattle producers and farm market operators.

“Serving our farm families is top priority,” said Beck.” The new Commodity Division will put in place the personnel and resources to allow us to expand our reach and do a better job of meeting the needs of producers of all commodities.”