The EPA’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee gained two new agricultural voices this fall. Administrator Lee Zeldin appointed 21 members to the committee in July 2026. Stuart Swanson, an Iowa corn and soybean farmer, and Chris Tanner, a Kansas wheat grower, now represent EPA Region 7 on the panel. The Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee has advised the EPA administrator on agriculture policy for nearly 20 years. Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy said the group gives farmers a direct line to shape environmental rules affecting rural communities in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
What the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee Does
For nearly 20 years, the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee has given farmers a direct voice inside the EPA. The group offers independent advice on regulations that affect daily life on the farm. For example, past members have detailed the cost of compliance and the sting of permitting delays. Additionally, they have shared stories about how well-meaning rules sometimes create unintended consequences for everyday producers.
Jim Macy has traveled to every state in his region to spread one message: agriculture belongs at the table. He previously held leadership roles at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. Because of this background, he says he understands both sides of the regulatory conversation. He believes the committee turns his message into real action.
New Members Bring a Farmer’s Perspective to Region 7
In July, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin appointed 21 new members to the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee. Two of them, Swanson and Tanner, represent Region 7. Both will serve two-year terms working alongside the agency to shape practical policy.
Swanson farms corn and soybeans, along with hogs, near Galt, Iowa, as a third-generation producer. He currently chairs the Iowa Corn Growers Association and previously served on a national committee for corn growers. \”I am honored to serve on EPA’s Farm Ranch and Rural Communities Committee for the next two years,\” Swanson said. \”The input provided from our committee will be valuable to addressing programs and policies related to nutrient management, pesticide use, and water quality. I’m proud to represent the views of corn farmers and communities in my state and am excited to work with the other members from across the country.\”
Tanner owns Tanner Farms in Norton, Kansas, and serves as vice president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. He has also held roles with the National Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Farm Bureau. \”I’m looking forward to serving on the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee and bringing a farmer’s perspective to the conversations that shape EPA policies affecting agriculture,\” Tanner said. \”It’s important that the EPA Administrator hears directly from producers who understand both the challenges of farming and the responsibility we have to care for our land and natural resources. I appreciate the opportunity to represent Kansas agriculture and help ensure farmers have a voice in these important discussions.\”
Committee to Tackle Precision Agriculture and Conservation Balance
Each new committee receives specific charge topics from the administrator. This round of members will focus on two major areas. First, they will explore how artificial intelligence and precision agriculture technology can support more careful pesticide application. Second, they will study how to balance conservation goals, nutrient pollution reduction and long-term farm viability.
These topics matter because farmers face growing pressure to protect water quality while keeping their operations profitable. Consequently, the committee’s recommendations could shape how EPA approaches pesticide rules and conservation programs in the coming years. Macy said he looks forward to working with Swanson and Tanner as they help develop solutions that work for both farm country and the environment.
Why the Committee’s Work Matters for Farm Country
The Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee now includes fresh voices from Iowa and Kansas agriculture. This matters for farmers and ranchers because the committee’s advice can influence EPA rules on pesticides, nutrient management and conservation. Meanwhile, producers should watch for updates as the two-year term progresses and new recommendations reach the administrator’s desk.
Readers can learn more about EPA Region 7 and its agricultural initiatives. This story is based on a press release from EPA Region 7.