IFU Welcomes Matt Russell as Interim Executive Director
The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) is excited to announce that Matt Russell has joined the organization as its interim executive director. Russell’s wealth of experience in agricultural leadership and long history of involvement with the Farmers Union makes him capable of leading the organization into a season of growth and expansion.
As former State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in Iowa for the Biden Administration, Russell understands the support needed now more than ever for family-scale farmers in the face of a consolidated ag industry.
“Iowa farmers are in a great position to provide the solutions Iowans need for increasing conservation, improving water quality, and diversifying our rural communities,” said Russell. “IFU is investing in farmers and ranchers, rural communities, and consumers to advance a hopeful and abundant future for Iowa.”
After a year of significant growth for IFU, Russell takes on the role as David Andrews, former executive director, moves into retirement.
“As I retire from this role with IFU, I feel comfortable handing this position off to a very capable individual with great experience, Matt Russell,” said Andrews. “IFU, Iowa’s oldest farm organization, has led the fight to support small to midsize family farmers, beginning farmers, and fruit and vegetable growers around the state, and I know that will continue.”
As interim executive director of IFU, Russell will focus his efforts on working with members, the board, and staff to evaluate expanded programming, identify challenges, and prioritize opportunities for advancing IFU’s mission.
“Iowa Farmers Union is in a strong position. We’ve had nearly a decade of year-over-year membership growth and continue to expand our programming and outreach,” said Russell. “With so much change in agriculture, Farmers Union continues to lead the nation as a general farm organization supporting a wide diversity of farmers and ranchers.”
Russell is a fifth-generation Iowa farmer who grew up on a commodity and livestock farm in Cass County. He now co-owns and operates Coyote Run Farm, near Lacona, Iowa with his spouse Patrick Standley. In 2018, Russell became the Executive Director of Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, a statewide faith-based climate action organization. Prior to that, he spent 12 years on staff at the Drake University Agricultural Law Center. He’s been an active member of Iowa Farmers Union for over 20 years.
“David was instrumental in building the Iowa Farmers Union into a new phase of growth and activity,” said IFU President Aaron Lehman. “We are grateful for David’s expertise, devotion, and guidance to the Farmers Union and look forward to our relationship with him in his next phase as he moves ahead. Matt Russell will play an important interim role with the Farmers Union as we transition into our next leadership opportunity. The future is bright at the Iowa Farmers Union and we are excited for what comes next.”
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About Iowa Farmers Union
The Iowa Farmers Union is a grassroots membership organization of family farmers and ranchers, advocates, and consumers committed to promoting family agriculture in Iowa. Since 1915, Iowa Farmers Union members have worked together to strengthen the independent family farm through education, legislation, and cooperation and to provide Iowans with sustainable production, safe food, a clean environment, and healthy communities.
