The Trump Administration recently appointed Grant Menke as the new State Director for USDA Rural Development in Iowa. Menke began his new role on Monday, August 6, 2018.
As State Director, Menke will use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to restore prosperity in rural Iowa. Menke comes to USDA from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association where he served as the organization’s policy director working on behalf of Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel producers. Prior to that position he worked in Washington, D.C. on the United States Senate Committee on Finance staff of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley.
Menke, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, was raised on a corn and soybean farm near Calumet, Iowa, in rural O’Brien County and currently lives in Ankeny with his wife, Susie, and their three boys.
Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. And understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.
Contact USDA Rural Development in Iowa
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/ia or by calling (515) 284-4663.
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a State Office in Des Moines, along with Area Offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.