farm bill advisor
About BRAD
DURING MY 41 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN AGRICULTURE POLICY AT THE USDA I HAVE WORKED CLOSELY WITH ALL THE MAJOR PLAYERS AND HAVE DEVELOPED PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. SOME OF MY NUMEROUS DETAILS INCLUDE:
- Special Counsel to the Under Secretaries for Farm Production and Conservation and Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services during the beginning of the Trump Administration
- the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in 2010
- the Office of the USDA Chief Economist in 2008
- a LEGIS Congressional Fellow at the House Agriculture Committee in 1994
- three weeks in China studying China’s oilseed sector in 1998.
Brad Karmen established Karmen Consulting LLC firm to promote and protect the interests of American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. He recently retired from the Farm Service Agency after 41 years of service at the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He led a staff of over 100 employees and most regulations carried out by the Farm Service Agency had Brad’s input and counsel. He also was the recipient of numerous Secretary’s awards, USDA’s highest honor.
Brad has been recognized for his expertise on the commodity, conservation, and crop insurance titles of the farm bills and ad hoc disasters programs. He has worked extensively with all major farm organizations, agribusinesses, and other federal agencies. Brad is well known for his ability to work across party lines to create well-designed farm policies that benefit all sectors of agriculture.
Brad is well-versed in all aspects of the development and implementation of farm policy. He went to Capitol Hill during the markups of legislation to provide technical and policy advice to members of Congress and their staff. Following enactment, Brad was a key leader in implementing and writing regulations to ensure the programs were delivered efficiently to the Farm Service Agency’s 2,100 Service Centers.
Brad received an undergraduate degree in government from Franklin and Marshall College and a Master of Business Administration from the George Washington University. He began his USDA career working part-time prior to graduation, and upon graduation, Brad quickly ascended the career ladder and entered the Senior Executive Service, serving in a key position just below the top Presidential appointees. During recent transitions between Presidents, Brad served in an acting capacity in political positions.
Brad lives about 60 miles outside Washington, DC on his wife’s family farm. Brad was known for his long hours in the office and for his one-hour and 40-minute commute each way. His commute has been reduced to a few steps. Brad and his wife Jean have 4 children, the fourth generation to live on the family farm.
