Welcoming New State Directors

Lyndi Allen
May 6, 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the New State Directors for Illinois Farm Service Agency and Illinois Rural Development. Bill Graff was appointed as State Executive Director, Illinois Farm Service Agency and Jesus Ortega was appointed as State Director, Illinois Rural Development.


William Graff of Middletown, Illinois has been a farmer all his life. This will be the fourth appointment to the State Executive Director position. Previously, Graff has served as a Volunteer Fireman, Township Supervisor, Township Trustee, and School Board member. Graff and his family are members of the Lincoln Christian Church.


Jesus Ortega is serving as the State Director for Rural Development in Illinois. He received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and International Studies from Loyola University Chicago. Ortega was born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and believes it is an honor to serve rural Illinois, according to USDA.


IL Corn looks forward to the upcoming term for these roles and the accomplishments that come from them.

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