USDA-NIFA Director Dr. Jaye L. Hamby visits the SU Ag Center

Baton Rouge, La. – Dr. Jaye L. Hamby, Director of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) visited the Southern University Ag Center on Dec. 16, 2025.

During his visit, Dr. Hamby toured facilities and met with leadership, faculty, and staff to learn more about the Ag Center’s research, extension, and teaching programs and to discuss opportunities to strengthen partnerships and expand the impact of ongoing agricultural initiatives.

Attendees also enjoyed a special luncheon featuring the Ag Center’s Southern University Natural (SUN) Beef.

The day concluded with comments by Drs. Hamby and McMeans.

Before joining NIFA, Dr. Hamby led and directed proprietary research efforts, specializing in concept testing, product marketing, value driver analysis, and farm demographic trends. The Tennessee native has also assisted with the launch of numerous crop protection products and authored field sales and competitive positioning manuals.  

NIFA is the extramural funding agency for the USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area.

Dr. Hamby has served as NIFA’s director since March 20, 2025.

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