Beehive State News

Gov. Spencer J. Cox has announced the appointment of Kelly Pehrson as the new Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). This appointment is pending confirmation by the Utah State Senate, succeeding former Commissioner Craig Buttars, who has retired.

Kelly Pehrson, before this role, served as the Deputy Commissioner of UDAF since 2019 and was appointed as Interim Commissioner effective March 8, 2025, marking his second term in an interim capacity. He has extensive institutional knowledge and leadership experience, which Gov. Cox highlighted: “Kelly Pehrson has been a steady, trusted leader at UDAF for years, and I’m grateful he’s willing to take on this new role,” said Gov. Cox. “He understands the needs of our agricultural communities and has the experience and vision to help Utah’s agriculture industry continue to grow and adapt.”

Pehrson's career in public service began in San Juan County, where he served as City Manager of Monticello and later as the county’s Chief Administrative Officer. A native of Monticello, Pehrson is an alumnus of both Utah State University, where he earned a degree in Business Management, and the University of Phoenix, where he obtained an MBA.

Expressing his feelings about the new role, Pehrson stated, “I’m honored and humbled to serve as Commissioner. Utah’s farmers, ranchers and producers are at the heart of our economy and our heritage. I look forward to working alongside them to support innovation, resilience, and responsible stewardship of our resources.”

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, one of the state’s longest-standing agencies since its establishment in 1921, carries out programs that bolster Utah agriculture, ensure the protection of the food supply, and conserve natural resources. The department manages initiatives like the Utah Grazing Improvement Program, the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, and the Utah Food Security Program. Additionally, UDAF is responsible for inspecting food retailers and processors to ensure safety and pricing accuracy, promoting local products through Utah’s Own, and safeguarding the state's livestock industry from disease and invasive species.