Gianforte Appoints Christy Clark Director of Agriculture

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the appointment of Christy Clark as the director of the Montana Department of Agriculture.

"Montana producers work hard to feed the world, and today they have a partner and established advocate in Christy Clark as the director of the Montana Department of Ag," Gov. Gianforte said. "A fifth-generation rancher, Christy understands the challenges and opportunities our producers face, and shares my commitment to strengthening and supporting our state's number one industry."

Since May 2021, Clark began serving as acting director of the department when director Mike Foster temporarily left the agency to serve as the state's ARPA program director. Since Foster's retirement in October 2021, Clark has continued to serve as acting director. With the governor's appointment, she is director of the agency.

Since 2015, Clark has served Montana producers at the department in various roles, including deputy director, agricultural sciences administrator, and agricultural development and marketing bureau chief. 

A Choteau native and fifth-generation rancher, Clark has promoted Montana's high-quality ag products throughout the world and expanded value-added ag opportunities for Montana producers at the Department of Agriculture. 

"I am honored to be a part of Governor Gianforte's team and lead an agency serving our farmers, ranchers, and other ag-related industries. They are the lifeblood of our state," Clark said. "Agriculture is my greatest passion, and I can't help but feel like everything I've done in my life up until this point, both personally and professionally, has led me here."

Leaders from Montana's ag industry offered support for Clark's nomination.

Cyndi Johnson, president of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation: "I've known Christy since our kids were little. She will be an incredible leader for the Montana Department of Agriculture, just as she is an incredible advocate for agriculture. She's walked in our shoes, dealt with our issues, and shared our struggles. Christy understands agriculture from a very personal perspective and we are excited to continue working with her."

Tryg Koch, president of the Montana Grain Growers Association: "Montana Grain Growers values the position of the director and thrilled to hear its been filled. MGGA looks forward to working with Director Clark in having an impact on the grain producers."

Jim Steinbeisser, president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association: "Montana Stockgrowers Association looks forward to working with Director Clark, as head of the Department of Agriculture. Christy Clark has extensive experience in agriculture and as former Deputy Director for the agency, we look forward to her being a strong advocate for the cattle industry."