Hickenlooper names Don Brown new agriculture commissioner

DENVER – Gov. John Hickenlooper on Thursday named Yuma County farmer Don Brown the state’s new Commissioner of Agriculture.

Brown’s appointment is effective Feb. 17. He replaces John Salazar, who retired last month after leading the Colorado Department of Agriculture for the last four years.

Brown will oversee the ag department’s daily operations, its 300 employees and seven divisions, including Animal Health, Brand Inspection, Colorado State Fair, Conservation Services, Inspection and Consumer Services, Markets and Plant Industry.

“Agriculture is a critical sector for our economy, contributing $40 billion and providing nearly 173,000 jobs annually,” Hickenlooper said in a statement. “Having Don at the helm, we know agriculture across Colorado will continue to grow.”

Brown, a third-generation farmer, has run multiple businesses while also managing and growing his family’s farm operations. He’s also been involved with water conservation and energy development within the industry, and is a recipient of the Bill Seward Memorial Lifetime Achievement award for outstanding cattle producer.

“I have lived the life of those who the commissioner is to serve, and I am committed to doing all I can to see that the industry continues to grow and that farmers and ranchers have every opportunity to succeed,” Brown said.

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