Gov. Cox appoints Kelly Pehrson as Utah Agriculture Commissioner

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has officially appointed Kelly Pehrson to serve as the next commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). Pehrson has been serving as interim commissioner following the retirement of former commissioner Craig Buttars earlier this year. His nomination now awaits confirmation by the Utah State Senate, with a hearing date expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Pehrson brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked as deputy commissioner at UDAF since 2019. He also previously served as interim commissioner in 2020. His background in public administration includes leadership roles in Monticello as city manager and in San Juan County as chief administrative officer, giving him deep insight into rural and agricultural communities across Utah.

Governor Cox expressed confidence in the nomination, stating, “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.” Pehrson, for his part, voiced his dedication to Utah’s agricultural future, emphasizing the importance of working closely with the state’s farming communities to promote growth and sustainability.