Richard Lyng

American government official

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Richard E. Lyng, 22nd Secretary of Agriculture

Richard Edmund Lyng (June 29, 1918 – February 1, 2003) was an American government official who served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Agriculture from 1986 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan. Prior to his appointment as Secretary, Lyng had a long career in agriculture and public service.

Early life and education

Richard Lyng was born in San Francisco, California. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in business administration. His early education laid the foundation for his future career in agricultural management and policy.

Career

Early career

Before entering public service, Lyng worked in the private sector, gaining experience in agricultural business. He was involved in the management of a family-owned seed company, which provided him with insights into the agricultural industry.

Public service

Lyng's career in public service began when he joined the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in various capacities. He served as the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Consumer Services from 1973 to 1979. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing programs related to agricultural marketing and consumer protection.

Secretary of Agriculture

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan appointed Lyng as the Secretary of Agriculture. During his tenure, Lyng focused on several key issues, including farm credit, agricultural trade, and food safety. He played a significant role in the implementation of the 1985 Food Security Act, which aimed to improve the economic stability of the agricultural sector.

Lyng's leadership was marked by efforts to balance the interests of farmers with the need for fiscal responsibility. He worked to promote American agricultural products in international markets and supported policies that encouraged sustainable farming practices.

Later life and legacy

After leaving office in 1989, Lyng continued to be active in agricultural policy and advocacy. He served on various boards and committees, contributing his expertise to the development of agricultural programs.

Richard Lyng passed away on February 1, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the agricultural community and public service. His contributions to the USDA and his efforts to support American farmers are remembered as significant achievements in the field of agriculture.

Related pages

• United States Department of Agriculture
• Ronald Reagan
• Food Security Act of 1985