A Conversation with USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden

Join Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden for a candid discussion on how the USDA is bridging the gap between Washington policy and the farm gate during today's challenging agriculture economy. This session offers a direct look at key USDA priorities for 2026, including enacting and disseminating aid, protecting our nation’s food supply, lowering prices for consumers, and making certain rural communities thrive.

Speakers:

• Stephen Vaden, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, USDA
• Joby Young, Executive Vice President, AFBF

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Speaker Details:

Stephen Vaden

Alongside Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, Deputy Secretary Vaden leads the Department’s operations and implements policies that support America’s food and farm systems. A native of Union City, Tennessee, Deputy Secretary Vaden brings expertise in agricultural policy, law, and rural development. Previously, he served as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade and as General Counsel of USDA. Throughout Deputy Secretary Vaden’s time as General Counsel, he led successful Supreme Court litigation, advanced regulatory reform, and supported the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. He is a graduate of Yale Law School and Vanderbilt University. A public servant with strong agricultural roots, Deputy Secretary Vaden is committed to revitalizing rural America and ensuring an abundant, affordable, and safe U.S. food supply.

Joby Young

Joby Young serves as the Executive Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. He leads the AFBF staff, managing across all departments to achieve the goals of the President and Board of Directors and fulfill AFBF’s mission.

Joby has fifteen years of experience in food and agriculture policy, which includes leadership positions in the halls of Congress and the Executive Branch. He served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue after serving in that same role for the Deputy Secretary and several USDA offices. He also previously served as Chief of Staff in the House of Representatives and as a consultant in the private sector.

Joby is a graduate of the University of Georgia, with degrees in History and Communications, and he holds a law degree from the UGA School of Law. He is also a civil affairs officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.