McDowell to head Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that she has filled a wide range of cabinet members and department heads in preparation for her official swearing-in ceremony. That announcement included a familiar name for many in the Eastern Upper Peninsula as lifelong Rudyard resident Gary McDowell has been tapped to head the incoming administration’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.Gary, along with brothers, Bob and Ron, are the owners and operators of McDowell Brothers Farm and McDowell Hay, Inc. He cut his political teeth here — serving 22 years on the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners before venturing to Lansing as the State Rep. for the 107th District. McDowell served six years in that capacity and left that post due to term limits.“A lifelong farmer and public servant, Gary has a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our state’s agricultural industry as well as critical insights on rural development opportunities throughout Michigan,” said Whitmer in announcing this appointment.