– At his soybean and corn farm in northwest Missouri, Richard Fordyce was named the new director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture by Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday.

Fordyce, a Bethany native who has served as chairman of the Missouri State Soil and Water Districts Commission, will take over for acting director Harry Bozoian, who has been filling in since the resignation of Dr. Jon Hagler earlier this year.

“In addition to being a fourth-generation Missouri farmer, Richard Fordyce has held leadership roles in agriculture on the local, state and national level for more than 20 years,” Nixon said in a statement. “His experience and understanding of rural Missouri have earned him the respect of his fellow farmers, and I am pleased to appoint him to lead the state agency that works hand in hand with the Show-Me State’s agricultural community.”

Hagler, who had been with Nixon for much of his time as governor, left in October amid allegations of a hostile workplace toward women. A House committee was launched in November to investigate the charges made by some female employees.

Fordcye’s appointment is subject to approval by the Senate, but Nixon’s office said he will take on the duties immediately. Fordyce, who has served on the local school board, has also served on advisory groups to Republican lawmakers – including Rep. Sam Graves, R-Kansas City, and former U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent, Nixon’s office noted.