Governor Mike DeWine appointed State Representative Brian Baldridge (R-Winchester) as the new Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture on Friday.

Rep. Baldridge had just begun his third term in the House.  Prior to being elected as a state representative, he served four terms as Adams County Commissioner and two terms as a Wayne Township Trustee. 

Mr. Baldridge operates his family's livestock and crop farm, Baldridge Farms, a seventh generation family farm.

"Brian knows the industry and is passionate about promoting Ohio agriculture," Mr. DeWine said in a statement. "He also shares my vision for making needed improvements to the Ohio State Fairgrounds."