Durant, Oklahoma – The Choctaw Nation announced that Dr. Evan Whitely, its executive director of agriculture and natural resources, has been appointed to the United States Department of Agriculture Tribal Advisory Committee. Whitely joins three other tribal representatives: Mark Fox, chairman of the Mandan Arikara Nation; Enjady Godfrey, general manager of Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc.; and Dr. Bradford Hall, president of Blackfeet Community College.
The committee advises the secretary of agriculture on tribal affairs, helping identify issues, policies and procedures that affect tribal nations and working toward practical solutions. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins nominated Whitely, Fox and Godfrey, while Representative Angie Craig appointed Hall.
Whitely’s qualifications and vision
Since 2020, Dr. Whitely has overseen 65,000 acres of Choctaw Nation ranch land, cattle, pecan orchards, forestry, a tribal conservation district and broader land‑management programs. He also directs the Choctaw Ranches’ beef production and product development. Whitely has introduced technology and tracking systems that streamline operations and improve cattle quality, a success highlighted on RFD‑TV.
“It’s an honor to serve on the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee where I’ll have an opportunity to advocate not only for Choctaw Nation citizens, but for tribal citizens across the country,” Whitely said. “Tribal nations play an important role in our country’s agricultural landscape, and I’m excited to be in a position to share our unique perspective with USDA leaders.”
Community response
Jody Standifer, executive officer of small business and ag administration for the Choctaw Nation, praised the appointment, noting that Whitely’s experience makes him “paramount” for advising the USDA on tribal agricultural affairs.
The Choctaw Ranches will also be featured in an upcoming episode of “The American Rancher” on RFD‑TV in December, further showcasing the Nation’s contributions to American agriculture.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
