Sixth-generation Wyomingite Joe Budd tapped as WDA deputy director

Joe Budd is stepping into a top leadership role at the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, starting Sept. 22, 2025. A sixth-generation Wyomingite who grew up on a ranch outside Lander, Budd has built his career around agriculture and the policies that shape it, and now he’ll bring that experience back to the agency as deputy director, County 10 reports.

“We are incredibly happy and excited to have Joe join us at the Wyoming Department of Agriculture,” Director Doug Miyamoto said, pointing to Budd’s deep ag roots and legal training. “With his strong ag background and education, he will bring a unique skill set and fresh perspective to our department that will help us navigate through the challenges the ag industry faces in Wyoming.”

Budd called the appointment a homecoming.

“I’m honored and excited to be back at WDA,” he said. “Agriculture has been an integral part of my life and career and I’m looking forward to working with our farmers and ranchers again. The industry is a key piece of Wyoming’s identity and economy and continues to represent a way of life that is worth fighting for.”

His path to the post runs straight through Wyoming’s ag and natural-resources arena. At WDA, Budd previously served as the JIO/PAPO Agriculture Program Coordinator and later as a senior policy analyst in the Natural Resources and Policy division. He then moved to the Governor’s Office as a senior policy advisor to Gov. Mark Gordon. Most recently, he returned to school, earning a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 2024 and an LL.M. from Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law in 2025, after completing a bachelor’s degree in rangeland ecology and watershed management at UW in 2012.

Along the way he’s picked up recognition from across the sector, including the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council’s Harold P. Alley Award, the U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester’s Award, a Presidential Award from the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, and Outstanding Student honors at UW’s College of Law.

“Joe’s drive, work ethic, legal background and deep knowledge of ag and natural resources will be incredibly valuable to the efforts of the WDA,” Miyamoto added. “He is passionate about agriculture, has worked hard for the state’s agriculture industry, and knows Wyoming and the challenges we face. I am sure he will be an exemplary Deputy Director at the WDA.”