Two former state lawmakers have been appointed to Michigan state director positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Former state Sen. Jason Allen was named the state director for rural development, and former state Rep. Joel Johnson was named the Farm Service Agency state director.

FSA directors assist with planning, organizing and administering USDA policies and programs in their states, and rural development directors are tasked with improving the economy and quality of life in rural communities. 

Allen, of Traverse City, and Johnson, of Clare, were named to their respective posts from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, announcing state director appointees for every state. They are considered appointees of President Donald Trump. 

"These state directors will help ensure that USDA is offering the best customer service to our farmers, ranchers, foresters and agricultural producers across the country," Perdue said in a statement.

A sitting state senator, Mike Green, R-Mayville, was initially also under consideration for the rural development state director position. 

Source: USDA