LANCASTER, Ky. – Jonathan Shell, a fifth-generation farmer from Garrard County, has been officially sworn in as Kentucky’s 36th commissioner of agriculture, succeeding Ryan Quarles.

“Food. Faith. Family. These are what our farmers dedicate themselves to every day,” Shell said shortly after taking his oath of office in a Jan. 1 ceremony at the Garrard County Courthouse in Lancaster. A public swearing-in was held Jan. 2 at the State Capitol in Frankfort.

“I’m humbled and ready to serve this state as ag commissioner, fighting for our farm families, and upholding the values that make Kentucky strong,” he added.

Among those in attendance to mark the beginning of Shell’s term was U.S. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chair of the U.S. House’s Oversight Committee, and former Kentucky commissioner of agriculture.

“I’m proud of all my friend Jonathan has accomplished,” Comer said. “It is an honor to be here today as he takes the oath of office. As a former commissioner of agriculture, I know he has his work cut out for him. No one is more up to the challenge of fighting for Kentucky agriculture than Jonathan Shell.”

As Kentucky’s new commissioner of agriculture, Shell told Farm World, “I understand agriculture is vital and impacts every Kentuckian. I could not be more excited as I begin my task of fighting to ensure a bright future for Kentucky agriculture.”

Shell and his wife, Brooke, have four children: Jaxson, Lydia, Reagan and Gracelyn. He and his family attend Pilot Knob Missionary Baptist Church in Berea, Ky., where he is the Sunday School director.

“Farming is a way of life for many in Kentucky, including myself,” he told Farm World. “I’m a fifth-generation farmer. My dad, Gary, and I own and operate Shell Farms and Greenhouses in Garrard County, Ky. In my opinion, there is no better place to raise a family than on the farm.”

Shell and his father grow flowers, corn and pumpkins, and raise cattle.

In 2010, Shell earned his Bachelor of Science in agribusiness at Eastern Kentucky University. In 2012, Shell was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives, becoming the youngest member of the General Assembly.

Before the 2016 election, he was tapped by Republican leadership to spearhead candidate recruitment. According to his colleagues, through Shell’s successful efforts, Kentucky elected its first Republican House majority in nearly 100 years.

The following year, Shell’s colleagues elected him Kentucky’s first-ever Republican House majority floor leader. He developed and executed legislative strategies leading to enactment of a Right to Work law, pro-life legislation, support for farmers, and a crackdown on opioid traffickers. He’s been called “one of the most important Republicans in Kentucky.”

Shell is the owner of State Solutions, LLC, which provides strategic and public policy advising for various statewide organizations. He made speeches and appearances across Kentucky on behalf of Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, and President Donald Trump.

“As commissioner, I am eager to defend those values that we hold dear,” he also told Farm World. “I want to ensure the Kentucky Department of Agriculture continues to be a resource our state’s farmers and agribusinesses can count on as they feed neighbors, and the entire world.

“At the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, we will work to provide endless support and opportunities to those we serve,” he added. “We have already built an incredible foundation, and I’m excited to continue making Kentucky a better place to live and work for generations to come.”