Tammy Lyseng
County Executive Director, USDA Farm Service Agency
For over three decades, Tammy has dedicated herself to serving the agricultural community through her work at the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), a journey she began in 1991. This year, she proudly celebrates 34 years of public service. Tammy’s path to the FSA wasn’t planned, but it turned out to be exactly where she belonged. “When I first looked at jobs in Sidney, I was basically just looking for anything in an office,” she recalls. “The agency, then known as ASCS, was looking for a temporary worker. I applied, got the job, and when a full-time position opened a few months later, I was hired. I’ve been here ever since.”
Tammy is responsible for directing and managing farm programs and administrative operations. She works closely with farmers and ranchers to perform office and field activities as needed to accomplish farm program objectives.
Though Tammy had no background in agriculture, she quickly immersed herself in the world of farmers and ranchers. “Prior to starting with the USDA, I had no agricultural experience and never would have thought that this would have been my career,” she says. Today, she can’t imagine being anywhere else. “I love working with our area farmers and ranchers. And I’ve had the chance to work alongside some truly remarkable coworkers. There’s never a dull moment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Tammy was born and raised in Chelsea, Michigan, and made the move to Montana in 1990. In 2013, while continuing her full-time work with the agency, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning her diploma from Williston State College, graduating with honors. “It was a challenge, balancing work and online courses,” she admits. “But holding that diploma was a dream come true.”
Her dedication to service doesn’t stop at the office door. In 2005, Tammy made a life-saving kidney donation to her older brother, giving him 11 more years of life. “It’s one of the things I’m most proud of,” she says.
When she’s not at work, Tammy is all about family. She and her husband, Joe Lyseng, share a blended family of four children, Kira Pewonka, Kayla Rushing, Adam Lake, and Lane Lyseng and are proud grandparents. When she has free time, she loves spending it with the kids and grandkids, camping, catching up with friends over coffee, and doing nature photography.
Tammy’s colleagues describe her as a pillar of leadership at the Richland County FSA office. “She fosters a positive team environment, encourages volunteerism, and leads with empathy and purpose,” a nominator wrote. “Tammy ensures that procedures are followed and understood, protecting both producers and taxpayers. She is a true leader who brings people together and champions the needs of farmers and ranchers.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the best journeys are the unexpected ones. With integrity, compassion, and a whole lot of dedication, Tammy Lyseng has built a legacy of service that continues to inspire everyone around her.