Dan Wyant has extensive agriculture experience and served as Michigan Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Legislative Liaison from 1991 to 1995. He left the position of Associate Director, Office of Legislative Affairs for Governor John Engler to accept this position.

Wyant was selected from a field of eight candidates at a special meeting of the Michigan Commission of Agriculture. "We are pleased to have a person of Dan's far-reaching agriculture experience to lead the department into the future." Shirley Skogman, Commission Chair, said. "His diverse background will serve the department, the industry and Michigan citizen's well."

Prior to joining state government, Wyant held posts with Lowe's International in Chicago, Ill.; Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, Mo.; and was a partner in Wyant Farms, a cash crop and purebred swine farm in Dowagiac, Michigan. Wyant holds an MBA in Finance from American University, Kogood College of Business Administration, Washington, D.C. and a B.S. in Food Systems Economics and Management from Michigan State University (MSU). At MSU he was a member of the National Championship Winning Livestock Judging Team.

"There are few people who have Dan's breadth of knowledge and understanding of agriculture issues," Governor Engler said. "I know he will be an outstanding Director of Agriculture and I look forward to working with him in a new capacity as a member of my cabinet."

Wyant commended Gordon Guyer for the leadership he has given MDA and the agriculture industry during his tenure as director. "Gordon has been an extraordinary leader, developing strong partnerships with MSU, the ag community and the many organizations that serve this vital industry. It is my goal to continue the department's mission of protecting food safety, strengthening the family farm, enhancing opportunities for the food and agriculture industry and continuing to build partnerships across the state."