Merlyn Carlson was appointed director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture by Governor Mike Johanns in January 1999.

As director, Carlson oversees regulatory programs ranging from livestock and plant diseases and pests to dairy and food sanitation. Carlson serves in an advocacy role, promoting Nebraska agriculture and ag products in both domestic and international markets.

In addition to his work at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Carlson operates a cow/calf, yearling, and feedlot operation near Lodgepole, Nebraska. He produces corn, wheat, and alfalfa on both dry land and irrigated farm ground.

Carlson has a long history of service to agriculture. He is currently chairman-elect and a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He also serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the National Cattlemen's Association, vice chairman of the Cattlemen's Beef Association, chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council, president of the Nebraska Stock Growers Association, member of the Board of Governors of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and member of the USDA Animal Disease Committee.

Carlson is currently a member of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the Nebraska Cattlemen, Farm Bureau, the Methodist Chruch, Rotary, and the Shriners.

Carlson attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor of science in agriculture with a major in animal science. He and his wife, Janice, have two grown daughters.