Alliance Hires New Mexico Water Attorney as New Executive Director
Samantha Barncastle will Take Over Leadership Duties on November 1

Last month, the Family Farm Alliance announced the appointment of Samantha Barncastle as its new Executive Director, effective November 1, 2025.

Samantha (who prefers to go by “Sam”) is an attorney from New Mexico with over 17 years of experience in the field of complex litigation and policy making regarding water and natural resources on both the state and federal level.

“I feel incredibly honored to have been tapped for this role,” said Ms. Barncastle. “Agriculture is essential to our nation’s success and security. As George Washington famously recognized, “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man,” but even Agriculture needs strong advocates. I hope to work with other industries and interests to preserve our Western way of life, while also economically and safely feeding America.”

Ms. Barncastle will begin work with the Alliance in a transition role beginning in August 2025 before replacing current Executive Director Dan Keppen, who will step down from the position at the 2025 Alliance Annual Conference in Reno (NEVADA) on October 31.

“I’ve worked with Sam for several years in her role as a member of the Alliance Advisory Committee and I’ve always been impressed with her energy and skill set,” said Mr. Keppen. “I’m looking forward to working with her as she transitions into her new role and cheering her on as she leads the Alliance forward.”

CLICK HERE to download the PDF Version of the May 2025 edition of the “Monthly Briefing”, where you can read more about this, and these other important issues to Western water users, from a perspective that you won’t find anywhere else:

• Lower Snake River Tour Dam Tour Planned for July
• Trump Administration Charges Forward with Efforts to Trim the Government
• Deal Reached with Mexico on Water Dispute for 1994 Treaty
• Three Trump Appointees with Western Water Roles Approved by Committees
• Alliance Engages in Latest WOTUS Rulemaking Effort
• House Republicans Announce Budget Reconciliation Plans
• Senator Wyden Reintroduces Watershed Results Act 
• Senate ENR Holds Confirmation Hearing for Key Interior Nominee
• Trump Administration, Senate GOP Seek NEPA Limits
• Secretary Rollins Issues Forest “Emergency Situation Determination”
• Trump Administration Proposes New Definition of “Harm” Under ESA
• New NOAA Fisheries Chief Announced….Agency Under Scrutiny from House GOP and White House
• California Republicans Move to Nullify Longfin Smelt ESA Listing
• Trump USDA Cancels Biden-era “Climate Smart” Farming Grants
• A Big “Thank You” to our New and Supporting Members!
• SAVE THE DATE!  2025 Annual Conference: October 30-31, 2025 in Reno, NV                      

Please do not hesitate to contact dan@familyfarmalliance.org if you have any difficulties downloading the May 2025 “Monthly Briefing”.