WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2005-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Del Tinsley as Wyoming State Director for USDA Rural Development.

"Del Tinsley has a long and positive record in Wyoming as a businessman and publisher. He brings to USDA Rural Development an in-depth knowledge of Wyoming agriculture. I'm pleased he is joining President Bush's leadership team," said Johanns.

Tinsley has served as President of the Wyoming Realtors Land Institute and the Wyoming Board of Agriculture.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $54 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance rural homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Over 1 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.