Governor Huntsman Names New Agriculture Commissioner

Leonard M. Blackham was appointed Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food January 5, 2005 by Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. Commissioner Blackham becomes the state's 6th Commissioner since Utah switched to the single commissioner structure.

Commissioner Blackham has served as the vice president and manager of Moroni Feed's Feed Division. In past years, he has served as board member and chairman. Leonard has been in turkey farming all of his professional life.

Leonard was elected to the Utah House of Representative in 1992 but before taking the oath of office was appointed to the Utah Senate. Leonard has served for 12 years in the Senate- 10 years in leadership roles. His leadership positions include:

Majority Whip (1995 - 2000)
Majority Leader (2000)
Senate Chair of Rural Caucus (1994-2004)
Executive Appropriations Senate Chair (2001-2004)
Energy Policy Task Force Senate Chair (1998-2004)
Legislative Process Committee Senate Chair (1995-2004)
Lands Conservation Task Force Senate Chair (1996)
Legislative Child Care Task Force Senate Chair (1999)
State Water Development Commission Senate Chair (1998-2002)
Applied Technology Education Task Force Senate Chair (2001)
Member Standing and Interim Ag, Natural Resources, Health and Taxation

Leonard earned an associate's degree at Snow College and a bachelor's in agriculture economics from Utah State University. He and his wife, Laura, reside in Moroni and are parents to 6 children and 6 grandchildren.