Commissioner Kelly Pehrson

Kelly Pehrson was appointed Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) by Governor Spencer J. Cox in April 2025. He previously served as UDAF Deputy Commissioner beginning in April 2019, working under three commissioners and stepping in as Interim Commissioner in 2020 to guide the department through a critical leadership transition.

Before joining UDAF, Pehrson spent a decade in public service in San Juan County, first as Monticello City Manager and later as County Chief Administrative Officer, where he built strong relationships with rural communities and agricultural producers.

As Commissioner, Pehrson has championed initiatives that strengthen Utah’s agricultural landscape and food systems. He played a key role in updating UDAF’s comprehensive strategic plan, advancing the Agricultural Water Optimization Program, and establishing the Utah Food Security Grant to address supply-chain resilience and food access. He is committed to ensuring UDAF remains a service-oriented agency and protecting public health and the state’s food supply while streamlining regulatory processes and providing strong support for Utah’s farmers, ranchers, and local agribusinesses.

Born and raised in Monticello, Utah, Pehrson earned a Business Management degree from Utah State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He and his wife, Heidi, are the proud parents of three children and remain deeply connected to Utah’s rural communities and agricultural heritage.