Many West Virginians may not be familiar with the office that is responsible for protecting the state’s food and agricultural resources. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is responsible for regulating the state’s agriculture-related industries such as those that package feed, fertilizer, lime and seeds. At times of emergency, the office also works with the state Department of Homeland Security to protect West Virginia’s livestock and crops. West Virginians also may not realize the person elected to oversee that office very well could affect the economic future of the state by encouraging agribusiness and convincing youth that there is money to be made in farming. Farmer-turned-politician Mike Teets believes if West Virginians knew more about the duties of the state commissioner of agriculture, they’d be “calling the office all the time.” Teets, a former Hardy County commissioner for 14 years, owns one of the largest farming operations in the state.