The U.S. Department of Agriculture has appointed additional representatives to the National Peanut Board.
The National Peanut Board is made up of 12 producer members and their alternates with eleven members and their alternates representing the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Additionally, an at-large member and alter represent the minor peanut-producing states.
The members and alternates named by USDA include Allen Donner of Manila, Arkansas (Member) and Heath Donner of Manila, Arkansas (Alternate); Russ Hoggard of Portageville, Missouri (Member) and Clay Deane of Sikeston, Missouri (Alternate); and Mark DeLeon of Erick, Oklahoma (Member) and Arthur Kell, Jr. of Chickasha, Oklahoma (Alternate).
Ryan Lepicier, President and CEO of the National Peanut Board said, “Congratulations and welcome to our newly appointed Board members and alternates. These individuals bring a strong commitment to agriculture, deep industry knowledge and a passion for advancing the future of U.S. peanuts. Their leadership and perspective will play a critical role as we continue to drive consumer demand, support growers and strengthen the industry for generations to come.”
These members and alternates will serve on the National peanut board for three-year terms ending in December of 2028.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.