USDA Announces Cotton Board Appointments

Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced the appointment of 17 members and 17 alternate members to the Cotton Board.

In 2008, the Cotton Board will consist of 37 representatives of cotton producers and importers, their alternates and one consumer advisor. Those members and alternates named to a full term will serve a three-year term, ending Dec. 31, 2010.

"I am very pleased that these U.S. cotton producers and importers have agreed to provide their time, expertise and service to this industry," states Bob McGinnis, Chairman of the Cotton Board.

The re-appointed members are: Larkin Martin, Courtland, AL.; Van Murphy, Quitman, GA.; Jimmie Johnson, Vanduser, MO.; Robert Robbins, Altus, OK.; Arthur "Whit" James, Jr., Sumter, SC; Willie German, Somerville, TN.; Craig Shook, Corpus Christi, TX.; Kenneth Dierschke, San Angelo, TX.; Mark Neuman, Champaign, IL.; Peter McGrath, Plano, TX.; Werner Bieri, Maysville, GA.; John Clark, Los Angeles, CA, and Nancy Marino, Upper Brookville, NY;

The re-appointed alternate members are: Walter Corcoran, Jr., Eufaula, AL; Richard Moss, Doerun, GA; Edward Dement, Sikeston, MO; Robert Miller, Wellington, KS; Dale Player, Bishopville, SC; Larry Rice, Covington, TN; Debra Barrett, Edroy, TX; Jeffery Posey, Roby, TX; Linda Tipton, Bella Vista, AR, and Arlene Eastwood, Jackson, NJ.

The newly appointed board members are: Dwight Menefee, Lake Arthur, NM; Gary Eugene Ross, Yardley, PA; Jackie Burris, Wellman, TX, and Yvonne Anderson, Minneapolis, MN.

The newly appointed alternate members are: Jack Joy, Artesia, NM; Madison Farmer, Lamesa, TX; Kristin Hughes, San Francisco, CA; Scott Hyatt, New York, NY; June Sassler, Parkton, MD.; Sarah Kay, Charlotte, NC; Helga Ying, Piedmont, CA, and Mike Sturdivant, Jr., Itta Bena, MS.

Board appointments and/or re-appointments in California will be announced soon.