Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed Kyle Baltz of Pocahontas, Arkansas, as an alternate to the National Peanut Board. Baltz was nominated for the position by Arkansas peanut producers at an election held by the Arkansas Agriculture Department in April, 2012.

Butch Calhoun, Arkansas’s Secretary of Agriculture said “I’m pleased Secretary Vilsack appointed Kyle Baltz to the National Peanut Board. Mr. Baltz is familiar with all aspects of the industry and will serve peanut producers well on this important board. The peanut industry is important to Arkansas agriculture, and it’s an honor to have an Arkansan on the board.”

Members and alternates will serve three-year terms of office beginning January 1, 2013, with the exception of a Florida alternate who will serve for two years. Reappointed members are: John C. Harrell, Whigham, Georgia; Bob White, Clarendon, Texas; and Francis “Vic” Jordan, III, Rayville, Louisiana. In addition to Mr. Baltz, alternate members are Jeffrey Pitman, Bascom, Florida; Andy Bell, Climax, Georgia; and Peter Froese, Jr., Seminole, Texas.

Baltz has farmed since 2001. In 2003, he and his brother Jeremy partnered in their farming operation. The Baltz Brothers partnership produces peanuts, rice, soybeans, milo, corn, wheat, hay and cattle. Baltz has been the owner and manager of Baltz Feed Company since 1999.