Greg Baltz of Pocahontas, Arkansas was elected the 2024 National Peanut Board (NPB) chairman this past December. Baltz serves as active chairman from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024. Baltz’s tenure has included roles as vice chairman, treasurer and secretary. Baltz and his wife Mary Nell own and operate Running Lake Farms and have been growing peanuts for 13 years. He farms runner peanuts, rice, corn and soybeans.
“I'm honored to hold this position as the chairman of NPB,” Baltz said “and am humbled by the support of the Board. My approach will be to make certain that NPB never skips a beat in advancing its mission to improve the economic condition of U.S. peanut farmers and their families through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research. My commitment as chairman is to work alongside our new President and CEO Ryan Lepicier and his staff to achieve these goals.”
The Baltzes have been married for 45 years and have three married children pursuing their own successful careers.
Baltz graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in agricultural engineering. He serves on the University of Arkansas College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council, as well as the Division of Agriculture Rice Processing Program. He is a current member and former county president of Farm Bureau, and past president of the University of Arkansas Academy of Biological and Agricultural Engineers. Baltz is a former executive officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Arkansas Peanut Growers Association and Black River Technical College Ag Advisory Committee. In their spare time, the Baltzes enjoy traveling.
NPB is made up of farmers whose mission is to improve the economic condition of U.S. peanut farmers and their families through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research.
