Meet the National Peanut Board’s Leadership: A United Front for the Future of Peanuts
The National Peanut Board (NPB) has assembled an outstanding team of 24 board members and alternates, each bringing expertise, passion, and innovation to the peanut industry. From multi-generational farmers to first-generation pioneers, these individuals are dedicated to advancing peanut research, increasing consumption, and ensuring a sustainable future for peanut farming in the U.S.
As the peanut industry continues to evolve, these leaders will play a vital role in shaping policies, supporting research on peanut allergies, and promoting peanuts as a nutritious and essential food. Get to know the dedicated individuals driving the peanut industry forward.
Leading the Charge: NPB’s 2025 Executive Leadership
Casey Cox Kerr – Chair (Georgia)
A sixth-generation farmer from Georgia, Casey Cox Kerr operates Longleaf Ridge Farms, where she produces peanuts, sweet corn, soybeans, and timber. With a background in forest resources and conservation, she champions sustainability and environmental stewardship in agriculture. As Chair of the National Peanut Board, Casey is committed to expanding peanut consumption, promoting sustainability, and addressing peanut allergy research.
Neal Baxley – Vice Chairman (South Carolina)
A seventh-generation farmer, Neal Baxley co-owns Baxley Farms, growing Virginia and runner peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and tobacco while managing a cattle and hog operation. With a degree in civil and environmental engineering, Neal brings a strategic approach to farm management and agricultural advocacy. His passion lies in expanding research and ensuring a profitable future for peanut farmers.
Jeff Roper – Treasurer (Texas)
As a fourth-generation farmer, Jeff Roper manages Jeffery Roper Farms, where he produces organic peanuts, cotton, and grains. A graduate of Texas Tech University, he has played key roles in national peanut research and export committees, ensuring the global success of U.S. peanuts.
Thomas Adams – Secretary (Alabama)
A third-generation farmer, Thomas Adams works with his father and son at Adams Farms, where they produce runner peanuts, cotton, and corn. Thomas also manages a brood cow herd and broiler chicken operation, demonstrating a diverse approach to farming.
Representing the Peanut Industry Nationwide
Josh McCoy – Alabama (Alternate)
Transitioning from an office career to full-time farming, Josh McCoy helps run Chris Thompson Farms, where they produce 11,000 tons of peanuts annually. He is passionate about breaking farming stereotypes and highlighting the business strategy behind modern agriculture.
Allen Donner – Arkansas
As owner of Blackwater Farms Partnership, Allen Donner grows high oleic runner peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and corn. His leadership has helped expand peanut farming in Arkansas, a newer peanut-growing state.
Greg Baltz – Arkansas (Alternate)
A respected industry leader, Greg Baltz operates Running Lake Farms, producing runner peanuts, rice, corn, and soybeans. With a background in agricultural engineering and a past NPB Chairman, Greg is passionate about peanut research and allergy solutions.
Lance Jackson – Florida
A first-generation farmer, Lance Jackson built Jackson Farms from the ground up, producing peanuts, cotton, and Angus cattle. His leadership is instrumental in promoting peanut nutrition and educating consumers.
Scott Walker – Florida (Alternate)
A fourth-generation farmer, Scott Walker manages Walker Farms, growing runner peanuts and cotton. With a background in precision agriculture, Walker integrates cutting-edge farming technologies into his operations.
Wesley Webb – Georgia (Alternate)
Wesley Webb is a dedicated 5th-generation farmer and a proud member of Webb Farms in Calhoun County, Georgia. Webb is driven by a desire to continue advancing research, education, and the promotion of a safe, reliable, and affordable food supply for consumers.
Lonnie Fortner – Mississippi
With 24 years of farming experience, Lonnie Fortner is a seasoned industry leader. Managing Bayou Pierre Farms, he grows peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and corn. Lonnie has served on numerous agricultural boards, dedicating his career to research, policy development, and industry advocacy.
Alan Atkins – Mississippi (Alternate)
A lifelong peanut farmer, Alan Atkins is known for his dedication to sustainable farming and innovative peanut production techniques. He ensures that Mississippi’s peanut growers have access to the latest research and market opportunities.
Clay Deane – Missouri
A fifth-generation farmer, Clay Deane manages Triple D Farms, a 9,000-acre operation producing peanuts, corn, soybeans, and cotton. He is eager to bridge the gap between new and experienced peanut growers.
Russ Hoggard – Missouri (Alternate)
A dedicated peanut grower, Russ Hoggard works to expand Missouri’s role in the peanut industry, focusing on efficiency and market development.
Raymond Garner Jr. – North Carolina
A fifth-generation farmer, Raymond Garner Jr. owns Garner Family Farms, producing peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and wheat. He has served as president of the NC Peanut Growers Association, advocating for increased peanut consumption and industry profitability.
Julie Ward – North Carolina (Alternate)
A dedicated agriculture advocate, Julie Ward focuses on sustainable farming practices and peanut industry development in North Carolina.
Mark DeLeon – Oklahoma
A farmer for 30 years, Mark DeLeon produces runner and Spanish peanuts, cotton, and cattle. His leadership in conservation and youth agricultural programs reflects his dedication to future generations of farmers.
Les Crall – Oklahoma (Alternate)
A peanut farmer, lawyer, and professor, Les Crall brings a unique combination of agricultural and legal expertise to the Board. A past NPB Chairman, he continues to shape peanut policies and research initiatives.
Doug Jarrell – South Carolina (Alternate)
Doug Jarrell of Estill, South Carolina, brings a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and family farming to the role. As the owner and operator of Doug Jarrell Farms, he is eager to contribute to the industry’s growth and collaboration.
Mason Becker – Texas (Alternate)
As the owner of 4MB Farms, Mason Becker grows all four types of peanuts, alongside cotton, wheat, and milo. His work supports peanut research and sustainability efforts.
Westley Drake – Virginia
A 14th-generation farmer, Westley Drake works with his family at Sandy Ridge Farms, growing Virginia-type peanuts primarily for seed production. His advocacy extends beyond farming, as he is also a volunteer firefighter and EMT, demonstrating his commitment to both agriculture and community service.
Richard Williams – Virginia (Alternate)
Richard Williams of Drewryville, Virginia, proudly serves as the newly appointed Virginia alternate board member for the National Peanut Board. As he takes on his new role with the National Peanut Board, Williams is eager to represent Virginia peanut farmers and help promote the industry on a larger scale.
Cliff Neece – At-Large, New Mexico
Specializing in Valencia seed peanuts, Cliff Neece has been farming for over 30 years. He is also an assistant fire chief and a dedicated community leader, ensuring that New Mexico’s peanut growers are well-represented at the national level.
Don Sanders – At-Large, New Mexico (Alternate)
A lifelong peanut advocate, Don Sanders is committed to sustainable farming and advancing peanut allergy research.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for the Peanut Industry
The National Peanut Board’s leadership represents a diverse group of farmers, researchers, and advocates, each dedicated to ensuring that peanuts remain a vital, nutritious, and profitable crop. Through research, innovation, and advocacy, they are paving the way for a stronger and more sustainable peanut industry.
The future of peanuts is in great hands, thanks to these 24 leaders who bring experience, vision, and passion to the table.