Michael T. Jarvis (202) 720-8998 Michael.jarvis@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2012 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed nine members and nine alternates to the American Egg Board for the 2012-2013 term. All members and alternates will serve 2-year terms.
The board administers an egg research and promotion program authorized by the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act of 1974. Terms on the board are staggered so that half of the membership is appointed each year in order to provide continuity in policy.
The board is composed of 18 members and 18 alternates representing six regions. The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from egg producers nominated by organizations representing the egg industry.
Reappointed members and alternates, by region, are:
North Atlantic states – Paul D. Sauder, Lititz, Pa., member; Karyn M. Kreher, Clarence, N.Y., alternate.
South Atlantic states – K. Jacques Klempf, Jacksonville, Fla., member; Larry R. Thomason, Calhoun, Ga., member; Richard L. Simpson, Monroe, N.C., alternate.
East North Central states – Gregory S. Herbruck, Saranac, Mich., member; Thomas A. Stoller, Van Wert, Ohio, alternate.
West North Central states – Scott T. Ramsdell, Flandreau, S.D., member; Amos Baer, Lake Park, Minn., alternate.
South Central states – Brian V. Joyer, New Hampton, Iowa, member; Richard R. Hall, Massena, Iowa, alternate; Gregory B. Nelson, Manhattan, Kan., alternate.Western states – Clint L. Hickman, Buckeye, Ariz., member; Roger D. Deffner, Everett, Wash., member; Craig A Willardson, Norco, Calif., alternate; Mark G. Oldenkamp, Woodburn, Ore., alternate.
Newly appointed members and alternates, by region, are:
South Atlantic states – C. Jeff Hardin, Jackson, Miss., alternate.
South Central states – Diane M. Sparish, Minnetonka, Minn., member.
The Secretary also named S. Scott Horton, Gillsville, Ga., alternate, to fill a vacancy in the South Atlantic states. This appointment will complete a vacant board member term expiring on Dec. 31, 2012.
The program is funded entirely by a 10-cent per 30-dozen case assessment on eggs marketed by producers with flocks of more than 75,000 hens. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, an agency of the marketing and regulatory programs mission area, monitors operations of the board.
USDA’s programs are open to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. USDA especially urges women, minorities, and disabled individuals to participate, recognizing their frequent under-representation on such public boards. It is USDA’s policy that membership on industry-governed boards and committees accurately reflect the diversity of individuals served by the programs.
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