LUBBOCK, TEXAS, U.S. — Four Sorghum Checkoff board directors were sworn in during the board meeting in Lubbock, Texas, U.S.

Returning to the board are Boyd Funk of Garden City, Kansas; Craig Poore of Alton, Kansas; and Jim Massey of Robstown, Texas. Newly appointed to the board is Adam Schindler of Reliance, South Dakota.

The newly sworn in board members were appointed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue in July and will serve a three-year term. Schindler will fill the at-large seat previously held by David Fremark of St. Lawrence, South Dakota, who is completing his service this month.

“It is always exciting to welcome both the new and returning directors to the Sorghum Checkoff,” said Florentino Lopez executive director of Sorghum Checkoff. “The board of directors leads the efforts to increase shared value of the crop, expand market opportunities and support an innovative and competitive industry for producers.”

Leadership was also re-elected during the December board meeting. Verity Ulibarri of McAlister, New Mexico, will continue to serve as chairwoman, Jim Massey of Robstown, Texas, as vice-chairman, Craig Poore of Alton, Kansas, as secretary and Carlton Bridgeforth of Tanner, Alabama, as treasurer.

“I am pleased to welcome our new director to the board and to work with all the directors as we move forward on the new USCP strategic plan,” Ulibarri said. “The Sorghum Checkoff board of directors represents all sorghum farmers across the country, and each director adds unique ideas and perspective to continue propelling the industry forward.”

As Fremark exited the board, he was honored for his service to the Sorghum Checkoff at a ceremony on Dec. 11.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to David for his hard work and dedication to the board,” said Tim Lust, chief executive officer of Sorghum Checkoff. “He has spent countless hours over the past six years, both as chairman and director, serving his fellow board members and has remained committed to adding profitability, growth and improvement to U.S. sorghum farmers.”