The United Sorghum Checkoff Program elected Kim Baldwin of McPherson, Kansas, U.S., as chair during its annual board of directors meeting in December.
Baldwin brings 15 years of farming experience and previously served as vice chair of the board. She farms alongside her husband and their two children while also playing an active role in her family's wholesale and retail popcorn and sorghum business.
She holds a bachelor of science in agricultural extension education from New Mexico State University and a Master of Education in educational leadership and administration from William Woods University. Baldwin is a graduate of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program.
Originally from New Mexico, Baldwin is a citizen of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and the Cherokee Nation. She spent nearly two decades in public education and now serves her community through multiple local boards.
"The board plays a critical role in shaping the future of the sorghum industry," Baldwin said. "Sorghum offers real opportunity, from supporting human health to expanding value-added innovation and I'm excited to work with the board to help position this crop for long-term growth and relevance in the marketplace."
Norma Ritz Johnson, executive director of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, said Baldwin brings a rare combination of producer experience, leadership and education to the role. "Her perspective and commitment will serve sorghum farmers well as the board continues to invest in research, markets and demand for U.S. sorghum," added Johnson.
Additional officers elected include vice chair Zack Rendel, secretary Scott Irlbeck and treasurer Dale Stoltzfus.
The organization also recognized outgoing board members and past chairs Kendall Hodgson and Jeff Zortman for their service.
The 13-member board includes nine sorghum farmers representing Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, the nation's top sorghum-producing states, along with four at-large national representatives. More information about the board is available through USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service and at SorghumCheckoff.com.
