Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner announced the appointment of 17 members and 17 alternate members to the Cotton Board, as well as one vacant alternate member position in Mississippi created by a resignation.

Beginning Jan. 1, the Cotton Board will consist of 37 representatives of cotton producers and importers, their alternates and one consumer advisor. The members and alternates named will serve a three-year term, ending Dec. 31, 2010.

The re-appointed members are: V. Larkin Martin, Courtland, Ala.; Van F. Murphy, Quitman, Ga.; Jimmie G. Johnson, Vanduser, Mo.; Robert D. Robbins, Altus, Okla.; Arthur W. James, Jr., Sumter, S.C.; Willie L. German, Somerville, Tenn.; Jackie L. Burris, Wellman, Texas; Craig D. Shook, Corpus Christi, Texas; Kenneth W. Dierschke, San Angelo, Texas; Nancy A. Marino, Upper Brookville, N.Y.; Werner Bieri, Maysville, Ga.; John D. Clark, Los Angeles, Calif.; Yvonne M. Anderson, Minneapolis, Minn.; A. Mark Neuman, Champaign, Ill.; and Peter M. McGrath, Plano, Texas.

The newly appointed board members are: Dwight W. Menefee, Lake Arthur, N.M.; and Gary E. Ross, Yardley, Pa.

Click here for the full list of appointees.