Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer has appointed nine members and nine alternates to the American Egg Board for the 2008-2009 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.

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 – Kurt H. Kreher, Clarence, N.Y., member; Jerry Kil, Ledyard, Conn., alternate.

South Atlantic states – Richard L. Simpson, Monroe, N.C., member; Jacques Klempf, Jacksonville, Fla., member; James H. Brock, Braselton, Ga., alternate; Robert B. Pike, Nashville, N.C., alternate.

East North Central states – Joseph J. Maust, Pigeon, Mich., member; Gregory S. Herbruck, Ada, Mich., alternate.

West North Central states – Beth S. Schnell, Corcoran, Minn., alternate.

South Central states – Timothy J. Bebee, Wakefield, Neb., member; Loren W. Bosma, Sibley, Iowa, member; Richard R. Hall, Massena, Iowa, alternate; Gregory B. Nelson, Manhattan, Kan, alternate.

Western states -Craig A. Willardson, Yorba Linda, Calif., member; Clint L. Hickman, Goodyear, Ariz., alternate.

Newly appointed members and alternates, by region, are:

West North Central states – Dana E. Persson, Pennock, Minn., member.

Western states – Roger D. Deffner, Mill Creek, Wash., member; Kathleen M. Sparks, Vancouver, Wash., alternate.

Membership terms on the board are staggered so that half of the membership is appointed each year in order to provide continuity in policy.