Bingaman Endorses New Mexican's Nomination to National Sorghum Board

Press Release

Bingaman Endorses New Mexican's Nomination to National Sorghum Board

U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today wrote to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in support of the nomination of James Bostwick of Clovis to serve on the National Sorghum Promotion, Research and Information Board.

In a letter to USDA Secretary Edward Schafer, Bingaman said Bostwick's background and experience make him an ideal candidate to serve on one of the at-large positions on the 13-member board, which works to advance sorghum into the ethanol market and develop foreign markets for sorghum.

"Mr. Bostwick is the owner and operator of Bostwick Farms, Inc, a 9600-acre farming operation in Curry County he owns with his partner and son, Toby Bostwick. He started the operation in 1973, with a FHA beginning farmer loan on 320 acres. He has served for the past 12 years on the Farm Service Agency's State Committee, including the last 6 as the state chairman. Prior to the state committee, he served for 4 years on the Curry County FSA County Committee. Since 1996, he has also been a member of the New Mexico Natural Resources Conservation Services' State Technical Committee.

"Mr. Bostwick is a member of the National Sorghum Producers and served as New Mexico District Director. His 39 years of farming experience has given him a strong interest in finding better ways to raise sorghum and in developing better markets," Bingaman wrote.

Membership will include five seats for the largest production state, three seats for the second-largest production state, and one seat for the third-largest production state. The Board also will consist of four at-large National positions.

The USDA Secretary will make a final decision later this year.

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