Gregory Baltz

Greg Baltz is the 2024 chairman of the National Peanut Board. Baltz operates Running Lake Farms and has been growing peanuts for 10 years. He farms runner peanuts, rice, corn and soybeans.

“It’s an exciting time to be growing peanuts in Arkansas,” Baltz said. “With challenging opportunities for the industry ahead, I’m honored to represent our growers in these endeavors. I look forward to serving on the National Peanut Board again and collaborating with the members and staff, some of the most talented and knowledgeable people in agriculture. I also look forward to engaging university research specialist in developing solutions to today’s most challenging peanut issues. And I am keenly interested in advancing the science behind reducing peanut allergies.”

Baltz and his wife Mary Nell have been married for over 40 years and have three married children pursuing their own careers: Lewis, a geologist; Clinton, a mechanical engineer; and Angela, a biomedical engineer.

Baltz graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in agricultural engineering. He serves on the University of Arkansas College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council, as well as the Division of Agriculture Rice Processing Program. He is a current member and former county president of Farm Bureau, and past president of the University of Arkansas Academy of Biological and Agricultural Engineers. Baltz is a former executive officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of Black River Technical College Ag Advisory Committee. In their spare time, Baltz and Mary Nell enjoy traveling.