LITTLE ROCK — Warren Carter, a 28-year employee of the Arkansas Farm Bureau, has been named as the organization’s executive vice president, replacing Rodney Baker, who recently retired.

The organization’s board of directors met Tuesday to determine the selection. Arkansas Farm Bureau’s executive vice president serves as the chief executive officer, manages the staff functions for the organization and reports to the board of directors.

Carter, 52, has served as Arkansas Farm Bureau’s director of commodity and regulatory affairs since 2002. In that role, he managed staff responsibilities for support of the state check-off programs, economic research in support of Farm Bureau policies and programs and the organization’s commodity market information and education programs.

A native of Mantee, Miss., Carter holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from Mississippi State University. He first joined Farm Bureau in 1987, where he had responsibility for the wheat and feed grains, forestry and aquaculture commodity programs.

“Warren has deep respect within the agricultural industry, and will help lead the organization’s effort as the unifying voice of agriculture in Arkansas,” said Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach, a cotton, soybean and rice farmer from Manila (Mississippi County). “While there are fewer farmers than before, there is not less farming. The issues affecting agriculture are more acute than ever, as government support decreases and regulation increases. 

“Warren understands the grassroots nature of the organization; that our policy is defined by our membership and that policy drives our political activity. He has been a critical part of that process for almost 30 years, and we are confident his leadership will lead to the continued effectiveness and relevancy of Farm Bureau.”

Arkansas Farm Bureau was founded in 1935 to direct agricultural advocacy efforts.

“I am humbled by the trust the board of directors has demonstrated,” said Carter. “My career has always focused on meeting the needs of Arkansas Farm Bureau members. That will remain my focus, as well as that of our dedicated staff.”

Warren Carter