The Riceland Foods board of directors elected three new board members, who began their three-year terms in May. According to a press release by the group, Curtis Fox of Gillett will serve as the new director representing the Stuttgart District, Britt Allmon of Pollard will serve as a director of the Northeast Arkansas District and Cole Hicks of Walnut Ridge will serve the Jonesboro District.
The trio replaces members with a combined 51 years of service who retired this year – Brandon Bauman, a fourth-generation farmer of Stuttgart who served the Stuttgart District membership for 12 years; Wayne Allmon, a third-generation farmer from Pollard who served on the Riceland board of directors for 24 years and Fred Schmidt, a second-generation farmer of Jonesboro served the Jonesboro District members for 15 years.
“It has been a pleasure to serve alongside Brandon, Wayne and Fred, and they have my deepest thanks for their sincere dedication and service,” said Riceland’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rich Hillman, in the release. “They did an outstanding job of fulfilling their responsibilities on the Board of Directors by acting with integrity and contributing meaningful leadership that was in the best interest of Riceland, its members and employees. Their service paves the way for the next generation of cooperative leaders, and I am looking forward to serving with Curtis, Britt and Cole, as they take on their new roles.”
Riceland Foods President and CEO Kevin McGilton also shared his gratitude for the retiring board members.
“It has been an honor to work with Brandon, Fred and Wayne,” said McGilton. “Their service has helped position the cooperative for a better, brighter future. Through their combined 51 years of service, each of them has served their districts well. Thank you for your commitment to your cooperative.”
Britt Allmon takes on the role with over 30 years of experience alongside his grandfather and dad on the family farm. He was elected to the seat his father, Wayne, previously held. He also serves on the Post Oak Cemetery Association.
“I’ve been a part of Riceland all my life,” Allmon said. “Riceland has been a good partner to work with, and I am looking forward to continuing the legacy of the cooperative and serving the members within my district.”
Fox began farming rice, soybeans and corn in 2018. He graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in plant and soil science and has held various roles in production agriculture spanning retail sales, independent crop consulting and agronomy. Fox serves on the Ag Heritage Farm Credit Services nominating committee and has previously served as a councilman of the City of Gillett.
“Riceland has a history of great leadership,” Fox said. “Everyone has been here a while, and I think that is a testament to strong leadership within the Board of Directors and throughout the company. I am looking forward to serving the cooperative’s members across my district.”
Hicks is a fifth-generation farmer in Lawrence County. Hicks returned to his family farm in 2018 after graduating from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in crop science. Loving agriculture since a young age, he strives to be a good steward of the land. Hicks values the traditions of agriculture, according to the release but looks for opportunities to innovate on the farm to create a lasting, sustainable future for generations to come.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve our district and the members of Riceland,” Hicks said. “Living and farming alongside many of our members, I understand the vital role Riceland plays in farm operations, mine included. It is both an honor and a privilege to represent the interests of Riceland and its members on the board, and I am committed to serving them with dedication and integrity.”
The board is responsible for developing policies that guide the cooperative’s operations, including the storage, processing, transporting and marketing of over 2.5 million metric tons of grain a year. Riceland products are sold across the country and exported to over 25 foreign destinations.
Feature Photo (from left to right): Curtis Fox, Cole Hicks, Britt Allmon
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