Colorado Springs, CO (Feb. 2, 2005) -- Jack Hanson, a cattle rancher from Susanville, Calif., was re-elected as the National Livestock Producers Association's Chairman of the Board at NLPA's annual meeting held in San Diego, Calif., Jan. 19-20, 2005. Hanson, who represents Tri-State Livestock Credit Corporation, Sacramento, Calif., on the NLPA board, said he was looking forward to serving his second term as NLPA's Chairman.

"This past year has seen further development toward redefining NLPA's role in an ever-changing world of livestock production and marketing," he said. "One element that has not changed is NLPA's most valued ability to facilitate networking between its members on issues of mutual interest. I feel priviledged to work with such an insightful and dedicated board and excellent staff."

Flavius Barker, who represents Tennessee Livestock Producers, Columbia, Tenn., and is the President of the Tennessee Farm Bureau, was elected to serve as NLPA's Vice Chairman. Other members of the NLPA Executive Committee include: John Frank, National Livestock Commission Assn., in Oklahoma City, Okla.; Vernon Ainsworth, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Assn., in Baraboo, Wis.; Rick Lovell, Producers Livestock Marketing Assn., N. Salt Lake, Utah; and Walt Ernesti, Producers Livestock Marketing Assn. in Omaha, Neb.

In a final change to its Board of Directors, NLPA recognized the retirement of three of its members: Dean Baker, Producers Livestock Marketing Association, N. Salt Lake, Utah; Vernon Ainsworth, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Assn., in Baraboo, Wis.; and Fred Isler, United Producers, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio.

"Vernon, Fred and Dean each gave many years of leadership to NLPA, for that we are very grateful," R. Scott Stuart, NLPA President and CEO, said. "Their insights and wisdom have helped maintain the strength of our organization and they will be missed at our gatherings."

The NLPA Board also honored Robert York, National Livestock Credit Corp., in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for his years of service to Sheep & Goat Fund. York served on the NLPA Sheep & Goat Fund Committee for the past five years and was one of the Committee's founding members.

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(The National Livestock Producers Association, founded in 1921, is an organization of livestock marketing cooperatives and credit corporations representing more than 215,000 livestock producers nationwide.)