Lonnie Fornter

Lonnie Fortner, a seasoned farmer with 24 years of experience, is the managing partner of Bayou Pierre Farms in Mississippi, where he grows peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and corn. A graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics, Fortner combines his academic expertise with hands-on experience to excel in the agricultural industry.

For over a decade, Fortner has been a committed leader in several industry organizations, holding key roles such as chairman of the Mississippi Peanut Promotion Board and vice president of the Mississippi Peanut Growers Association Board and the Claiborne County Farm Bureau Board. He also serves as president of the Farmers Co-Op Board. His involvement extends to volunteer work with the Mississippi Farm Bureau, where he has been past chairman of the peanut advisory board and contributed to numerous committees, including Crop Insurance, Transportation, Farm Fund, and Farm Families Campaign. On the national level, Fortner has lent his expertise to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Peanut Advisory and Farm Policy committees.

Fortner’s contributions to the peanut industry are further underscored by his participation in the 2012 Syngenta Peanut Leadership Program. Through his leadership, he has championed innovative research and policies to benefit peanut growers across the country.

“I am looking forward to serving on the National Peanut Board for a second term,” Fortner said. “I’m honored to be able to represent Mississippi’s peanut producers on a national level and to help make a difference through research development.”

When he’s not busy with farming or industry commitments, Fortner enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen, and their two children, Beth and Lee. Together, the family cherishes traveling and hunting adventures. Fortner is also an active member of First Baptist Church in Vicksburg, where his community involvement reflects his strong values and dedication to service.

As a National Peanut Board member, Fortner brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to representing Mississippi’s peanut producers, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized on a national stage.