Post on October 8, 2026

For more information, contact:
Clint White
Director of Communications
United Sorghum Checkoff Program
clint@sorghumcheckoff.com

For Immediate Release
October 8, 2026

Sorghum Checkoff names Clint White executive director

White to succeed retiring Norma Ritz Johnson

LUBBOCK, Texas (October 8, 2026) — The United Sorghum Checkoff Program has selected Clint White as its next executive director, effective Oct. 1. White succeeds Norma Ritz Johnson, who will remain with the organization through Jan. 12, 2027, to support the transition before retiring.

White has served as the checkoff’s director of communications since 2021, working closely with Johnson, the board and staff to advance the organization’s priorities. He has led consumer marketing and producer communications, built industry partnerships and helped connect sorghum research with opportunities to grow demand.

“Clint understands our organization and the responsibility that comes with investing farmers’ checkoff dollars,” said Kim Baldwin, Sorghum Checkoff board chair and a sorghum farmer from McPherson, Kansas. “He brings fresh ideas, strong relationships and the drive to turn opportunities into results. We look forward to his leadership as we work to improve the crop and expand markets for sorghum.”

White’s work at the checkoff has earned more than 15 awards for excellence in design, marketing and communications, including the Agricultural Communicators Network’s Master of Communications Award. He serves on the network’s board, Farm Journal’s Trust In Food board and the Lubbock ISD Agri-STEM advisory board. He also completed the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s leadership program and Leadership Lubbock.

White brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, marketing and creative leadership. Before joining the checkoff, he led creative services for Chuck E. Cheese’s and held roles with The Thomas Agency and Fossil.

As executive director, White will work with the producer-led board, CEO Tim Lust and staff to guide investments in crop improvement, market development and education.

“I appreciate the trust our board and Tim have placed in me to serve U.S. sorghum farmers,” White said. “Our growers face real challenges, and our work must help them compete. I look forward to working with this team to improve yields, grow demand and create more opportunities for the farmers who invest in us.”

Lust said White’s experience within the organization and work alongside Johnson will support the transition.

“Clint has strengthened our partnerships and helped connect the checkoff’s work with the people we serve,” Lust said. “He understands our team and knows how to turn strategy into action. I look forward to working with him to advance crop improvement, grow demand and deliver value to sorghum farmers.”

Johnson has led the checkoff since January 2021. She and White will work together over the next three months to transfer responsibilities and maintain progress across the organization’s programs.

“Norma has given this organization strong leadership and a clear commitment to sorghum farmers,” White said. “I have learned a great deal working alongside her, and I look forward to building on the progress she and our team have made.”

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About the United Sorghum Checkoff Program
The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is a producer-funded organization dedicated to improving the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education. For more information about USCP and other research projects, visit SorghumCheckoff.com.