Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Wednesday that she has appointed Jamie Anderson as the newest member of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. Anderson is replacing outgoing Chairman John David “J.D.” Neeley, and his seven-year term will last until 2032.
Anderson is a fourth-generation aquaculture farmer at I.F. Anderson Farms of Lonoke, a family-run business founded in 1949 by his grandfather and great-grandfather.
A press release from the governor’s office stated that Anderson helped lead his farm “into the modern era,” holding a patent on the Black Salty Baitfish and developing a system that ships live fish overnight to more than 40 states.
He currently serves as vice president of the National Aquaculture Association and chairs the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Aquaculture Committee. He also sits on the boards of the Arkansas Bait and Ornamental Fish Growers Association and the Lonoke County Farm Bureau.
Anderson is also a founding member of the Arkansas Waterfowl Association, a nonprofit that creates hunting, fishing and outdoor opportunities for underserved youth.
“Whether it be through business or recreation, my life revolves around the outdoors and conservation,” Anderson said in the press release. “Through that, I have seen the stellar reputation of the men and women of the Arkansas Game & Fish around the country, and how highly they are thought of by their peers. Arkansas is on the forefront of wildlife management and resource conservation, and I am deeply honored that Gov. Sanders has put her trust in me to be a part of that at this level.”
Anderson played a large role in relocating the APHIS-certified Health Inspection Lab from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. He and his wife, Elizabeth, also spearheaded fundraising for the Lonoke Business Academy, a workforce development center focused on agriculture for high school students.
In addition to his work in aquaculture and conservation, Anderson represents the agriculture sector on the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’s Industry Council and has served on the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board since 2017. His wildlife and environmental experience has led to national appointments, including the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee and Chair of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Committee.
“As a longtime aquaculture farmer and hunter, Jamie’s knowledge of wildlife and conservation policy will be a great asset to Arkansas. I have no doubt he will approach this appointment with strong leadership and a servant heart,” Sanders said in the release.
Sign up for Daily E-news
