National Sorghum Producers Staff Committed
NSP Staff

Committed to Sorghum Growers

National Sorghum Producers (NSP) was founded by a group of growers and today, our staff remains committed to the best interests of such individuals.

NSP Staff

Meet the NSP Staff

LustTim
Tim Lust Chief Executive Officer show Bio close
"I enjoy working for producers and the opportunity to make changes to help growers— everything from farm policy to new genetics.” Tim Lust, Chief Executive Officer
About Tim Lust

Drawing on a farm background, work experience in the cattle industry and more than 25 years in the sorghum industry, Tim Lust utilizes his unique perspective to lead both National Sorghum Producers (NSP) and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP). Tim received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Angelo State University and earned his master’s degree in business administration from Texas Tech University.

Tim and his wife, Lea Ann, have two sons and two daughters-in-law and several grandchildren. They live near Abernathy, Texas, where Tim stays busy with church activities, livestock and hunting.

Greg Ruehle
Greg Ruehle Executive Director show Bio close
"Sorghum’s time has definitely come. From water conservation to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, or from improved livestock nutrition to benefits to human health, sorghum has a expanding role to play, and I am excited to be a part of this future.” Greg Ruehle, Executive Director
About Greg Ruehle

Greg Ruehle, the Executive Director of National Sorghum Producers , brings extensive agricultural expertise to his role. Raised on an Iowa farm, Ruehle holds an associate degree in Ranch Management from Texas Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University. With over 30 years of experience, including leadership roles at the Independent Professional Seed Association, Nebraska Cattlemen and ServiTech, Inc., his commitment to sorghum’s profitability is unwavering.

Greg, married for 31 years with two children, actively engages in 4-H, FFA and community service. The family raises cattle, enjoys sports and relishes travel for cultural and culinary experiences.

CogburnChris
Chris Cogburn Senior Policy Adviser show Bio close
"We help sorghum farmers and provide them a voice in policy and regulatory matters. We help advocate for what is best for them and do so based on our intimate knowledge of sorghum production coupled with solid, real-world economic analysis.” Chris Cogburn, Senior Policy Adviser
About Chris Cogburn

Drawing from a background as both a farmer and a sorghum board member, Chris Cogburn has been with National Sorghum Producers (NSP) since 2005. Today he is a senior policy adviser and acts as the manager of Sustainable Crop Insurance Services, an NSP subsidiary. Chris earned a degree in agricultural economics from Texas Tech University.

Chris and his wife, Amy, live in the Hale Center, Texas area. He enjoys gardening and photography.

WarrenJennifer
Jennifer Warren Vice President of Communications show Bio close
"I enjoy working with a team that is 100 percent devoted to sorghum producers every day. I am surrounded by passionate people from staff to directors and farmer leaders who care about this industry and one another. My day is never the same, and my career with sorghum has afforded me many opportunities I never dreamed possible.” Jennifer Warren, Vice President of Communications
About Jennifer Warren

As the vice president of communications for National Sorghum Producers (NSP), Jennifer Warren leads sorghum’s communications strategy, ensuring a consistent and collective voice is projected through both national sorghum organizations in addition to supporting legislative and fundraising efforts. She is also the editor of NSP’s Sorghum Grower magazine. Jennifer was raised on a farm and ranch in eastern New Mexico. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Texas Tech University and interned with the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture following graduation before returning to NSP. She is also a graduate of the 15th Cohort of the Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr., Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) program.

Jennifer resides in Dayton, Washington, with her her husband Garrett who is a wheat, pea and chickpea farmer. She is an avid traveler and photographer and enjoys cooking, gardening, hunting, wine tasting and live music.

Ian Hoeffner
Ian Hoeffner Information Director show Bio close
"I enjoy the strong sense of cohesive teamwork among very intelligent and passionate individuals. The leadership here is the best I’ve ever experienced.” Ian Hoeffner, Information Director
About Ian Hoeffner

Ian Hoeffner started working as the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) information director and transitioned to National Sorghum Producers (NSP) in 2013. Prior to NSP, Ian garnered 10 years of experience as a senior server administrator for a mid-sized internet service provider based in Texas. Ian holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology along with several certifications in advanced computer systems.

He currently resides in Lubbock, Texas, with his wife, Lauren, and his daughter.

BattinJamaca
Jamaca Battin Industry Relations Director show Bio close
"I enjoy working with individuals that love what they do and have a passion for the industry. Our sorghum family is the best ag family to be a part of!” Jamaca Battin, Industry Relations Director
About Jamaca Battin

The industry relations director for National Sorghum Producers (NSP), Jamaca Battin draws on more than 20 years in the agricultural industry to develop new relationships that will allow for greater sorghum representation in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she leads the efforts of the NSP Industry Partner Program and heads up the annual Commodity Classic Sorghum PAC event. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, from Fort Hays State University.

Jamaca has chaired numerous event committees and fundraising events and served as presidents for local non-profits. Currently she is a member of the planning committee for Women Managing the Farm Conference. Jamaca resides outside of the Kansas City, Kansas, area with her husband Mike and their son.

Sydney 2
Sydney Lundberg Policy Analyst show Bio close
"I enjoy working with a team that diligently strives to serve producers as best as possible and look forward to working for an organization which acts to lead positive change for the sorghum industry. ” Sydney Lundberg, Policy Analyst
About Sydney Lundberg

As the policy analyst for National Sorghum Producers, Sydney Lundberg conducts economic analysis on farm policy, trade policy and market factors that impact the sorghum industry. Additionally, she is responsible for analysis of current market trends that impact NSP, its subsidiaries, and industry partners. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and applied economics from Texas Tech University and is currently a master’s candidate researching corruption and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. She is also a graduate of the second cohort of the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Matador Institute of Leadership Engagement (MILE) program.

Sydney is a resident of Lubbock, Texas, and is involved with her local church. She also loves all things outdoors, particularly hiking and any kind of adventure. She is also passionate about fitness and wellness.

Vicki Ghrisham
Vicki Grisham Director of Human Resources
2024Alli Gonzales
Alli Gonzales Administrative Coordinator show Bio close
"Agriculture plays such an important role in our economy and our future.” Alli Gonzales, Administrative Coordinator
About Alli Gonzales

Alli Gonzales, the new administrative coordinator, brings a wealth of finance and administrative experience to NSP. With 18 years of experience in finance and administration, Alli’s proficiency in managing operations and numbers is invaluable. Having grown up in the Central Coast of California surrounded by farming and agriculture, Alli has a deep-rooted connection to the industry through her family’s involvement in the fruit and vegetable sector. Alli’s dedication to giving back is evident through her volunteer work at food banks and shelters. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and taking care of her beloved yorkie.