Jamie Anderson, a fourth-generation fish farmer from Lonoke County, was appointed Wednesday to a seven-year term on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“Whether it be through business or recreation, my life revolves around the outdoors and conservation,” Anderson said. “Through that, I have seen the stellar reputation of the men and women of the Arkansas Game and 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 Governor Sanders has put her trust in me to be a part of that at this level.”
Anderson leads I.F. Anderson Farms, the largest baitfish hatchery in the country, as co-owner and vice president, working with his father James since he was only 12 years old. The Andersons were recognized in 2019 as the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Farm Family of the Year.
Jamie Anderson earned a degree in agriculture business from the University of Arkansas. A lifelong outdoorsman and conservationist, Jamie is a founding member of the Arkansas Waterfowl Association, a nonprofit that creates hunting, fishing and outdoor opportunities for underserved youth.
Jamie 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. His expertise in wildlife and environmental policy has led to national appointments, including the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee under President Trump and Chair of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Committee.
In addition to his work in aquaculture and conservation, Jamie 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.
Jamie and his wife, Elizabeth, reside on their farm in Lonoke with their two teenage sons.
“I’ve been lucky enough to call Jamie and his wife, Elizabeth, friends for years and I am beyond excited to appoint Jamie to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission,” said Gov. Sanders.”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.”
Anderson replaces outgoing Chairman John David “J.D.” Neeley. His term will continue through 2032.
