The Peanut Research Foundation (TPRF) today announced the appointment of Keith Rucker as its new executive director. A respected agricultural researcher with deep roots in the peanut industry, Rucker will officially assume the role on June 10.
Rucker brings more than three decades of experience in agricultural science, most recently serving at Bayer Crop Science from 2009 to 2024. His career has also included roles with the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service, Progro, Inc., and Gold Kist, Inc.
A graduate of the University of Georgia, Rucker earned a Master of Science in Crop Science with a specialization in crop physiology with a focus on peanuts, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
Rucker’s contributions to peanut research have been widely published in prominent scientific journals, including Plant Disease, Peanut Science, and Transactions of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, among others. His work has earned recognition from leading organizations such as the American Peanut Research and Education Society (APRES), the American Society of Agronomy, and Epsilon Sigma Phi, Alpha Beta Chapter National Extension Honor Fraternity.
“Keith brings an exceptional blend of scientific expertise, industry experience and a genuine passion for peanuts that makes him an ideal leader for The Peanut Research Foundation,” said Chris Liebold, The J.M. Smucker Company R&D manager and TPRF chair. “His proven track record in agricultural research and deep understanding of the peanut industry will be invaluable as we continue advancing innovation to benefit the peanut community.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Rucker is well-known in the broader agricultural community through his popular YouTube channel, Vintage Machinery, where he showcases the restoration of antique farm equipment. The channel boasts more than 268,000 subscribers.
He succeeds Dr. Steve Brown, who is retiring after a decade of leadership at TPRF. Under Brown’s direction, the foundation completed Phases 1 and 2 of the groundbreaking Peanut Genomics Initiative. These efforts led to the full mapping of the peanut genome and the advancement of Marker-Assisted Selection.
“Steve’s leadership over the past decade has been nothing short of transformative for The Peanut Research Foundation and the peanut industry as a whole,” continued Liebold. “His vision and dedication were instrumental in the success of the Peanut Genomics Initiative, a milestone achievement that is shaping the future of peanut breeding. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him the very best in retirement.”
Brown will officially step down on June 10.
