Official Government Website
The Idaho Barley Commission is a self-governing agency of the state of Idaho, established in 1988 through state statute (Title 22, Chapter 40). Additional governing rules are outlined at IDAPA 53.01.01.
IBC serves to enhance the profitability of the Idaho barley growers through research, market development, promotion, and information and education programs. This is accomplished by identifying and fully utilizing available financial and staff resources, as well as working with partner organizations to promote and further develop the Idaho barley industry.
IBC is funded through a $0.03/cwt assessment barley assessment collected by the first purchaser of barley.
Barley Checkoff Tax Forms
The state of Idaho is divided into three barley regions. A barley producer from each region is appointed by the Governor to serve a three-year term (limited to two terms) on the Idaho Barley Commission. The commissioners not only represent their districts but the state of Idaho through national organizations such as, US Grains Council, National Barley Growers Association, and the National Barley Foods Council. An industry representative also serves on the board bringing to the commission experience and insight from the malting industry.
Commissioners and Staff
District 1
Wes Hubbard
Address
Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805
Phone
208-610-3299
Email
hubfarm1000@gmail.com
Wes Hubbard is a second generation barley producer in Boundary County, where his family moved from Grace, Idaho, in 1966. Wes says he was ‘drawn to serve as a grain leader by my desire to become better educated about grain production techniques and policy issues that affect grain producers’ bottom-line. I have always enjoyed associating with my peers and learning from their experiences and wisdom. Mr. Hubbard farms 1000 acres of barley, including new food barley varieties being grown under contract for Asian customers, winter wheat and canola on the family farm and manages another 500 acres of farmland in Boundary County for his brother. He has served on the Farm Service Agency County Committee for nine years and on the Idaho Oilseed Commission for the past four years. Wes and his wife Jolene have two sons Ethan and Dalin.
District 1
Mike Wilkins
Address
Rupert, ID 83350
Phone
208-431-5606
Email
wilkinsmike61@gmail.com
Mike Wilkins is a third generation barley producer in Minidoka County, where he farms barley, sugar beets and alfalfa with his son. Wilkins has been a long-time leader in Magic Valley water issues, serving on the Minidoka Irrigation District Board and Committee of Nine when the historic water agreement was crafted between surface and groundwater users on the Snake River Plain Aquifer. Mr. Wilkins says he “is honored to be appointed to the barley commission by Governor Otter and is excited about the opportunity to serve south-central Idaho barley producers. Barley has been a good crop for my family farm and I want to give back to this dynamic industry. I am sure I will enjoy associating with my peers and learning from their experiences on the board and in the industry. I will make every effort to reach out to producers across the state’s second largest barley growing region.” “Mike brings considerable experience and is well respected for his work in helping to resolve longstanding water rights disputes on the Snake River Plain, where more than 90 percent of Idaho’s barley is grown. South-central Idaho barley producers are fortunate to have Wilkins’ talents, experience.
District 3
Allen Young
Address
Blackfoot, ID 83221
Phone
208-681-3891
Email
aryoung57@gmail.com
Allen Young has farmed in the Blackfoot area since 1982, first with his wife Jackie, and then in partnership with his sons as Young Family Farms since 2016, currently growing barley, wheat, and alfalfa on 3,000 irrigated acres.In addition, Allen earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from Brigham Young University in 1981. He has also served as a board member of the CHS Bingham cooperative for 21 years and has been involved with the Idaho Grain Producers Association for many years, besides local church and volunteer activities. His first term ends June 30, 2023.
Industry Representative
Jason Boose
Address
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone
208-934-7767
Email
jason.boose@molsoncoors.com
Jason Boose, Regional Manager for MolsonCoors LLC, was appointed by the three IBC grower commissioners as the Idaho Barley Commission Industry Representative effective July 1, 2019. Boose who is based in Burley, manages teams in Idaho and Wyoming responsible for the procurement of malt barley, as well as creating and executing the MolsonCoors barley program operational plan including logistics strategy for nine origins and five destinations, allotment plan, and delivered pricing. He also manages CapEx spend for six MolsonCoors barley elevators, including long range planning and managing the project expense maintenance budget for the six elevators. His first term ends June 30, 2022.
Executive Director
Laura Wilder
Address
Caldwell, ID
Phone
208-334-2090 or 208-608-4519
Email
lwilder@barley.idaho.gov
Laura Wilder is a native Idahoan and the fifth generation of her family involved in Idaho agriculture. She grew up on her family’s ranch east of Caldwell where she was actively involved in the family beef and crop operation as well as 4-H and FFA programs. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Journalism from Texas A&M University with other major coursework in Agricultural Education. Before joining the Idaho Barley Commission, Laura’s work in the agriculture industry has included serving as Executive Director of the Idaho FFA Foundation, Executive Director and Special Projects Coordinator for the Idaho Beef Council, Editor of the Line Rider Magazine for the Idaho Cattle Association, and Executive Secretary for the Idaho FFA Association.
Laura lives in Meridian with her husband Steve on their small sheep farm, and she has acquired the family ranch near Caldwell. She has two grown children, Amanda and Brett. In addition, Laura is a graduate of Leadership Idaho Agriculture, and she has been involved in her community where she has served as President of the Franklin Ditch Company for three years, and a Meridian Cemetery District Commissioner for seven years, including two years as Chairman. She was also a 20-year 4-H leader and is actively involved with the Meridian FFA Alumni Chapter.
Office Manager
Wren Hernandez
Address
Glenns Ferry, ID
Phone
208-569-6957
Email
whernandez@barley.idaho.gov
Wren Hernandez moved to Idaho from California in March 2017. Prior to the move, Wren helped her husband start and run a successful construction company. She has worked in high volume construction company offices supervising over 100 employees as an Office Manager. Wren has also owned and operated a small Mexican restaurant.
Wren has been a Board Member/Treasurer of her son’s football team of 300 players in all levels of High School. She has also coached both of her younger daughters in volleyball and softball over the last 7 years, and has been involved in numerous fundraisers for a variety of charitable events and school functions. Wren, her husband, and her children are very involved in their community, where her husband is a Firefighter and the Public Works Supervisor. Wren and her family live on a small ranch in Glenns Ferry where they raise cattle, goats, pigs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.