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 $0.035/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
Josh Jones
Address
Troy, Idaho 83871
Email
joshjonesfarmsllc@gmail.com
Josh Jones of Troy was appointed by Governor Brad Little as the District 1 IBC Commissioner, effective July 1, 2022. Jones operates a mid-size diversified dryland farm in the Palouse region where he is focused on sustainability, soil health and maximizing crop production through holistic management practices. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness Management from Montana State University and participated in a student exchange to China while there. He recently completed the 2022 Bayer Leadership Training Program, besides previously completing the Executive Program for Agricultural Producers. He served two terms as a Latah County Farm Bureau board member, is presently serving a 3rd term on Latah County Soil & Water Conservation District as Vice President, and as a member of the Northwest Farm Credit Services Local Advisory Committee. He is also husband to Jennifer and the father of two boys, a student pilot, and backcountry hunting enthusiast. Jones said, “he looks forward to serving the growers of the best barley in the world.”
District 2
Mike Wilkins
Address
Rupert, ID 83350
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
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
JC Olson
Address
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Email
JCOlson@scoular.com
The Idaho Barley Commission (IBC) appointed JC Olson, Barley Products Group Manager for Scoular, to a three-year term as Industry Representative for the Commission effective July 1, 2023. Olson, based in the Twin Falls Scoular office, brings a wealth of knowledge and deep passion for the barley industry to the board. In his current position where his sole focus is barley and barley products, he aims to deliver solutions and opportunities to the marketplace by commercializing sustainable trends in the food and ag industry. He is also the Emerge Program Manager for the company where he oversees project development for their first of its kind barley processing facility in Jerome making a unique barley protein concentrate and barley syrup. “I am excited for the opportunity to support the nation’s top barley growers while protecting our robust malt industry and promoting access to markets for this versatile crop,” said Olson. Olson earned a B.S degree in Animal Science from Utah State University, an M.B.A in Food and Agribusiness from the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, England, and an M.S. degree in Applied Economics from Utah State University. He has also been active in his community and the barley industry serving on the Jerome Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Jerome County Fair Board, the National Barley Improvement Committee, and with 4-H and other community organizations.
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 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 on the family ranch near Caldwell. In addition, Laura is a graduate of Leadership Idaho Agriculture, and she has been involved in her community where she is currently serving as President of the Franklin Ditch Company. She also serves on the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board, the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association in Idaho and served as Chairman of AHA’s Idaho Go Red for Women initiative in 2023. She was also a 20-year volunteer 4-H livestock leader.
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, Johnny is a Firefighter and the Elmore County Building Official. Wren and her family live on a small ranch in Glenns Ferry where they raise cattle, chickens, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Wren has also graduated from Leadership Idaho Agriculture.