01/24/05 New Wheat Commission chair

01/24/05 New Wheat Commission chair

Washington Ag January 24, 2005 Fellow commissioners elected grower Curtis Hennings as the new chairman of the Washington Wheat Commission at a meeting last week. The Ritzville farmer says he wants to emphasize consensus building during his term as chairman of the group that uses grower funds to conduct research, marketing and producer educational efforts. Hennings: "If we could run the whole year without having to have a contentious vote on any issue, I would consider it a real success." The commission chairman traditionally draws up the draft budget plan for the next fiscal year, which will start in July. Wheat growers last year approved an increase in the assessment which funds the Wheat Commission and the revenue reflecting that increase will be incorporated in next year's budget. Hennings believes what comes in should be spent. Hennings: "I think we have very comfortable reserves and would hope that we could put all of that money to legitimate uses for the benefit of the industry." At its meeting last week the Wheat Commission approved goals to increase the effectiveness of Washington grain organizations that were prepared by a special industry committee. Among the goals is one to have the Wheat Commission, Barley Commission and the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, jointly managed by one CEO and a unified staff. Another goal is to have a central headquarters for the three entities, which are currently separately located and managed. I'm Bob Hoff. .
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