By: Erica Olson
Posted: Jun 28 2024
The NDWC recognized two outgoing board members at its June meeting. Jim Bahm and Philip Volk will officially finish their service to the board on June 30, 2024. Jim Bahm, New Salem, served the Commission for the maximum 12 years, starting on the board in 2012. Bahm filled various roles during his tenure on the Commission, including Vice Chair of SBARE and Chairman of the Northern Crops Council. He also represented the board on the ND Ag Coalition, ND Grain Growers, SBARE Wheat Granting Committee, and participated in many ag legislative discussions, trade team visits, and was a driver on the Wheat Quality Council wheat tour.
Bahm said his favorite thing about being on the Commission was working with a great group of farmers with a unified goal of promoting North Dakota wheat. “It was a team effort in everything we did, from market promotion to research. I also feel we have a great staff to carry out the day to day program efforts,” said Bahm.
Philip Volk, York, served eight years on the Commission board, starting in July 2016. Volk is a past Vice Chair and Chairman of the NDWC and served on the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Budget and Wheat Quality Committees. He also represented the Commission on the Wheat Marketing Center board, SBARE Wheat Granting Committee and participated in many trade team visits and drove on the Wheat Quality Council tour. Philip and his family were also featured in a USW video featuring his farm that was used for customer education.
Producers that are elected to serve on the Commission put in a lot of time to represent the wheat producers in their area. Having dedicated board members ensures an appropriate budget for program areas that best serve producers. “Producer board members dedicate a lot of their time to serve on the board and it is very much appreciated,” said Neal Fisher, NDWC Administrator. Most board members contribute beyond just regular Commission board meetings, often taking them away from their farms and families for days or weeks at a time. However, this work is key to promoting North Dakota wheat. “Both Jim and Philip represented the Commission on committees and participated in activities that put them in direct contact with domestic and international customers and also at the forefront of research and policy efforts benefiting producers,” adds Fisher, “we thank them for their combined 20 years of service to the Commission and wheat producers of the state.”
Don Hardy, Beach, ND, was elected this spring to fill Jim Bahm’s former board seat for District 1 and Glendon Slaubaugh, Rugby, was elected to represent District 4, Volk’s former seat.
Comments