David A. Coleman

Partner | Coleman, Ritchie and Jacobson

Biography

A graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law, he also earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in 1992

David joined his father’s law firm, Coleman, Ritchie & Robertson in 1998. He is now the senior partner in Coleman, Ritchie & Jacobson where he provides legal counsel across a wide range of civil matters, including: 

• Banking and Creditor Representation
• Corporate Law and Business Formation
• Estate Planning
• Real Estate Transaction and Litigation
• Irrigation Company Representation

David was born and raised in Twin Falls, Idaho on a small farm where he grew up raising wheat, corn alfalfa and beef cattle.  Outside of his law practice, he is active with his own farming operation of 100 acres and small beef cow herd.  He serves as a 4-H beef club leader and is an active member of his Church. His approach to the practice of law emphasizes professionalism, accessibility and achieving results that reflect his clients’ best interests.

Sally Hansell

 Attorney | Anderson Hansell PC

Sally Hansell and her father own the Hermiston law firm Anderson Hansell PC. She specializes in agri-business, property, estate planning and probate law. Sally, her husband Tyler and her family live on the multi-generational Hansell farm located west of Hermiston, Oregon.

Kevin Duling

 Founder | KDI

Biography

Kevin Duling, CTA, founder of KDI, started marketing his own crops in 1995. With a strong interest in the marketing side of agriculture, he began applying different tools to eliminate market risk and add value to the farm. Kevin graduated from Oregon State University in 1994 with a degree in Agricultural Resource Economics with minors in Crop Science and Rangeland Resources. He grew up on a farm outside Maupin, Oregon raising primarily wheat and alfalfa. He still helps with the farm operations, but consults clients throughout the US and Canada.

Dr. Albert Adjesiwor 

Assistant Professor & Extension Weed Management Specialist | University of Idaho

Biography

Dr. Adjesiwor is an Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Management Specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Idaho. His focus is studying and disseminating information on best weed management practices in agronomic crops.

David Brewer

Emerson Dell Farm

Biography

David Brewer is a fifth-generation dryland farmer from The Dalles, Oregon. Along with his wife Margaret, he manages Emerson Dell Farm where they produce wheat, barley, canola, mustard and sunflowers in a no-till cropping system. The Brewers also raise cattle on the farm and direct market grass-finished beef. David is a graduate of Oregon State University and the University of Minnesota with Ag Economics and Applied Economics degrees. He was a founding board member of the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association and currently serves on the Oregon Wheat Commission and as a board member for the Pacific Northwest Canola Association.

Dr. Leslie Edgar

 J.R. Simplot Endowed |  Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho

Biography

Leslie D. Edgar joined the University of Idaho as dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in June 2025. In her role as dean of CALS, Edgar oversees a college with more than 240 faculty located on campus and across the state at 10 research and Extension centers and in UI Extension offices located in 42 counties and three federally recognized tribal communities.

 
Prior to her appointment as dean of CALS, Edgar served as associate dean of research and director of the Agricultural Research Center in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University, where she oversaw and provided leadership for interdisciplinary research teams, fiscal and personnel management, and strategic planning and direction for the CAHNRS research enterprise. Prior to WSU, Edgar served as the associate dean of research and experiment station director at New Mexico State University, as professor and department head for the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication Department the University of Georgia, and as assistant dean for student programs at the University of Arkansas, where she directed the honors and international programs. 

As a science and agricultural communicator, Edgar's research focused on human capital within agriculture and the development of effective communication models to enhance management and outreach. During her time as a faculty member, she received 10 teaching and advising awards, including the prestigious National New Teacher Award for Excellence in College and University Teaching from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) and USDA/NIFA. Edgar has authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, secured millions of dollars in research grants and contracts, and earned 37 awards for research and professional service.
Edgar received a bachelor's degree in animal science and a masters in agricultural systems, technology and education from Utah State University. She earned a doctoral degree in agricultural leadership, education and communications from Texas A&M University.

Alan Clark

Owner | Clark Farms, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation 

Biography

Alan Clark is a fifth-generation Idaho farmer who works alongside his father and brother to manage 1,300 acres of irrigated farmland. Together, they raise alfalfa, malt barley, and wheat, and maintain a herd of 500 Black Angus cow-calf pairs. Alan is also a skilled welder, providing custom fabrication and repair services.
For the past decade, Alan has been a passionate advocate for agriculture, serving in leadership roles at both the state and national levels. He is currently President of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau and previously chaired the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Promotion & Engagement Committee. He also served four years on the American Farm Bureau Federation P&E Committee, including terms as Vice Chair and Chair. 
Alan has traveled across the country helping develop programs and opportunities that empower farmers and ranchers to share their stories. His work focuses on bridging the knowledge gap between agricultural producers and the public, fostering greater understanding and connection.
He and his wife are raising four daughters, and are deeply rooted in faith, community, and a shared love of agriculture. Alan takes pride in teaching his children the value of hard work and the importance of promoting the agricultural industry.

Ben Thiel

Director | Risk Management Agency, USDA

Biography

 Ben Thiel is the Director of the Risk Management Agency’s, Spokane Regional Office, which administers aspects of the federal crop insurance program for the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Spokane Regional Office works closely with local grower groups, universities, and other government agencies to help improve risk management options for producers.  Mr. Thiel was raised on a family farm in Southeastern Idaho that produced alfalfa, malting barley and potatoes.  He has worked for the USDA in various roles and locations for over 23 years including Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Thiel has been the Spokane Regional Office Director for 11 years. Some interesting side notes about Mr. Thiel is that he is a bit of foodie, as he maintains a garden, orchards, and bees.  He is a certified BBQ judge and has judged BBQ competitions across the Midwest.  He is also a very loyal Kansas City Chiefs football fan, so don’t hold that against him or be jealous.
 

Cori Wittman Stitt

Owner and CEO | Wittman Farms

Biography

Cori Wittman Stitt is the owner and CEO of Wittman Farms, a fourth-generation diversified crop, cattle and timber operation in North-Central Idaho. She is also an associate with Wittman Consulting, providing financial management and succession planning training to family farm businesses and consultants.  Prior to returning to the farm, Cori worked in the agricultural policy arena of Washington, DC for six years and spent five years in Thailand working in trafficking prevention and youth development.  She is passionate about the intersection of economic and environmental sustainability in the context of family farms.

Elizabeth Criner

Managing Partner | Veritas Advisors

Biography

Elizabeth Criner joined Veritas Advisors in August of 2002 as the firm’s Managing Partner.  She has almost 30 years of lobbying experience in Idaho, and a wealth of political expertise and strategic planning skills.  Elizabeth has developed and implemented successful federal and state legislative strategies for clients in a variety of issue areas, including appropriations, telecommunications, transportation, water, mining, environment, trade, taxes, and health care.  She began her public policy career in 1989, spending eight years in Washington, D.C. working as a legislative assistant in both the House and Senate.  

Elizabeth serves in the leadership of the Idaho Liability Reform Coalition and Food Producers of Idaho. She also serves on the board and executive committee for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho.  When not working, Elizabeth enjoys walking her dog, fishing, cooking with friends and family, and time in Idaho’s beautiful outdoors. 

Riley Griffin

AgWest Farm Credit

Biography

Riley Griffin is from Rupert, ID and was raised on a family-farming operation consisting of sugar beets and small grains. Riley is currently employed with AgWest Farm Credit as the Senior Vice President for Southern Idaho, in which he oversees business development efforts. Prior to his work with AgWest, Riley spent eight years as a Relationship Manager in AgWest’s Burley, Idaho Office. Riley is a graduate of Brigham Young University, studying Economics and Mathematics. Riley also holds an MBA from the University of South Dakota. Most importantly, Riley and his wife Jessica, are the proud parents of four children.

Dr. Jared Spackman 

UI Extension | University of Idaho

Biography

Dr. Jared Spackman is the Idaho Barley Commission Endowed Barley Agronomist at the University of Idaho. He initiates and conducts innovative and comprehensive research (65%), Extension (30%), and service (5%) programs that emphasize best management practices for sustainable irrigated and dryland barley, wheat, and mustard production. Dr. Spackman's research and extension programs focus on the basic and applied components of soil nutrient management, emphasizing yield and end-use quality (malt, feed, food, and forage), plant health and productivity, precision agriculture, and the protection of soil and water quality. He participates in team-directed research, working collaboratively across disciplines with faculty and Extension educators from across the United States. Dr. Spackman utilizes input from industry and stakeholders to guide his programs. He has established a national presence by participating in regional and national professional committees and meetings, publishing in refereed journals, and acquiring competitive grant funding to support his programs and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and other staff. Dr. Spackman develops Extension publications and programs and disseminate state bulletins that address crop production and nutrient management issues via workshops, field days, and grower/industry conferences.

Zak Miller

Idaho Farm Bureau Federation 

Biography

Zak Miller has been devoted to the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation for almost a decade and has played diverse roles and handled various responsibilities during this period. Presently serving as the CEO of IFBF, he leads the largest agriculture volunteer organization in Idaho, advocating for the interests and priorities of farmers throughout the state. His passion for agriculture allows him to champion Farmers and Ranchers across Idaho, and he takes great pride in doing so.

Zak is the fifth generation of his family's farm and ranch in Parker, Idaho. The farm produces commercial potatoes, cereal grains, and forage. The ranching enterprise consists of a cow-calf herd and a backgrounding through finish feedlot. Zak's family is also a partner in Benchmark Potato in Rexburg and a shareholder in True West Beef in Jerome. 

A graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho, Zak worked as an animal nutrition consultant for nine years in the western states. During this time, he discovered the Farm Bureau, first as a volunteer and later as an employee.

Zak and his wife, Marcy, live in Rigby, Idaho. They enjoy being the parents of their four awesome daughters, supporting their church and local FFA chapter, and enjoying Idaho’s great outdoors, especially on the ranch chasing cows.

Dr. Earl Creech 

Professor | Utah State University

Biography

Dr. Creech grew up on a family dairy and crop production farm in Northern Utah. After earning his PhD, he spent three years as Assistant Professor & Extension Weed Specialist at the University of Nevada, Reno. In his research and Extension efforts at Utah State University, Dr. Creech works to address critical agronomic issues facing farmers and ranchers in Utah and throughout the western U.S.  Earl Creech is a Professor and the Extension Agronomist at Utah State University.  Earl grew up on a family dairy and crop production farm near Logan, Utah and received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from USU before earning his Ph.D. at Purdue University.  He spent three years at the University of Nevada, Reno as the Extension Weed Specialist before accepting his current position at USU.  In his research and Extension efforts, Earl works to address critical agronomic issues facing oilseed, small grain, corn, and forage producers in Utah and throughout the western U.S.

Jason Godfrey

Owner and Sales | Mountain States Oilseeds

Biography

Jason Godfrey is a 2001 graduate of Utah State University, where he earned a dual degree in Agri-Business and Business. Raised with a deep appreciation for production agriculture, Jason always intended to follow in the footsteps of his family’s farming legacy. That early passion led him to Mountain States Oilseeds (MSO) at just 20 years old, where he found a company aligned with his vision—one that understood farming from a farmer’s perspective.

Today, Jason brings over 25 years of hands-on experience to the industry. He manages a 5,000-acre farming operation and oversees a trucking company, combining production expertise with logistical efficiency. As a full partner at MSO, Jason serves as contract and consultant manager for the company’s network of producers and leads strategic efforts in sales and market development.

Jason and his wife, Kotie, have raised their four children in Clarkston, Utah, where they continue to be deeply rooted in the local agricultural community. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to the long-term success of independent growers and the advancement of sustainable, market-driven agriculture.

Jamie Barker

Canola Agronomist & Buyer | Bunge

Biography

Jamie Barker serves as the Canola Agronomist and Buyer for Bunge’s Warden, Washington plant, where he works directly with growers across the Pacific Northwest to support oilseed production, procurement, and market development. In this role, he assists producers with variety selection, crop management, quality optimization, and contract coordination—helping align field performance with market demand.

James also collaborates with seed technology partners, researchers, and merchandisers to trial and evaluate new canola genetics, organize field demonstrations, and enhance both the efficiency and reliability of the regional canola supply chain. He provides valuable insight into the canola market outlook, offering analysis on pricing trends, regional production, and global demand factors that influence grower decisions.

Before joining Bunge, James held agronomy and leadership positions with Monarch Tractor, Ceres Imaging, and SVZ, gaining extensive experience in precision agriculture, seed procurement, and grower engagement.

A graduate of The Citadel and a U.S. Army veteran, James brings a disciplined, field-based perspective to modern agronomy and crop marketing. His work continues to bridge the gap between research, production, and market strategy to strengthen the region’s canola industry.

Megan Townsend

Founder | Crop Matters

Biography

Megan Townsend grew up in central California and studied Plant Science at the University of California, Davis.  She completed her graduate work at Washington State University in Soil Science, specifically researching water and nutrient use & cycling in winter canola.  Megan remained in the Palouse area, and founded Crop Matters in 2015 to provide independent contract research.  Together with her husband, Joe, and their small crew, Megan conducts research in a wide variety of crops in both the irrigated Columbia Basin and dryland eastern Washington & Northern Idaho.  They conduct pesticide efficacy trials, maintain variety trials for breeding programs, and investigate fertility and specialty products (biologicals, biostimulants, etc).  

Kenny Rounds

Anheuser Busch

Biography

Kenny grew up on a farm in Eastern Idaho, where he got his feet wet in the agriculture industry from changing water to driving equipment. He enjoys every aspect of farming and agriculture, which has led him on his career path through the years. Kenny has worked in multiple capacities at Anheuser Busch for eleven years now, from seed operations to managing the agronomy function throughout the state of Idaho. He takes pride in assisting our growers in raising the highest quality malt barely, while helping to benefit their own farming operations.

Jason Boose

Regional Manager- ID, WY, Ops Planning | Molson Coors, Burley

Biography

Jason Boose is a Regional Manager in Molson Coors’ Barley Program, overseeing operations across Idaho and Wyoming. He began his career with Molson Coors in 2009 at the Monte Vista, Colorado barley elevator, where he developed a strong foundation in grain operations and grower relations. In 2014, Jason relocated to Burley, Idaho, where he now leads a dedicated team of twelve professionals. Together, they collaborate with over 240 growers to produce, procure, and ship premium malt barley that meets the highest quality standards.
In addition to managing regional operations, Jason plays a key role in strategic planning for the Coors barley program throughout the Rocky Mountain region. His leadership ensures a reliable supply chain and supports Molson Coors’ commitment to sustainable agriculture and brewing excellence.
 

Dustin Camphouse

Farm Business Manager | Great Western Malting 

Biography

Based in Blackfoot, Camphouse brings nearly 20 years of industry experience and a deep-rooted passion for agriculture to the Commission. He began his career with Anheuser-Busch, where he held various roles over nine years ranging from seed operations and quality control to malting operations and capital project management. In 2015, he joined Great Western Malting as a Field Representative and was promoted to Farm Business Manager in 2022. In his role at Great Western Malting, he works closely with farmers across the region to ensure high-quality grain supply, manage delivery logistics, and support operational efficiencies. His collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and passion for the industry make him a valuable addition to the Commission. Camphouse earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance degree from Idaho State University, a background that supports his strengths in budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning.

David Callister

UI Extension

Biography

David grew up on a family dairy farm in eastern Idaho. He and his wife are the parents of four children. David received a Bachelor’s in Animal Science & Agribusiness from the University of Idaho and a master’s in animal science from Washington State University.  After graduation, he returned to the family farm, where he worked for 25 years. Active in his church and community, he has served on many committees and boards.  David started working for University of Idaho Extension in 2019.

Bracken Henderson

UI Extension

Biography

Bracken Henderson has spent 6 years with University of Idaho Extension. Bracken completed a B.S. in Finance and Economics in 2003 at Utah State University, followed by a M.S. in Range Science in 2007. For 12 years he worked with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and has been working in Idaho rural communities to improve mental health since 2021. Bracken is married with six children. He is based in Preston, Idaho.

Dan Lakey

Lakey Farms

Biography

Dan is a third-generation farmer from Soda Springs, Idaho where he farms with his brother, David where they farm nearly 7,000 acres—90% being dryland. The Lakeys grow six different classes of fall and spring wheat, three different classes of barley, three classes of mustard, spring and winter canola, yellow and green peas, and grow various other crops like flax and safflower. Dan grew up on the farm, but decided to pursue other paths after high school and received his degree in business from Idaho State University and then spent a few years in the corporate world before having an opportunity to return to the farm in 2009. Dan and his wife Marie and have three children- Emerey (16), Trey (11), and Grayson (9) and enjoy the Idaho outdoors as much as they can -hunting, hiking,  fishing, motorcycle riding, & camping. 

Megan McKibben

Government Relations Manager

Biography

Megan McKibben joined the PNWA team in April 2025 as Government Relations Manager. She brings over a decade of public service experience at the local, state, and federal levels. Most recently, Megan served in Washington County, Oregon, supporting both the County Administrator and Board of Commissioners with policy research, strategic planning, and intergovernmental relations.

Prior to her county service, Megan worked as a Senior Field Representative for Congressman Kurt Schrader, where she led community outreach, managed constituent services, and built strong relationships with regional stakeholders. Her background also includes service in the Office of Governor John Kitzhaber and campaign experience in Oregon’s 1st Congressional District.

Megan holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Oregon State University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She also studied abroad at the Catholic University of the West in Angers, France. Megan lives in Portland with her two cats and enjoys hiking throughout the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Chistopher Rogers

Research Soil Scientist | USDA-ARS 

Biography

Dr. Rogers is a Research Soil Scientist with the USDA-ARS in Kimberly, Idaho. His expertise includes soil fertility and chemistry, plant nutrition, and nutrient cycling in agricultural systems. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas and previously served as the Barley Research Agronomist at the University of Idaho. His research focuses on improving soil fertility, crop nutrition, and irrigation management practices. He will present research results that refine nitrogen management recommendations for malt barley and provide foundational guidance for food barley production.

Lloyd Knight

Deputy Director | Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Biography

Lloyd Knight is the Deputy Director at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.  He is primarily responsible for Intergovernmental, Industry, and Legislative Affairs.  Knight has been with the agency since 2009, serving as Administrator of the Division of Plant Industries until becoming Deputy Director in January 2023. He was previously with the Division of Financial Management in the Executive Office of the Governor and was Executive Vice President of the Idaho Cattle Association.  Over the course of his career, he has been blessed to work in every county in the state.  Lloyd and his wife Brenda are both graduates of the University of Idaho, and are raising a son and daughter in Meridian.