Agricultural News
Oklahoma Wheat Commission's Mark Hodges Stepping Down at the End of the Year.
Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:37:03 CST
Mark Hodges, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, announced plans today to retire from his position at the end of the year. As Executive Director, Hodges has been a voice for the wheat industry and its producers by communicating the Commission's goals for wheat promotion, utilization and research. In the picture here, Hodges makes a presentation to Mexican millers about HRW quality from the southern plains.
Hodges, a Forgan, Okla., native, began his tenure as Executive Director with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission in 1996 and has held that position for the last 13 years with the exception of two years in the same position with the Oregon Wheat Commission. Throughout his career he has authored numerous research papers, made presentations across the country, and currently sits on, or chairs 6 state or national boards. A few of the honors Hodges has received include the Oklahoma Wheat Growers "Mr. Wheat" award, a "Distinguished Achievement Award" from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, was OSU's "Grain Man of the Year", and received an "Innovative Leadership Award" from the High Plains Resource Conservation and Development Council. Hodges was instrumental in the development of the current quality based marketing plan adopted by the Commission in 2001 and now utilized by the 5 Southern Great Plains States of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska.
Prior to his tenure with the Commission, Hodges was a dedicated area agronomist for the Panhandle and was a key driving force behind an agreement between Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma Panhandle State University that transitioned the Oklahoma Panhandle Research Station from 33 acres in 1992 to a 500 acre research and education facility in 1995. With his help the Goodwell, Okla., research station saw $350,000 worth of improvements to the irrigation lines and systems along with the structures at their location.
"I been blessed with the opportunity to serve Oklahoma wheat producers," said Hodges. "The board members I have served under have been and are true leaders in not only their communities, but within the state, nation and internationally. I am very proud of the fact the national industry leadership shares that view as the Oklahoma Wheat Commission will have a 3rd member in 10 years serve as Chairman of our international marketing arm in 2010."
"On behalf of the commissioners and staff, I would like to thank Mark for his dedication to the wheat industry," said Jeff Krehbiel, Commission Chairman. "We would like to offer him our support in his future endeavors."
The Oklahoma Wheat Commission works to promote greater utilization of wheat in both domestic and international markets through research, market development and public education. Five wheat producers representing designated districts across the state serve as the Oklahoma Wheat Commission's board of directors. Current officers are Jeff Krehbiel, chairman, Hydro; Don Schieber, vice chairman, Ponca City; Keith Kisling, secretary-treasurer; Tom Stephens, member, Guymon; and Tom Glazier, member, Loyal.
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