Blaine Jacobson was recognized for his service to the Idaho wheat industry and awarded the 2020 Distinguished Service Award in Spokane in December. His recognition was delayed until Idaho wheat growers could meet at Tri-State Convention, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. Blaine was at the helm of the Idaho Wheat Commission as Executive Director from 2002 to 2020.
Upon his retirement in June 2020, Jacobson said, “The Idaho wheat industry is a state asset and many people have built it over the past 60 years. I take pleasure in turning it over to my successors in as strong a position as it was when I received it. I feel that is my best accomplishment.”
In 2018, Jacobson successfully renegotiated the royalty structure on sale of wheat varieties developed with Idaho wheat grower dollars, a move that redirected a larger portion of proceeds from those sales back into wheat research programs. One of his early projects was the purchase of the Idaho Wheat Commission building that has become a center for grain and agriculture groups to hold office space and conduct business meetings. Jacobson also undertook a multi-year project that led to changes in legislative rules that would make the Wheat Commission more effective in their mission.
“Blaine had a very broad sense of knowledge in so many areas that he brought to the table from his prior experiences and work in the food industry,” said IWC Vice Chair Clark Hamilton. “He had a passion for wheat that really showed in the work he did on behalf of Idaho’s wheat farmers and the Commission.”
Jacobson grew up on a wheat farm in Swan Valley in Bonneville County. Before settling in at the Idaho Wheat Commission he held positions as brand manager for Minute Maid, marketing director for Simplot, and was responsible for the Asia Pacific sales and marketing at Chiquita. While he and his wife, Cindy, are enjoying traveling, hiking, and spending time with their children and grandchildren, Jacobson remains fond of his nearly two decades at the Idaho Wheat Commission. “It is a privilege to work with Idaho wheat growers. Idaho growers are among the best people I have associated with,” said Jacobson.
