The Idaho Wheat Commission awarded former commissioner Ned Moon with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award at the Tri-State Grain Convention in Spokane, Wash. in December. Moon was recognized for his commitment, contributions, and decade of service as the District 3 Commissioner. Ned was first appointed to the Idaho Wheat Commission by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter in 2011, replacing Mark Darrington, Declo, and was reappointed to another term five years later in 2016.
Ned grew up on a wheat farm in Heyburn, Idaho, a small town nestled along the Snake River in the Mini-Cassia area. After graduating from Minico High School, Ned continued his education at Brigham Young University in Provo. Upon completion, Ned joined the United States Air Force and flew jets for more than 12 years. Following his service in the military, Ned ran his own business and was operations manager for a chemical production company before Jentzsch-Kearl Farms. Ned has been the marketing manager for Jentzsch-Kearl Farms – a partnership that produces wheat, hay, potatoes, sugar beets, and seed beans – since 2002.
During his ten years on the Wheat Commission, Ned served as chairman twice. He traveled extensively in Asia, South America, and Central America meeting with buyers of Idaho wheat in global markets and touring mills and end-use facilities promoting Idaho wheat. Ned and his wife, Mary, have three grown children. Ned will enjoy chasing grandchildren and pursuing his hobbies of woodworking, golf, and other outdoor sports.
“Ned was truly a pleasure to work with on the Commission. Not only did he show dedication for and represent well, the farmers across Idaho, he did it with a cheerful demeanor and sense of humor that would turn otherwise long days of meetings into an enjoyable experience,” said Cory Kress, IWC Chairman. “Ned will be missed, but we wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Ned is looking forward to spending more time cycling, kayaking, camping, and traveling with his wife, Mary, and visiting their children and grandchildren around the country. Ned is an avid woodworker and will be spending more of his free time in his wood shop.
