Governor Little has appointed two new wheat growers to represent Idaho farmers on the Idaho Wheat Commission. Justin Place, of Hamer, and Tim Freeburg, of Worley, will serve five-year terms ending June 30, 2030.
Justin Place will represent wheat farmers in District 4, which includes Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton Counties. He fills the seat previously held by Clark Hamilton, of Ririe, who completed his maximum term earlier this year.
Place previously served as President of the Idaho Grain Producers Association (IGPA) from 2023–2024 and currently serves on the grower advisory committee for Anheuser-Busch. Justin and his wife, Tara, farm north of Idaho Falls, where they grow wheat, barley, mustard, and alfalfa. They have four sons and one grandson.
“I am both excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve on the Idaho Wheat Commission,” said Place. “For me, the most rewarding part is connecting with people—building relationships, giving a voice to the agricultural community, and supporting the wheat industry that sustains us all.”
He added that he is inspired by Idaho’s wheat producers and looks forward to serving in this new role.
Tim Freeburg will represent District 1 farmers in Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Latah, and Shoshone Counties. He succeeds Joseph “Genesee Joe” Anderson, who retired after eight years of service.
“I am honored to serve and represent District 1 wheat farmers as the new Wheat Commissioner,” said Freeburg. “I look forward to working with growers and partners to strengthen Idaho’s wheat industry and ensure a sustainable future for farming.”
Freeburg grew up farming and has produced winter wheat, spring wheat, canola, hay, bluegrass seed, and garbanzo beans. He and his wife, Randi, have three boys who keep them busy with outdoor adventures. He also enjoys flying and coaching baseball.
Cory Kress, IWC Chairman, expressed gratitude for outgoing commissioners Clark Hamilton and “Genesee Joe” Anderson.
“Both men have served Idaho’s farmers, as well as wheat farmers across the United States, over the last decade and a half,” Kress said. “At the same time, we are excited to welcome Justin Place and Tim Freeburg as their successors.”
Clark Hamilton was first appointed in 2015 by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and reappointed in 2020 by Governor Brad Little. He served on the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) executive committee and is currently chairman of USW (2024–2025).
Joseph “Genesee Joe” Anderson was appointed in 2017 by Governor Otter and reappointed in 2022 by Governor Little. After retiring from farming in 2024, he stepped down from the Commission to allow new leaders the opportunity to serve.
“Both Justin and Tim have shown their commitment and dedication to the wheat industry,” continued Chairman Kress. “We look forward to having both of them bring that same passion to IWC—directing research, promoting trade, and educating Idaho farmers. New perspectives and ideas are healthy for organizations.”
The Idaho Wheat Commission (IWC) is a grower-governed, quasi-state agency dedicated to increasing farmer profitability through investments in market development, wheat research, and producer education. The Commission’s five grower leaders represent five production districts across Idaho. After farmers submit resumes and applications to IGPA, IGPA forwards three names per district to the Governor, who appoints one grower to serve up to two five-year terms.