Jerald Raymond — Chairman Raymond engaged the witness in a discussion of agricultural production and yield trends, noting the dramatic increase in yields over time and expressing appreciation for the witness’s work. The exchange also included a brief personal reference to Representative Kaufman in the context of the discussion.
Dustin Camp House — Identified as the industry representative for Great Western Malting.
Chef Nate from Turwar in Boise — A chef from Turwar in Boise was hosted to do a cooking class/show for dietitians and create barley recipes.
Chef Nate — He created barley recipes, including a barley salad and a crepe using barley flour, for dietitians.
David Cannon — Representative Cannon asked whether the yield pattern shown on slides 18 and 19 indicates a five-year cycle or is simply a coincidence, and the discussion continued immediately as the question was acknowledged and addressed.
Amaya Aguirre Landa — Introduced herself as executive director of the Idaho Grain Producers Association.
Carrie Semmelroth — Laura Wilder was referenced in connection with agricultural market development and export promotion, and then identified as having testified on behalf of the Idaho Barley Commission, continuing the same discussion of her role in supporting the industry.
Brittany Hearst — Referenced as having testified earlier on behalf of the Idaho Wheat Commission.
Chris Mathias — Representative McCann discussed concerns about dam breaching and preserving the river system, referencing a resolution she sponsored with Mark Harris. She asked what more the committee could do to encourage federal partners to keep the dams in place and offered to help in any way possible, noting the importance of the issue for Lewiston and conversations with port officials and Nate.
Gary Landa — Gary Landa discussed the importance of staying engaged with organizations and coalitions that support dams, then addressed the repeated sponsorship of legislation by Congressman Simpson and the lack of progress so far. He noted that the Workforce Modernization Act remains a key topic in Washington, D.C., based on his recent trips, and concluded by emphasizing that the committee’s main leverage is policy, urging members to consider how policy affects profitability and production.
Steve Miller — Representative Miller asks for an update on the Workforce Modernization Act and then follows up by asking the presenter to return to the second slide of the presentation for clarification.
John Shirts — Representative John Shirts presents House Bill 879, introduces himself and his district, receives thanks for working with stakeholders, gives closing comments, asks for a do-pass recommendation, and is asked to carry the bill on the floor.
Braden Jensen — Braden Jensen is identified as being present from the Farm Bureau and then begins testifying on behalf of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. He thanks Representative Shirts for working with stakeholders to bring forward HB 879.
Ms. Wilder — Invited to present to the committee.
Ms. Wilder — Thanked by the chair and asked to respond to questions.
Laura Wilder — Introduces herself as Executive Director of the Idaho Barley Commission and begins an update.
Lori McCann — Moves to approve the minutes of March 16, 2026.
Lori McCann — Moves to send HB 879 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation and to the second reading calendar.
Lori McCann — Representative McCann thanked the witness and described grain shipping through the Port of Lewiston.