Edwall, Wash., farmer Kevin Klein was elected chairman of the Washington Grain Commission during the Feb. 21 board meeting.

“We’re working on improving our communication, is the biggest thing,” Klein told the Capital Press. That includes talking to growers, legislators and the general public. “There’s a lot of challenging issues going on in the wheat industry and ag industry. Just trying to maintain and hold all our ag components and ag issues – farm bill, insurance – together.”

The chairman typically serves for two years.

Klein joined the commission in 2018. He’s been serving in a leadership chair position the last four years.

“It’s time to be done and get off, so yeah, this is the right time,” Klein said.

Klein has been farming “all my life.” He started farming on his own in 1998. He raises winter and spring wheat, spring barley and spring canola.

Klein said his farm recently got an inch of rain in three days, and saw three inches of snow on the ground disappear with the rain, creating runoff in ditches and road issues in the surrounding county.

“At this point in time, I remain optimistic as usual, as a farmer,” he said. “Not sure where the prices are going to be, and all that.”

As one of two barley representatives on the commission board, Klein represents barley farmers in Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Orielle, Spokane and Stevens counties.

“It’s having a tough time at the moment,” Klein said. “I see barley acres are on the decline.”

Nationwide, about 1.85 million acres of barley were harvested in 2024, down from nearly 7 million in 1994. Most malting barley acres are grown under contract.

“I understand it’s a challenging time for growers with a down economy,” Klein said. “We’re all fighting to get through another season and keep the family farm going.”

Industry representative Ty Jessup is vice chairman on the board. Asotin, Wash., farmer Brit Ausman is secretary/treasurer.