Darren Padget is a fourth generation farmer in Grass Valley (Sherman County) currently producing certified wheat seed in a wheat/fallow rotation. He and his wife Brenda operate the farm along with his son, Logan.
Darren currently serves on the U.S. Wheat Associates board of directors, and has held positions on the Oregon Wheat Growers League board of directors for seven years, serving as President in 2010. He chaired the Research and Technology committee for the National Association of Wheat Growers. He also served on the Mid-Columbia Producers board of directors for 13 years. Serving on these boards has provided him with greater insight into the wheat industry and familiarity with the challenges that lay ahead in research and market development.
Darren notes that the Wheat Marketing Center is a unique entity that works on behalf of growers and the wheat industry to promote U.S. wheat by demonstrating the importance of quality in end products. The staff recognizes the constantly changing markets, responds quickly to customer needs and inquiries, and provides technical assistance where needed. Darren has served on the Wheat Marketing Center board of directors since 2015. He appreciates the key role WMC plays in maintaining U.S. market share in the world market, especially since U.S. wheat growers export half of their annual production.