Most of the work we do at Wheat Marketing Center falls within our non-profit educational and research mission. However, in response to requests from customers for contracted confidential lab analytics services, a for-profit entity called WMC Laboratory Services was established to conduct proprietary research and product development, lab analysis and training for those clients, on a non-disclosure basis to assist clients in meeting the needs of their customers.
WMC Lab Services provides a range of tests and analysis, including:
- Quality Testing – clients can send samples of wheat varieties for use in their end products for analysis and results about how the quality impacts their products.
- Product Development – using our pilot scale production lines for Asian noodles, crackers and biscuits, and tortillas, consumers can test quality and processes before transitioning to large scale production.
- Technical Staff Training – professionals can spend time with our expert technical team using equipment to gain valuable training around wheat quality and use.
WMC Lab Services reimburses Wheat Marketing Center for facility use and staff time, and it is governed by a separate Board of Directors.
WMC Lab Services Board of Directors
Tom Zelenka
Position:
Board of Directors
Tom Zelenka’s entire professional career has involved local, state, national and international public policy issues, both in the public and private sectors. Tom spent over 25 years with the Schnitzer...
Ron Williams
Position:
Board of Directors
Ron currently holds the position of Director of International Grains with Columbia Grain International where he has worked for more than 30 years. Ron has spent the majority of his...
Organization Name:
Idaho Wheat Commission
Steve Wirsching
Steve Wirsching is Vice President and Director of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), West Coast Office located in Portland, Oregon. Steve has served US wheat producers for over 25 years in...
Organization Name:
U.S. Wheat Associates
Dr. Jim Peterson
Dr. Jim Peterson joined the WMC Laboratory Services board in 2023. He currently serves as a research consultant for the Idaho Wheat Commission. Dr. Peterson is uniquely experienced in all...
Organization Name:
Idaho Wheat Commission
Marcia Walker
Marcia Walker joined the WMC Laboratory Services Board as Dave Stone’s successor in 2023. Walker is a 2003 PhD graduate from the College’s Food Science and Technology department from Oregon...
Organization Name:
Food Innovation Center, Oregon State University