Wheat growers lobbyist Borck loses her job

Gretchen Borck, the well-known spokeswoman and lobbyist for the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, has been let go as grain industry groups in the state consolidate.

She received notice last week after 14 years on the job.

Borck has had high-profile roles speaking on behalf of wheat farmers on major issues including debate over whether to remove or retrofit the four Snake River Dams in Washington to restore salmon runs, lobbying members of Congress on Farm Bill issues, and burning stubble in wheat fields.

“I was just stunned,” she said of her dismissal by the association’s executive committee. “I had no warning whatsoever. I guess the plan is to use volunteers and committee chairmen instead of me.”

Jim White, president of the wheat growers and a Palouse farmer, said the committees will be asked to do more work on government issues and membership communications.

It’s part of the consolidation between the wheat growers association, the Washington Wheat Commission and the Washington Barley Commission.

“We thank Gretchen for doing a good job for many years,” White said during a day of lobbying legislators in Olympia. “I think we parted ways amicably.”

Reached at her Ritzville home, Borck said she had been assured of job security as the consolidation developed and because the 2007 Farm Bill is under consideration. The federal legislation, expected to cover five years, is the most important bill for farmers. It sets subsidy levels for wheat farmers, sets out land conversation guidelines, awards dollars for agricultural research and is expected to help propel crop-based fuel initiatives.

While a strong advocate for the farmers whom she warmly calls “my guys,” she did not let politics reach the level of animosity. Despite the pressures and frustrations, she is known for a high level of professionalism with elected officials, bureaucrats and media.

She had worked on former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton’s staff before moving to Ritzville for the wheat growers job.

Now hunting for a new job, she is hoping to find another role in government affairs.

In a note sent to farmers and friends, she said: “I would like to thank you for your friendship and partnership on issues these past years. I wish the best for the wheat industry, for you and your family.”