The state of Idaho is divided into three barley regions. A barley producer from each region is appointed by the Governor to serve a three-year term (limited to two terms) on the Idaho Barley Commission. The commissioners not only represent their districts but the state of Idaho through national organizations such as, US Grains Council, National Barley Growers Association, and the National Barley Foods Council. An industry representative also serves on the board bringing to the commission experience and insight from the malting industry.

I mention this so that, the next time you are at your desk facing the most pointless conference call or annoying coworker, you can think, “Right now, someone somewhere is spending every day on the Idaho Barley Commission. Well, not somewhere; in Idaho.” For that person, every professional thought revolves around barley. Grains Council meetings on Tuesdays… staying late at the office, missing that birthday dinner to finish the big barley PowerPoint presentation for this year’s National Barley Growers Association conference at the Tulsa Days Inn… losing business to your competitors and swearing in frustration, “Grrrr! Millet. Son of a bitch.”

Now that I’ve actually written this, I can’t decide whether my point is “it could be worse” or “it’s all roughly that pointless.” Either way, don’t worry about it.