WAWG
The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) is proud to announce the hiring of long-time agricultural advocate, KayDee Gilkey, as their new outreach coordinator.
Gilkey will be a familiar face to many wheat growers as she’s been involved with industry groups for years, most recently as director of industry relations with the Washington State Beef Commission. Before that, she worked with the Washington and Idaho cattlemen groups, Northwest Farm Credit Services and as a farm broadcaster for Ag Info of the West. She graduated as a member of AgForestry, Class 16. She has also served as a two-term mayor of Fairfield, Wash., where she makes her home with her husband, Todd, and son, Eli.
“I’m excited to make this move to the Washington Association of Wheat Growers,” Gilkey said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with wheat growers, as a farm broadcaster or at Northwest Farm Credit Services, and I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of folks I’ve known in my previous roles.”
Gilkey spent her first decade or so in central Washington before moving to Burlington, Wash., when she was in junior high. She was active in 4H and FFA and was the national director of the Junior Angus Board. After high school, she attended Washington State University, majoring in ag communications. In her spare time, she is a voracious reader and quilter. She is also an active community and church volunteer.
In her role with WAWG, Gilkey will coordinate the association’s grower education efforts, including the annual tri-state convention and the Agricultural Marketing and Management grower seminars, participate in state and federal advocacy activities, and contribute to public education efforts.