Mike Schulte
The Commissioners of the
Oklahoma Wheat Commission named Mike Schulte as their new Executive Director. Schulte, the former marketing director, will begin his new position April 1, 2009. The Okarche native has a strong background in wheat promotion and agriculture.
“Agriculture production is something that I have been involved in my whole life, I feel it is going to become more important to create direct relationships in the marketing of our commodity crops,” said Schulte. “I hope to create better interaction with foreign buyers to promote Oklahoma’s high quality wheat products.”
Schulte began his employment with the Commission in April 2007. In the roll of marketing director, he worked with trade teams, gave numerous presentations concerning the value of Oklahoma wheat and oversaw many state and national events.
“We analyzed several applications, with the quality being extremely high,” said Don Schieber, Oklahoma Wheat Commission vice chairman and US Wheat Associates Secretary-Treasurer. “His youthfulness and qualifications brought him to the top making him the best fit for the Commission.”
Before coming to the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, he was employed by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and was in charge of the livestock market news and specialty crop programs for the state.
Schulte graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2001, with degree in Agricultural Communications. As a member of the 12th class of the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program, Schulte experienced many career building experiences from his trip to South America to touring Capitol Hill.
“My experience with the Ag Leadership Program taught me the importance of getting involved and advocating for what you believe in,” Schulte said. “In agriculture we have a great story to tell and I plan on working hard to promote the story of the Oklahoma wheat industry.”
He looks forward to assisting to build and increase the domestic and export markets for Oklahoma wheat and its products through his position as the Executive Director. Schulte also looks forward to traveling the state to interact with the producers and elevator operators for one of Oklahoma’s most important products, Hard Red Winter wheat.
The Oklahoma Wheat Commission works to promote greater utilization of wheat in both domestic and international markets through research, market development and public education. Five wheat producers representing designated districts across the state serve as the Oklahoma Wheat Commission’s board of directors. Current officers are Jeff Krehbiel, chairman, Hydro; Don Schieber, vice chairman, Ponca City; Keith Kisling, secretary-treasurer, Burlington; Tom Stephens, member, Guymon; and Tom Glazier, member, Loyal.
