Marcus J. Gibbs
Grace
Marcus J. Gibbs of Grace is being inducted into the 2015 Eastern Idaho Agriculture Hall of Fame for his contributions to and advocate of agriculture.
Growing up on a farm in Caribou County, Gibbs developed a love for hunting, fishing and the natural resources of the area. While attending Utah State University, Gibbs spent weekends working on the farm but always wanted to work for a bank. Upon graduating with a degree in finance he found the perfect combination by returning to the farm permanently. This enabled him to make his livelihood in agriculture and still work for a bank, just from the other side of the desk!
Upon the death of his father in 1970, 25-year old Gibbs suddenly found himself managing 800 aces of production ground and 100 head of registered Hereford cattle. Over the years the operation has changed significantly. Pivots and wheel lines were added and agronomists and irrigation consultants are utilized for optimum production, quality and efficiency. The Gibbs farm currently consists of 1,650 irrigated deeded acres and an additional 1,000 leased acres growing seed potatoes, malt barley and wheat.
Through the years, Gibbs has served the community and seed potato industry in a number of ways. For 25 years he served on the Idaho Potato Seed Advisory Committee. In this capacity he contributed to the procedures and policies for crop improvement under the Idaho Crop Improvement Association. He has served in various capacities of both organizations.
Gibbs has also worked with other producers serving 43 years on the Board of Directors of the Last Chance Canal Company, as a member of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and was elected to the Idaho Legislature in 2008. He currently serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Resources and Conservation Committee.
He is married to the former Bonne Andreasen and they are the parents of two children.