Wilder L. Hatch
Bancroft
For his dedication to community, youth education and life-long work to protect natural resources and agriculture, Wilder L. Hatch is one of five inductees into the 2017 Eastern Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Hatch has served ag producers as a leader in the Caribou Soil Conservation District for over 30 years. The District has sponsored and been involved in multiple voluntary conservation projects benefiting landowners, food producers, rural and urban residents, and conservation education. Wilder is innovative and truly dedicated in his desire to preserve the land while improving productivity. He is also willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.
After serving in the Air Force for eight years, Hatch returned to the family ranch when his father became ill. Taking over the family operation, he added more production land and included multiple conservation practices along the way.
Conservation education for youth, and others, continues to be a high priority for Hatch. He is a strong advocate of natural resource education programs including Idaho Envirothon and Idaho Natural Resources Camp. Hatch uses his role in the conservation efforts to recognize, and encourage, ag producers by annually awarding an “Outstanding Cooperator of the Year” for conservation activities. Hatch believes such recognition improves the awareness of the general public and opportunities for producers.
Hatch and his wife Kathy live on their ranch near Bancroft where they raised six children.