This past week, NAWG was proud to join thousands of farmers and industry leaders in San Antonio for the 30th annual Commodity Classic. Milestone anniversaries offer a valuable moment to reflect, and this year’s Classic was a powerful reminder of just how interconnected – and resilient – agriculture truly is, especially at a time when growers are facing sustained economic pressure.
From early morning meetings to evening events, NAWG officers and staff were running a hundred miles a minute. What stood out most was the positive and productive engagement with partners from across the wheat value chain. Seed developers, crop protection and fertilizer companies, equipment manufacturers, grain handlers, and farm organizations all share a common interest: a stronger farm economy and a successful American wheat grower.
A central theme in many of our conversations was the stubbornly high cost of inputs. Growers continue to face tight margins, and NAWG officers spent significant time discussing practical policy solutions and marketplace realities with stakeholders. Whether the topic was fertilizer, herbicides, equipment, or financing, the message was consistent – farmers need relief, competition, and innovation that lowers costs while improving productivity – and they need policymakers and industry leaders to help make that happen.
I want to personally thank the NAWG officers, who generously volunteered their time and energy all week long. They moved from meeting to meeting, participated in media interviews on some challenging topics, and represented wheat growers with professionalism and credibility. Pat Clements did a phenomenal job on stage during the general session, clearly outlining NAWG’s policy priorities, the realities of today’s farm economy, and farmers’ expectations that Congress take meaningful action instead of kicking legislative cans down the road once again.
The officer team also held an in-depth meeting with Richard Fordyce, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, and Bill Beam, Administrator of the Farm Service Agency. They discussed OBBBA implementation, growers’ experiences with county offices, and USDA’s ongoing efforts to better serve American agriculture. These candid conversations are essential to ensuring programs work as intended and deliver real support at the county level.
In addition, officers met with senior leaders from across agriculture, including Brian Naber, President of Bayer Crop Science North America; Chuck Magro, CEO of Corteva; Deanna Kovar, President of Ag & Turf at John Deere; and Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, among many others. These discussions focused on strengthening collaboration, improving farmer profitability, and addressing challenges that require solutions beyond Washington.
Commodity Classic also marked an important leadership transition for NAWG. We proudly installed Jamie Kress (ID) as President, Nathan Keane (MT) as Vice President, Chris Tanner (KS) as Treasurer, Auston Anderson (CO) as Secretary, and Pat Clements (KY) as Past President. Each of these leaders brings deep experience and a strong commitment to serving wheat growers nationwide. Volunteer leadership is the backbone of NAWG, and we’re fortunate to have such thoughtful and engaged growers stepping forward. I also want to extend a sincere thank you to Keeff Felty for his service as he concludes his tenure on the officer team.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the week is this: advocacy doesn’t only happen in Washington, D.C. Often, it means walking the halls of Congress. But this week, it meant engaging directly with companies and industry leaders across the value chain. Many of the challenges farmers face today – especially input costs and supply chain pressures – may not be solved solely through legislation or regulation. They require partnership, innovation, and a willingness to work through tough issues together.
I’m deeply grateful to farmers who leave their farms and families to advocate for their livelihood and rural communities. Their leadership allows NAWG to engage effectively both inside and outside government. With continued volunteer commitment and strong partnerships, we can tackle the issues facing wheat growers from every angle.