Podcasts

On the December/January edition of the NAWG Podcast we sit down with Eric Ball, Executive Director of the Grain Foods Foundation, to break down the new dietary guidelines and what they mean for wheat growers. NAWG Secretary Chris Tanner joins us to discuss the transfer of the Food for Peace program to USDA. And we wrap up with NAWG’s Vice President of Policy and Communications, Anthony Peña, who shares insights on his new role and highlights from our annual Winter Board meeting in Washington, D.C.

On NAWG’s November podcast we take a deep dive into the EPA’s newly proposed WOTUS rule. Courtney Briggs from the American Farm Bureau Federation joins us to break down what the proposal rule means for wheat growers nationwide. We also check in with NAWG’s new CEO, Sam Kieffer, to hear about his transition into the role and his vision for the organization moving forward. And finally, we wrap up with NAWG Policy Manager Anthony Peña, who brings us highlights from the fall board meeting in Austin, Texas, and updates us on NAWG’s remaining policy priorities for the year.

In this September–October episode, we sit down with NAWG Treasurer Nathan Keane to talk about our annual Fall Fly-In in Washington, D.C. Then, Interim CEO Eric Steiner gives us the latest on the government shutdown and what it means for wheat growers across the country. Listen below!

Welcome to the June edition of our podcast. This month, we’re joined by Eric Steiner of OFW Law for an inside look at the latest developments on the reconciliation funding bill currently making its way through Congress. We’ll also take you behind the scenes of the National Wheat Foundation’s annual farm tour. Hear firsthand insights from tour host Billy Willard and NWF board member Carl Schwinke as they share key takeaways from this year’s event. Tune in below to stay informed and connected with what’s happening in ag policy and the wheat community.

On NAWG’s May podcast, we’re spotlighting the National Wheat Yield Contest — an exciting annual competition hosted by the National Wheat Foundation. The contest gives wheat growers across the country a chance to showcase their skills and compete for top honors in wheat production and quality. Denis Schoenhals, the newest officer at the NWF takes us behind the scenes of this year’s contest and share insights into the Foundation’s ongoing efforts in grower education and outreach. The deadline for Spring Wheat entries is August 1.

On the April podcast, we welcome Dr. Christian Hagerty, Chair of the National Wheat Improvement Committee, for a conversation about the committee’s recent fly-in to Washington, D.C., their top priorities, and key FY 2026 appropriations requests. We’re also joined by American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, who shares the AFBF’s 2025 policy agenda and sheds light on vital mental health initiatives aimed at supporting farmers through today’s economic challenges. To close out the episode, we introduce NAWG’s newest team member, Anthony Peña.

On the March podcast, we delve into key conversations that are shaping the future of agriculture and food policy. First, we’re joined by Reece Langley, Principal at Langley Consulting, a bipartisan government relations and public policy firm. Together, we explore the recently introduced Bipartisan Grown in America Act and its potential impact on wheat growers. Next, Kansas farmer Clay Schemm provides an overview of the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado, sharing some of the event’s highlights. We also speak with Senator John Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, about the Committee’s recent hearings on the financial challenges facing the agricultural industry, as well as his top policy priorities for the 119th Congress. NAWG’s new president, Pat Clements, shares his goals and what he hopes to achieve during his term.

On the February podcast, we hear from Peter Laudeman, Director of Trade Policy at U.S. Wheat Associates, as he provides an update on the current state of U.S. international food aid programs. I also sit down with Dr. John Newton, Executive Head of Terrain, who brings over two decades of experience using data to tackle agriculture's toughest challenges. John shares his insights into the ongoing economic crisis in farm country. Finally, we speak with NAWG Keeff Felty about his testimony at the Senate Agriculture Committee's hearing on farmers' and ranchers' views of the farm economy. Keeff also reflects on his time as NAWG President and highlights key moments from his time on the officer team. Links to the reports talked about on this podcast can be found below. Examining the Economic Crisis in Farm Country by John Newton PHD on Behalf of Terrain What Farmers Can Expect From the American Relief Act by John Newton Ph.D

 

The October podcast includes a conversation with NAWG Secretary Nathan Keane about how wheat harvest went in Montana this year and the National Cotton Foundation’s annual cotton tour in Lubbock, Texas. NAWG’s Vice President of Policy and Communications, Jake Westlin, gives an update on NAWG’s latest farm bill advocacy efforts and lame duck session priorities. NAWG Treasurer Jamie Kress shares her personal story about how she got involved in agriculture advocacy. Make sure to check out NAWG’s new 2024 Farm Bill advocacy campaign urging Congress to work to pass a long-term bipartisan farm bill this year. Learn more and get involved here.