Podcasts

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.

 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Unfortunately, suicide is an issue that is not unfamiliar in rural America. In the U.S., suicide rates among folks living in rural areas are 64 to 68 % higher than those in large urban areas. On this podcast, our CEO Chandler Goule shares his personal story about and explores ways we can combat the stigma surrounding mental health in rural America. Farm Credit Council’s CEO Todd Van Hoose gives an update on the state of the farm credit system and its impact on farmers. We also got an update from U.S. Custom Harvesters Treasurer Mychal Neumiller on how the wheat harvest went this year. If you or a loved one is dealing with depression, anxiety, substance issues, or other mental wellness concerns, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Contact the 988 lifeline by dialing 988 or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org or our partner at Rural Minds at ruralminds.org.

The July/August podcast dives into the importance of Southeast Washington’s Lower Snake River Dams. This podcast includes conversations with Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washinton Association of Wheat Growers, Congressman Dan Newhouse, Representative for Washington’s 4th Congressional District, and Jack Long, NAWG’s Government Relations Representative.

The June podcast focuses on the farm bill fly-in NAWG hosted in Washington, D.C., and the National Wheat Foundation’s annual wheat farm tour. This podcast includes discussions with NAWG President Keeff Felty, NAWG Treasurer Jamie Kress, NAWG Secretary Nathan Keane, Maryland farmer Eric Spates, Kentucky farmer and NWF Chairman Bernard Peterson, and NAWG Vice President Pat Clements.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the May podcast focuses on how we can tackle the mental health crisis in rural America. We spoke with Jeff Winton, President and Chairman of Rural Minds, and Nathan Lawson, Kentucky producer and mental health advocate. We also got an update from our IPP member Syngenta on their latest developments on getting hybrid wheat to market.