Weekly Update for
April 10

On April 7, NAWG, along with several other agricultural stakeholders, sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Agriculture Subcommittees, urging them to prioritize funding for key international food aid programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. Specifically, the letter calls for continued full support of the Food for Peace Title II, Food for Progress, and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education programs. It also requests increased funding for Food for Peace to $1.75 billion and for McGovern-Dole to $243.3 million—matching the levels appropriated in FY 2023. “U.S. international food aid programs are among the most vital humanitarian efforts in the world. They save countless lives, strengthen global stability, and provide hope to millions in need. America's wheat growers are proud to play a role in this life-saving mission. As we look ahead to FY 2026, it’s essential that Congress fully funds these programs,” said Chandler Goule, NAWG CEO. Read the full letter below.

On April 10, the House of Representatives passed the Senate-amended budget framework for the fiscal year 2026 budget in a 216-214 vote. This lays the groundwork for extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was a signature piece of legislation enacted during President Trump’s first term. “This is an important step forward in the process of passing a tax bill that works for producers and rural America,” said Chandler Goule, NAWG CEO. “NAWG will continue to stay actively engaged with Congress and officials in the Trump Administration as the process moves forward.”

On April 4, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Trade Review Act of 2025 (S.1272). A companion bill (H.R. 2665) was introduced in the House by Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-2), Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5), Jeff Hurd (R-CO-5), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5), Dan Newhouse (R-WA-4), and Brad Sherman (D-CA-32). This legislation is a bipartisan effort aimed at restoring congressional oversight of presidential tariff decisions. The bill would require the president to notify Congress and seek approval for new tariffs, promoting greater stability and accountability in U.S. trade policy. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern over the economic impact of recent tariff actions, including market volatility and rising consumer costs. This legislation builds on those recent bipartisan concerns to review and limit tariff measures.

On April 9, President Trump signed an executive order issuing a 90-day pause on tariff increases for most countries—excluding China. Under this policy, most nations will continue to face 10% tariffs on exports to the United States, while China, which had previously retaliated against U.S. trade measures, will now be subject to a 125% tariff.  The executive order also included language to rebuild America's maritime industrial base, citing decades of decline that have weakened national security. The order directs the creation of a comprehensive Maritime Action Plan to boost domestic shipbuilding, expand the maritime workforce, strengthen port infrastructure, and enhance national security. It also calls for new tariffs targeting unfair trade practices by China, the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones, and legislative proposals to incentivize private investment in shipbuilding and training. The administration aims to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and make American-built ships more competitive globally.

On April 4, Bayer Crop Sciences filed a petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court in the Durnell Roundup case following a recent decision by the Missouri Supreme Court. Bayer argues that a split among federal circuit courts over whether federal law preempts state failure-to-warn claims in Roundup™ litigation warrants the high court’s review. NAWG and other stakeholders are closely monitoring the case given, its potential impact on the future of a key crop protection tool.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding producers to schedule a visit with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year. These programs offer critical income support to farmers facing significant drops in crop prices or revenue. Producers must make their elections and complete enrollment by April 15 and are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to also sign up for additional FSA programs such as the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and other disaster and loan programs.

On April 4, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted the first Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) event, highlighting their partnership to improve nutrition and public health. During a visit to a Virginia elementary school, the Secretaries emphasized aligning federal programs to encourage healthier eating habits and reduce diet-related diseases. The MAHA initiative, directed by President Trump, aims to drive state-level reforms and promote healthier food choices in schools and communities nationwide.

On April 8, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing to consider the nominations of Judge Stephen Vaden for USDA Deputy Secretary and Tyler Clarkson for USDA General Counsel. The hearing focused on the nominees’ qualifications and experience. The committee reviewed their backgrounds and discussed the importance of strong leadership in the department to support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

On April 8, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing to examine President Trump’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda, with testimony from U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. The hearing focused on the administration’s new tariff measures, the ongoing trade deficit, and efforts to promote fair and reciprocal trade practices. Committee members discussed the impact of the administration’s trade policies on the U.S. economy, global market access, and national security.

On April 8, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to examine the role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in promoting employment and self-sufficiency. The hearing focused on ways to strengthen work requirements and expand access to employment and training programs. Committee members discussed how SNAP could better support participants in moving toward greater independence while continuing to meet their nutritional needs.

The April 2025 WASDE report shows U.S. wheat supplies are up due to higher imports, while exports have been lowered, pushing ending stocks 22% above last year. U.S. wheat prices are slightly lower this month, reflecting both larger domestic stocks and increased global production, especially in Russia and the EU. In contrast, changes in other commodities were smaller, with minor adjustments to corn exports, soybean crush, and record-high global rice production.

Dennis Schoenhals lives and farms near Kremlin, Oklahoma with his wife Pam. They, along with their son, Trev, raise wheat, soybeans, corn, alfalfa, grass hay and cattle. Dennis has worked professionally for The Federal Land Bank Association of Enid, Farm Credit Association and as an Ag Lender. Dennis has a BS in Agriculture Economics from Oklahoma State University. Dennis has served through the Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association chairs, presently serving as President, Member of NAWG Board of Directors, past Chair of the Environment & Research Committee and past chair of the NAWG Nominating Committee.  He is presently serving as Secretary of the Grand National Gun Club Board, Grand National Quail Club Board Member, Garfield County Industrial Authority Board Member and Member of First United Methodist Church Enid, where he served on numerous committees and as a Sunday School teacher of “last resort”!  He has also served on our local school board as well as the local Boy Scouts of America/Scouting USA Council Board. Dennis notes, “For as far back that our family history is remembered, including my father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfathers, all of my direct Schoenhals ancestors have grown wheat, this includes in 3 different countries, (Germany, Ukraine and USA) and 2 separate continents. We live directly along the historic Chisholm Trail. It was a popular cattle trail in the mid-late 1800’s, when cattle were driven north from Texas in huge cattle drives, to the rail head in central Kansas that took them east for processing.” 

It’s time to get your entries into the NWYC.  Winter Wheat growers can enter in dryland or irrigated categories.  Growers in the central/southern plains states of CO, KS, NE, OK, TX, WY can also enter into the new Pilot category called Digital Yield.  In this category, growers will enter by field. You can enter up to 3 fields and you need to attach a file showing the field you are entering. All contestants must be a member of their state wheat association or NAWG. Challenge yourself to grow the best yield and quality and showcase your achievement in the National Wheat Yield Contest. 

Check out the latest Field Post podcast, where Jason Jenkins discusses the National Wheat Yield Contest. Thanks, Jason, for the good information!