Weekly Update for
April 24

Last week, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) extended thanks to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for targeting the proposed Section 301 actions regarding Chinese maritime practices in ways that protect U.S. farm commodity export competitiveness. We appreciate USTR’s understanding of the impact the original proposals could have had on wheat growers and the grain trade. The uncertainty about the proposals was already causing problems for overseas customers, who were hesitant to make purchases with additional port fees looming. “Wheat growers appreciate USTR for taking this balanced approach and engaging with the agricultural community in finalizing this proposal,” said Pat Clements, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers. “Ocean shipping is critical for U.S. wheat growers to move their crops to market, and this step helps maintain our global competitiveness.” NAWG remains committed to working closely with USTR as the new regulations are implemented.

Last week, NAWG joined fellow agricultural industry leaders in sending a letter to the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees, urging strong support for continued U.S. membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO plays a vital role in promoting a strong, secure, and prosperous America by ensuring fair access to global markets for American food and agricultural exports. Without it, the U.S. risks losing critical trade opportunities and the ability to help shape international rules that support global food security. The coalition called on Congress to not only preserve but also strengthen the U.S. role in the WTO—and to firmly reject any efforts to withdraw from the organization.

On Wednesday, April 23, NAWG joined more than 60 agricultural and food organizations in urging the administration to maintain U.S. membership in the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) while advancing reforms to enhance its effectiveness and alignment with U.S. interests. In a letter to senior officials, the coalition highlighted the FAO’s role in facilitating science-based standards through Codex and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), which help reduce trade barriers and protect global food systems. The letter emphasized the need for renewed U.S. leadership including full diplomatic staffing and active participation in standard-setting to ensure American farmers and exporters have fair access to international markets. NAWG and its peers stressed that continued engagement is essential for supporting science-driven policy, food security, and agricultural innovation.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins continued her rural tour with a visit to Central Pennsylvania and Fargo, North Dakota, emphasizing the administration’s “Farmers First” commitment. Joined by Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) and several members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, Rollins toured Talview Dairy, held a roundtable with local producers, and met with rural banking leaders to discuss ag lending. Lawmakers praised the visit as an opportunity to showcase Pennsylvania’s agricultural strengths and foster dialogue on key issues including regulation, market access, and rural investment. The visit concluded with a joint op-ed from Rollins and McCormick promoting bipartisan support for farm-focused policies. Earlier this week, Secretary Rollins joined Senator John Hoeven, who serves as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, Governor Kelly Armstrong, and North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture Doug Goehring for a visit to North Dakota. During the trip, Secretary Rollins got direct feedback from the state’s farmers as work proceeds on the next farm bill, learned firsthand about North Dakota’s leadership in precision agriculture technologies, and toured American Crystal Sugar.

On April 22, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced $340.6 million in USDA disaster assistance to support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities affected by recent natural disasters. The funding, part of President Trump’s January executive order, aims to expedite long-delayed relief and includes targeted aid for states like North Dakota, North Carolina, and Tennessee. In Fargo, Rollins highlighted over $5 million to rebuild electric infrastructure and outlined allocations for economic development, safe drinking water, and technical assistance. The USDA is also streamlining the Disaster Assistance Fund to cut red tape and deliver faster, more effective support to communities in need.

The North Dakota Senate approved House Bill 1318 in a 29–18 vote, granting pesticide manufacturers legal protection from lawsuits if their products include EPA-approved labels. Supporters, including Senator Terry Wanzek (R-ND), argue the measure upholds science-based agriculture and offers legal clarity for producers. Critics contend the bill undermines residents’ ability to pursue legal recourse. The legislation now heads to Governor Kelly Armstrong for final consideration.

On April 21, U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act to lift federal restrictions on physician-owned hospitals (POHs) and improve access to care in underserved rural communities. The bill would allow POHs, known for high-quality, patient-focused service, to expand and establish new facilities, particularly for Medicare and Medicaid patients. The legislation is backed by several Senate Republicans and major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), who argue that empowering physicians is key to reversing hospital closures and revitalizing rural health care systems.

On April 22, in celebration of Earth Day, Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01) reintroduced the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), a comprehensive bill aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by 2040. The legislation proposes science-driven, farmer-led strategies to boost climate resilience, enhance soil health, invest in clean energy, and expand research and conservation programs all while improving profitability for producers. With broad support from national farm groups and local advocates, the ARA reflects growing momentum to equip farmers with tools to combat extreme weather and economic strain. The bill has been endorsed by organizations like the American Farmland Trust, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union.

The National Wheat Foundation oversees, manages, and executes the leadership program sponsored by Bayer. The ideal participants are those who are new board members and desire to serve on state and national boards to advocate on behalf of wheat growers. The program aims to equip participants with the tools they need to succeed at advocacy, leadership, communication, and alliance building. The first session in 2025 will be right before the fall meeting in Austin, Texas.  The dates are November 2-4. The second session is right before the winter meeting in Washington, DC. The dates are January 25-26, 2025. Applicants need a letter of recommendation from their state wheat grower association. Participants must commit to attending both sessions. Applications can be found below. Applications are due July 1, 2025. 

Many of our great partners in the contest offer vouchers for you to use when you enter the contest.  You will be asked to select your payment method when you submit your entry. You can select vouchers then use the drop-down menu to select which partner voucher you want to use. At the time you enter, please make sure your membership with your state wheat grower association is up to date. If you are from a state that is not affiliated with NAWG, you need to join NAWG as an individual.  Cost is $100/year.  You can do this when you check out as you submit your entries. Contact Anne Osborne (aosborne@wheatworld.org) if you have questions. Only 3.5 weeks left to get your Winter Wheat entries in.