Weekly Update for
April 9

This week, National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Sam Kieffer published an op-ed in Agri-Pulse responding to the Trump administration’s budget proposal. The proposed cuts to Food for Peace, McGovern-Dole, and agricultural research programs raise significant concerns for U.S. wheat growers. These initiatives play a critical role in creating demand for American-grown wheat, supporting global food security, and reinforcing U.S. leadership abroad. NAWG warns that reducing investment in agricultural research could further erode U.S. competitiveness, particularly as China and the European Union continue to outspend the United States. At a time when farmers are facing high input costs and low commodity prices, NAWG is urging Congress to maintain and strengthen these vital programs and encourage growers to advocate for continued support. Read the full op-ed below.

This week, NAWG staff and industry partners spoke with Agri-Pulse about ongoing financial challenges facing wheat growers and the continued decline in planted acres. According to the latest Prospective Plantings report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. wheat acreage is projected at 43.8 million acres—down 3% from 2025 and the lowest level since 1919. Anthony Peña noted that the decline is largely driven by profitability concerns. Low commodity prices, combined with persistently high input costs, continue to strain farm operations. Additional uncertainty tied to global instability in the Middle East—including risks around the Strait of Hormuz—is adding pressure, particularly as fertilizer accounts for a significant share of production expenses. At the same time, domestic demand for wheat has softened. U.S. per capita wheat consumption has fallen from 147 pounds in 1997 to under 129 pounds in 2024, reflecting shifting consumer perceptions about wheat and carbohydrates. NAWG emphasizes that addressing input costs remains a key opportunity for policymakers to improve the economic outlook for wheat growers.

In March, U.S. Wheat Associates and NAWG Treasurer and Kansas farmer Chris Tanner traveled to South Korea and Taiwan to gain firsthand insight into how U.S. wheat performs in critical export markets. The visit highlighted the strong global demand for U.S. wheat, particularly in South Korea, where it accounts for roughly 47% of the milling wheat market. Korean buyers continue to prioritize high-quality, consistent supply, supported by rigorous inspection standards and long-standing partnerships. Tanner also visited the Korea Baking School, where U.S. wheat has played a role in baking education since 1972. He emphasized the value of seeing the full supply chain from wheat grown in Kansas to finished products overseas—and the importance of continued investment in export market development. NAWG Vice President, Nathan Keane, also participated in this U.S. Wheat Associates experience.

This week’s blog, NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer underscores the critical role of collaboration in helping wheat farmers navigate today’s challenges from rising input costs and market uncertainty to increasing regulatory pressures. NAWG continues to partner across the agriculture sector to tackle fertilizer affordability, engage policymakers, strengthen international food assistance programs, and advocate for essential wheat research funding. NAWG is also working closely with private sector leaders while maintaining strong connections with growers to ensure their voices remain at the center of advocacy efforts. Read the full blog below.

On April 3rd, the House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) made a statement about the fiscal year 2027 budget request, which cuts USDA budget by $5 million (19%). Ranking member Craig said in Response, “Now more than ever, farmers need our support. Their markets have been decimated by President Trump’s tariffs, and in turn, raided by our competitors. The president’s war in Iran has driven fertilizer costs sky-high, making inputs even more expensive than their historical highs. At this critical time, rather than invest in farm country and rural America, the president has decided to gut key programs critical to the growth and success of family farmers. This budget is just another signal from this White House that they take farmers-and the critical work they do to feed and fuel the world- for granted.”

In the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Services weekly crop progress report shows that the winter wheat crops are starting the 2026 season in worse shape than last year. Partially due to the widespread drought across the central and southern plains, the condition of winter wheat was 35% good to excellent, which is 13 points below the 48% during this time last year. As of April 5th, 31% of winter wheat was rated poor to very poor, which is up by 21% during this time last year. With Kansas as the country’s top winter wheat producer, it was rated 38% good to excellent and %38 fair, and Washington saw 86% good to excellent rating.

On April 7th, the Iranian and United States governments agreed on a temporary ceasefire; however, analysts warn against anticipating immediate price relief. Donald Trump said that the U.S. and Iran reached a temporary two-week ceasefire, which was confirmed by Iranian leadership shortly after. While oil prices fell briefly amid the announcement, growers waiting for relief from higher fertilizer and fuel costs may have to wait. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Chief Economist, Maximo Torero, said shipping insurance has surged by as much as 10% and could take months to get a clear picture of whether shipping risks have truly diminished, while transportation costs in the region can remain high. David Ortega, a food economist and professor at Michigan State University, said that a ceasefire may not be enough for insurers to ensure ships have safe passage through the Strait. Several large companies are still warning shareholders and partners that, just because there is a ceasefire, it doesn’t mean costs will ease. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Gergieva both ensure that the conflict can still maintain higher prices.

The Trump Administration released the proposed budget for fiscal year 2027, which includes $4.9 billion in budget cuts to USDA funding. This reduction in funding is roughly 19% from USDA’s current discretionary budget. The proposal is part of a broader effort to lower overall non-defense federal spending while increasing funding for defense priorities. Several USDA programs would be affected, including agricultural research, rural development, and food assistance. The budget proposes eliminating international food programs such as Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program. It also calls for reduced spending for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which supports research and grants. In addition to program cuts, the proposal includes staffing reductions across multiple USDA agencies, such as the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Reports show that FSA employed 8,135 people in FY2025, down to 7,320 in FY2026. For FY2027, the budget calls for 6,009 full-time staff positions in the FSA. Along with all the budget cuts, President Trump is requesting $50 million to implement a department reorganization.

On April 1st, the United States Department of Agriculture announced loan interest rates for April 2026. Farm Service Agency loans provide crucial access to capital that assists agricultural producers in starting or expanding their farming operations, building storage structures, meeting cash flow needs, and purchasing equipment. FSA offers operating, ownership, and emergency loans to help agricultural producers obtain the funding needed to start, expand, or maintain an agricultural operation. Additionally, in addition to operating, ownership, and emergency loans, they offer financing to build or upgrade on-site storage facilities, purchase handling equipment, and provide interim financing.

We are looking for a college student who is interested in a paid internship 10-20 hours per week.  The right candidate will be located in the Northern Plains to facilitate regular in person meetings with the executive director of the Foundation.  The job description is on Handshake and can be found National Wheat Foundation Internship | National Wheat Foundation | Handshake.  Please encourage college students you know to apply by the end of April. If you have any questions, please contact NWF Executive Director Anne Osborne at aosborne@wheatworld.org

You may not feel confident right now that your wheat has national yield‑winning potential, but that shouldn’t stop you from entering the contest. Growing conditions can still change, and your crop may perform better than expected as the season progresses. Participating in the contest also encourages you to take a closer look at every decision that goes into producing your wheat crop, often leading to valuable insights you can carry forward on your farm. On your strongest fields, or those you choose to enter, you might experiment with a new biological product, adjust fungicide timing, try a new variety, modify row spacing, or make an additional fertilizer pass. Our outstanding contest partners are available to help you evaluate these options and determine how to get the most value from your investment. Beyond individual results, completing a contest entry helps build a larger body of knowledge about the practices that contribute to high yields and grain quality across the wheat industry. Winter wheat entries are due May 15, and the contest includes dryland categories that recognize yield improvements over county averages, as well as naming state winners. Even if a national award feels out of reach, you have nothing to lose, and a lot to gain, by entering. You won’t know what’s possible unless you give it a shot. Learn more below.