Weekly Update for
February 13

This week, NAWG CEO Chandler Goule joined Ardent Mills Aspire Leadership Development panel this week. Chandler was joined by Erin Ball, Executive Director of Grain Foods Foundation, Jane DeMarchi, CEO of North American Millers’ Association, and Jess McCluer, Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory at the National Grain and Feed Association. The group was moderated by Julie McCluer, Vice President of Torrey Advisory Group. The panel discussed their organizations roles in the grain industry, their personal career journeys, and how to best meet the challenges faced by ag industry professionals.

On February 11, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) welcomed new legislation that would move the Food for Peace international food assistance program under the USDA’s administration. The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Tracey Mann of Kansas, Rick Crawford of Arkansas, Dan Newhouse of Washington, David Rouzer of North Carolina, and House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson of Pennsylvania, along with Sens. Jerry Moran of Kansas and John Hoeven of North Dakota. “NAWG welcomes this legislation that supports American farmers while working to address hunger around the world,” said NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. “Each year, the Food for Peace program buys more than one million metric tons of food, including wheat, to feed millions of starving people in the poorest countries around the world. Under USDA, Food for Peace, this 71-year-old program will feed more people more efficiently and effectively without losing track of starting American foreign policy at home with American farmers.” Read the full release below.

Earlier today, the United States Senate confirmed Brooke Rollins as our next Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture. The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) CEO Chandler Goule responded with the following statement. “Congratulations Secretary Brooke Rollins. I appreciate Mrs. Rollins committing to getting the much-needed economic assistance for wheat producers rolled out during her confirmation hearing, as well as her interest in getting a long-term, meaningful farm bill signed into law this year that strengthens the farm safety net. NAWG looks forward to working with you to deliver real results for wheat growers and rural America.”

The 2025 Commodity Classic is right around the corner! NAWG hopes to see you in Denver, CO, from March 2 to 5. When you register, make sure to mark the National Association of Wheat Growers as one of your associations. Please encourage any wheat grower in your state to attend the largest agriculture trade show in the country.

On February 13, the Senate voted on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. He was confirmed with a vote of 52-48. Directly after, the Senate voted on Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture. She was confirmed with a vote of 72-28. On February 12, the Senate voted on Tulsi Gabbard to be Director of National Intelligence. She was confirmed with a vote of 52-48. They join Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Interior Secretary Douglas Burgum, Energy Secretary Christopher Wright, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas Collins, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Eric Turner, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell Vought as confirmed members of Trump’s Administration.

On February 12, the Senate Finance Committee voted to advance the nomination of Jamieson Greer of Maryland to be the United States Trade Representative. His nomination was voted through with a vote of 15-12. Mr. Greer previously served at USTR as Ambassador Lighthizer’s Chief of Staff during the first Trump Administration. In his written testimony, he noted he “look(s) forward to continuing that work for the President and the American people in close consultation with Congress.” His testimony went on to state he “look(s) forward to building on the historic work that was accomplished on trade in President Trump’s first term. Notably, nearly all of that good work was kept in place by the Biden Administration and even expanded upon”. His nomination now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

On February 11, USDA released the January World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report. The report states U.S. wheat saw an increase in food use by 4 million bushels to 970 million. Projected ending stocks have decreased 4 million bushels to 794 million but are up 14 percent above last year. The season-average farm price remained unchanged at $5.55 per bushel. Globally wheat supplies increased by 0.6 million tons, mainly due to higher production in Kazakhstan and Argentina. Global consumption rose by 1.8 million tons, world trade reduced by three million tons, and ending stocks lowered by 1.3 million tons.

On February 11, the House Committee on Agriculture held a full committee hearing to examine the economic crisis in farm country highlighting falling commodity prices and rising input costs. The witnesses included Dr. John Newton of Terrain, Alisha Schwertner of Schwertner Farms, Ryan Talley of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, and Rodney M. Weinzierl of Weinzierl Farms. Chairman Thompson stressed the urgency of enacting a new farm bill with a stronger safety net and urged swift confirmation of the new Secretary of Agriculture to expedite aid distribution. Ranking Member Craig expressed concern about inflation, natural disasters, and market volatility, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation for a farm bill that provides stability.

On February 12, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig announced the appointment of vice ranking members for the 119th Congress. These members will help shape policies on farm commodities, conservation, nutrition, livestock, and rural development. The appointed vice ranking members are Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit, Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture, Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology, Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture, Rep. Adam Gray (CA-13) Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, Rep. Eugene Vindman (VA-07) Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

House Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig criticized the proposed House Republican budget, which includes $230 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The cuts would reduce food assistance by 23%, impacting 42 million Americans, including children, seniors, and veterans. Craig warned that such reductions would hurt farmers, truckers, food processors, and grocery stores, making it harder to pass a bipartisan farm bill. Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Amy Klobuchar, released a statement stating that the focus should be on helping farmers, ranchers, children, seniors, and rural Americans, and not giving a tax giveaway to billionaires. She continues by saying, “This budget resolution greatly hurts the chances of passing a Farm Bill.”

On February 12, The U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report concluding that USDA's recording practices for SNAP obligations in FY 2023 violated the recording statute by incorrectly timing and estimating obligations. The agency's change on September 19, 2023, also violated the bona fide needs statute by using FY 2023 funds for FY 2024 benefits, though its prior daily recording practice complied. USDA must adjust its accounts to charge FY 2024 benefits to the correct appropriations, and if funds are insufficient, report an Antideficiency Act violation. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson accused the USDA under Secretary Vilsack of violating financial laws and mismanaging taxpayer funds for political convenience. He vows to hold the department accountable and prevent further partisan budget practices.

This week, President Trump announced presidential actions to adjust imports of steel and aluminum into the United States. The steel tariff reinstates a 25% tariff on steel imports from most countries, effective March 12, citing national security concerns over the domestic steel industry's ability to support defense and critical infrastructure needs. It also allows for potential exemptions for countries that negotiate alternative measures. The aluminum announcement increases the existing tariff on aluminum imports from 10% to 25%, also effective March 12. This action aims to counter global excess capacity, particularly from China, and support domestic aluminum production by removing previous country-specific exclusions and product exemptions. Both measures are intended to strengthen U.S. industrial capacity and national security.

The website, www.wheatcontest.org will be open for 2025 entries on March 1, 2025. Until then, you can get ready by renewing your membership with your state wheat grower organization. You must be a member of your state organization to enter the contest. If your state is not a member state of NAWG, you will need to become a member of NAWG. Membership matters! Your state organizations and NAWG are working on your behalf every day so that you have the opportunity to be more productive and profitable on your farm. Renew or join today! 

Jeff Blackwood has served on the NWF Board of Directors since 2021. Jeff lives in Northern Virginia and works for CropLife America. Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the board, and we appreciate his engagement. Jeff’s hobbies outside of work include Cub Scouts, parenting, reading, and running. Jeff recently finished the Twin Cities marathon with a group of work friends (including Frank Wong, Bayer) and already planning the next one.

Nathan Keane, NAWG Treasurer (MT), Ray VanHorn (OH), Bill Daugherty (WY), Jon Kleinjan (SD) and Dean Knell (ND) attended the leadership training in Washington, D.C. last week. The week was filled with speakers and workshops to help wheat growers be better leaders and communicators. Jon says, “The best part of these types of programs is meeting people involved in agriculture from all over the country and learning about their experiences and that leaders need character, competence, and the ability to communicate effectively.” Ray expresses that it was truly an honor to represent NAWG and wheat growers to members of Congress and tell our story. Thank you, Syngenta, for this outstanding program!