Weekly Update for
February 27

At the 30th annual Commodity Classic in San Antonio, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) joined thousands of farmers and industry leaders to advocate for a stronger farm economy amid ongoing financial pressures. Throughout the week, NAWG officers and staff met with partners across the wheat value chain to address rising input costs and the need for greater competition, innovation, and policy solutions to improve farmer profitability. Officers also engaged directly with USDA leadership, including Richard Fordyce and Bill Beam, to discuss program implementation and ensure federal support is effectively delivered at the county level. In addition, NAWG and NWF leaders held strategic conversations with executives from major agriculture companies and farm organizations to strengthen collaboration beyond Washington. The Classic concluded with NAWG installing its new officer team, reinforcing the organization’s strong farmer-led leadership and continued commitment to advocating for wheat growers nationwide.

At Commodity Classic 2026, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) team took time to connect directly with agricultural media to share what matters most to wheat growers. Through conversations with Farm Journal, DTN / Progressive Farmer, Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc., Brownfield Ag News, RFD-TV, and the Axeplore, NAWG officers and staff discussed the real challenges and opportunities facing producers today. From the farm economy and trade concerns and wheat’s role in the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, NAWG leaders emphasized their commitment to advocating for policies that support farm families and strengthen the future of the U.S. wheat industry.

On February 27, The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcomed its new officer team at the 2026 Commodity Classic in San Atonio, TX. These officers will begin their one-year terms, continuing NAWG’s mission to promote the needs of our nation’s wheat growers. Jamie Kress of Idaho will serve as President, Nathan Keane of Montana will serve as Vice President, Chris Tanner will serve as Treasurer, and Auston Andersen of Colorado will serve as Secretary. Pat Clements of Kentucky will take on the role of Past President. These officers were elected on January 16, 2025, during NAWG’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. “We are excited to welcome this dedicated and accomplished group of leaders to NAWG’s officer team,” said NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer. “Their experience, commitment, and passion for agriculture will strengthen our advocacy efforts and help us advance policies that support wheat farmers and rural communities nationwide.”

On February 20, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), CEO Sam Kieffer issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA): “As policymakers consider next steps following the Court’s decision, it is essential that America’s farm families ongoing financial crisis be considered. Wheat growers finished the third straight year of financial losses driven by stubbornly high supply costs and low prices for the crops we grow. We depend on fertilizer, crop protection tools, equipment, repair parts and other supplies that sometimes come from trading partners to successfully plant and harvest each year’s crop. As the Administration considers how to move forward, NAWG urges careful attention to avoid any adverse impacts on agriculture. We look forward to continued engagement with the Trump Administration and Congress to achieve long-term policies that stabilize the farm economy and protect America’s domestic food supply.”

On February 26, The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) today welcomed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins’ announcement of the “One Farmer, One File” initiative. The initiative aims to create a single, streamlined digital record that follows farmers across USDA agencies and programs, reducing redundancy and improving efficiency. “NAWG welcomes Secretary Rollins’ launch of the “One Farmer, One File” initiative. Farmers run complex family businesses and time is one the most precious commodities on their farm. USDA’s effort to create a single, streamlined record is welcome news that will save farmers time, better inform business decisions, and hopefully improve program delivery,” said NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer.

On February 23rd, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy is defending President Trump’s executive order to emphasize domestic production of glyphosate, despite his firm position in the Make America Healthy Again Movement. Secretary Kennedy said that “if pesticides disappeared overnight, crop yields would fall, food prices world surge, and America would experience a massive loss of farm even beyond what we are witnessing today. The consequences would be disastrous.” President Kennedy expressed all his concerns and comments in an X post. He implied the importance of regenerative agriculture and its ability to expand farming systems, increase biodiversity and reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals. MAHA supports were already disappointed after President Trump’s February 18th executive order; whereas critics are saying that the executive order will reflect poorly on Trump during the midterms.

The House Ag Committees farm bill markup has been delayed to next week because of inclement weather in Washington DC. The debate will now be held next week, with the markup set to start on Monday, March 2nd.

On February 24th, President Trump told lawmakers that he will not need their vote to impose tariffs. The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s tariffs using the International Emergency Economic Powers act, which called for a swift response from the administration. President Trump imposed 10% global tariffs on Tuesday and insisted that it could go up to 15%. The statute used to impose this new global tariff is under the Trade Act of 1974 under Section 122. The act also tariffs for 150 days at 15%, after the 150 days congress must decide to keep the tariffs in place. Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo) told Agri-Pulse that he isn’t expecting any votes after the 150-day deadline. President Trump also used his State of the Union Adress to issue a threat to countries about abandoning their recent trade pacts due to the recent tariff landscape after the Supreme Court decision. Legal analysts have said that after the designated 150-day period, the President could revoke Section 122 proclamation and issue a new authority for another 150-day period. White House fact sheets state fertilizer imports are exempt from the 15% tariffs.

On February 18th, President Trump designated glyphosate-based herbicide and elemental as critical national defense through the Defense Protection Act of 1950. President Trump ordered Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to prioritize and secure domestic supplies. Trump’s order also grants legal immunity to producers who comply with federal directives and gives the United States Agriculture Department authority to control distribution and production. Under the DPA, Trump listed phosphorus and glyphosate production as essential for military readiness, as well as agriculture. President Trump claims that scarcity of both products could leave the United States vulnerable; whereas the designation will also the President to direct production and control the distribution. The order from the White House said that “glyphosate-based herbicides are a cornerstone of this nation’s agricultural productivity and rural economy, allowing United States farmers and ranchers to maintain high yields and low production costs while ensuring that healthy, affordable food option remain within reach for all American families.” The order also highlighted current struggles farmers are facing with profit margins. “Given the profit margins growers currently face, any major restrictions in access to glyphosate-based herbicides would result in economic losses for growers and make it untenable for them to meet growing food and feed demands”.

On February 24th, farm groups gathered on cite where NAFTA was signed to insist on preserving duty-free trade across North America. This comes considering the mandatory six-year review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canda agreement, as well as escalating trade tensions. Since the first Trump Administration, Framers for Free Trade has been stressing the importance of trade deals; however, Farmers for Free Trade has focused on protecting the USMCA this past year. Pressures have been amplified after last week’s Supreme Court decision, whereas around 85% of trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico is tariff-free because of the trade deal.

Wildfires passed through land across Kansas and Oklahoma, affecting agricultural producers and cattle ranchers. The Kansas Department of Agriculture said that a series of fires began on February 17th and “resulted in agricultural losses, including the loss of livestock.” The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry released a situation report, indicated five aim fires burned around 293,315 acres as of Tuesday. The wildfire (dubbed the Ranger Road Fire) burned 283,283 acres of land across Beaver and Harper country in Oklahoma. Counties also affected in Kansas were Clark, Meade and Comanche counties. The Poor Farm Fire, the 2nd largest burned 9,565 acres in Latimer County in Oklahoma. The Savage Highway Fire in Pittsburgh County, Oklahoma burned around 900 acres was primarily contained on Tuesday, while the Rattlesnake Fire in Washington and Osage counties burned 489 acres. Both Oklahoma and Kansas governs Gov. Kevin Stitt and Gov. Laura Kelly issued executive orders temporarily waving some transportation regulation to accommodate the transport of water, hay and livestock. In a letter to Secretary Brooke Rollins, Kansas GOP Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marchall and Representative Tracey Mann said, “burned thousands of acres, destroyed critical fencing and hay supplies and resulted in substantial livestock losses.”

This week, The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) is pleased to welcome Boyd Heilig, Moore MT farmer, to the Board of Directors.  Boyd has a great deal of leadership experience in Montana and nationally. Boyd served as President of Montana Grain Growers Association in 2020. He has also served on the Central Ag Research Center Committee. He has an Ag Business degree from Montana State University. Boyd joins the board in the spot vacated by Gary Broyles, Rapelje, Montana farmer who served his two full terms on the Foundation board and served as Chair over the past year.  Gary’s steady, experienced leadership will be missed.  The Foundation thanks Gary for all his service to the wheat industry over several decades.

During the 2026 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, wheat growers from across the country were recognized at the 2025 National Wheat Yield Contest Winners Reception. This event honored producers who achieved outstanding yields through innovation, sustainability, and sound management practices. National winners representing multiple wheat classes and production regions were celebrated for setting new benchmarks in productivity and quality. The reception provided an opportunity for growers, industry partners, and supporters to connect and recognize the achievements that continue to strengthen U.S. wheat production. The National Wheat Yield Contest remains a powerful platform for sharing best practices and highlighting the dedication of America’s wheat farmers.