Weekly Update for
February 5

On February 3rd, National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Sam Kieffer issued the following statement in response to USDA’s announcement that it intends to purchase U.S.- grown commodities with the Food for Peace Program, including 31,000 metric tons of wheat. “NAWG applauds USDA’s intent to purchase U.S. commodities for international food aid. U.S.-grown wheat is a cornerstone of global food security and humanitarian response, while driving demand for American grown crops supporting rural economies, farm families and America’s leadership abroad. This announcement underscores why NAWG supports USDA implementing the Food for Peace program, and we urge Congress to codify this move to provide long-term certainty and durability. We look forward to continuing our work with the Trump Administration and Congress to ensure emergency in-kind food aid reaches those facing hunger overseas, while also supporting American Farmers and rural development.”

On January 28th, the National Association of Wheat Growers awarded U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) with the 2025 Wheat Leader of the Year Awards for championing the effort to get the Food for Peace program transferred to USDA control. “Congressman Tracey Mann has been a tireless advocate for wheat growers and rural communities and his leadership on transforming the Food for Peace program to USDA isa major victory for American farmers. This move reinforces that program’s long-term stability, secures vital market opportunities for American-grown crops, and safeguard life-saving in-kind food aid for the world most vulnerable populations. For many years, Congressman Mann has consistently championed wheat growers’ priorities in Congress, and NAWG is proud to recognize his commitment with the 2025 Wheat Leader of the Year Awards,” said NAWG President Pat Clements. “Kansas and American farmers grow some of the highest quality wheat in the world while strengthening our nation’s food supply and independence,” said Rep. Mann. “These men and women power our local economies and answer the noble call to feed a hungry world. I am appreciative of the National Association of Wheat Growers’ continued advocacy on behalf of Kansas wheat farmers, and I am honored to be recognized as Wheat Leader of the Year. Thank you for all you do for American agriculture."

On January 29th, the National Association of Wheat Growers elected Jamie Kress as President during their 2026 Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Jamie and her husband Cory own and operate an 8,500-acre dryland farm in the Rockland Valley of eastern Idaho. Their farm is compromised primarily if winter and spring wheat, along with a variety of rotational crops including: canola, safflower, mustard, dry peas, and chickpeas. Kress most recently served as president of the Idaho Grain Producers Association-the first women to hold that role-and has held multiple leadership positions within NAWG, including service on the Board of Directors, the Budget Committee, and as chair if the Domestic and Trade Policy Committee. “It is an honor to serve as president of NAWG at such a pivotal time for agriculture. I am inspired by the resilience and innovation of wheat growers across the country, and I am committed to leading with collaboration and purpose. Together, we will elevate our voice in Washington, advance policies that empower producers, and secure a strong, sustainable future for nation’s farmers and rural communities,” said NAWG President Jamie Kress.

Last week, NAWG state officers and industry partners traveled to Washington, D.C., for our annual Winter Conference. The week was packed with committee meetings, networking events, and visits to Capitol Hill to share wheat farmers’ priorities with members of Congress and Trump administration officials. On Tuesday, key committees met, followed by a joint NAWG–U.S. Wheat Associates reception, where outgoing NAWG President Pat Clements was honored. On Wednesday, NAWG members spent the day meeting on Capitol Hill and also visited the White House to hear directly from Trump Administration officials on critical issues affecting the wheat industry. The day wrapped up with Wheat 101, where organizations across the wheat value chain gathered to educate and show Capitol Hill the impact of the wheat industry. The conference wrapped up on Thursday with NAWG Board and Strategic Planning Committee meetings. Overall, the week was a success and built strong momentum heading into the upcoming Commodity Classic in San Antonio.

America’s wheat growers are facing one of the most severe farm economic downturns in decades, and Congress needs to hear directly from producers right now. After three consecutive years of negative margins, persistently high input costs, low commodity prices, and tightening credit conditions are pushing many farm operations to a breaking point. While USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance program provided important short-term relief, it was not enough to stabilize the farm economy or ensure growers can move forward with confidence into the next planting season. Congress is considering  legislative vehicles, and decisions made in the coming weeks to determine whether additional, meaningful economic assistance is delivered to farmers. This is a critical moment for wheat growers to speak up. NAWG has launched an urgent Action Alert asking Members of Congress to prioritize additional, timely economic assistance that builds on existing efforts and provides real stability for farm families. Please take a few minutes today to visit NAWG’s action page and contact your U.S. Representative and Senators. Sharing your personal experience as a wheat grower makes a powerful difference. Even if your Members of Congress have been supportive in the past, continued outreach from farmers is essential to ensure this issue remains a top priority. Thank you for taking action and for your continued engagement on behalf of America’s wheat growers.

This week, NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer joined Erin Ball, Executive Director of the Grains Food Foundation, and Jane DeMarchi, President of the North American Millers Association, for a panel discussion at the Ardent Mills Aspire Leadership Conference. Together, the panelists addressed key issues impacting the wheat and grain industries, including collaboration across the supply chain, consumer engagement, and the future of grain-based foods. The discussion highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between growers, millers, and industry organizations to advance shared priorities and strengthen the wheat industry. Panelists also shared insights on opportunities to build trust, communicate value, and position grains for long-term success.

On February 2nd, the President Trump met with Inida’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a trade deal. With an announcement on Truth Social, President Trump made the announcement that the U.S. will lower the current tariffs on Inida from 25% to 18%. Along with the deal for lowered tariffs, the Prime Minister Modi made a commitment to “buy American” in a higher quantity. In addition, the Prime Minister also vowed to stop buying oil from Russia. Prime Minister Modi said “when two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity."

On February 3rd, farm and fuel groups urged lawmakers to craft new biofuel legislation to stay focused on expanding availability of ethanol and clarify further exemption from the Renewable Fuel Standard. This nudge has come after Congress formed the E-15 Rural Energy Council to study a measure to allow year-round sales of higher ethanol blends and limit the number of refiners who qualify for RFS exemptions. An independent refiner in opposition to the E15 bill funding, ultimately deterring congress from adding it to funded legislation. This act left corn farmers and API to call upon lawmakers to revive the legislation. The E15 council is being spearheaded by Republican Representatives Randy Feenstra (IA) and Stephania Bice (OK). 

On February 3rd, a group of former leaders from ag leaders sent a letter to both house and senate agriculture committee leaders warning them about the state of the ag economy. With the rising costs associated with agriculture, many former leaders and CEO’s claim that the Trump administration’s policies “have caused tremendous harm to U.S. agriculture”. The American Farm Bureau Federation claim that farmers are in their fourth year of overall losses. With the letter raising concerns in areas such as tariffs, passing of E15 legislation, completing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and passage of a new farm bill.

On February 3rd, President Trump signed a $1.2 trillion funding bill that would prop up DHS. The funding package was passed 217-214 in the house, which provides funding for Education, labor, treasury, state department and the Pentagon. The bill included a two-week term to keep the Department of Homeland Security funded by the end of next week.

Everyone interested in high yield and high-quality wheat is invited to attend the NWYC winner’s reception in San Antonio on February 24 to learn more about the winners from the 2025 contest.  You are sure to pick up some tips from them as you join us to celebrate their accomplishments.  The reception is held at the Hilton Palacio del Rio 200 S Alamo, San Antonio on Tuesday evening from 7-9 pm. 

Cindy Falk has spent 40 years helping Kansas Wheat connect with consumers through recipes, baking demonstrations, nutrition education, and the beloved Kansas Wheat recipe booklet tradition. In this episode, host Aaron Harries chats with Cindy about her upbringing on a Kansas farm, the “Speak for Wheat” spokesperson program she helped grow, and the behind-the-scenes work of answering baking questions (and busting myths) with a calm, science-first approach. You’ll also hear how the Kansas Festival of Breads evolved into the National Festival of Breads, turning home bakers into wheat ambassadors through harvest tours, mill visits, and live baking events. As Cindy steps into retirement, she shares what she’ll miss, what she hopes to do next, and leaves listeners with a simple truth that sums up her career: “Bread is the stuff of life.”