Weekly Update for
January 9

This week, NAWG staff was on the road attending state meeting for the Michigan Agri-Business Association Winter Conference, North Caolina Small Grain Growers, and Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board. NAWG CEO Chandler Goule was in Michigan where he provided an update at the Michigan Agri-Business Association Winter Conference where he provided an outlook on the 119th Congress. VP of Policy and Communications Jake Westin was in Durham, NC, for North Carolina’s Annual Meeting, where he provided a NAWG federal update and attended sessions on the state of the region’s wheat industry Government Relations Representative Jack Long was in Grasonville, MD, where he gave a NAWG update and met with farmers from across the state. 

On December 21, Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), provided the following statement in response to Congress passing the American Relief Act: “NAWG applauds members of both the House of Representatives and Senate for coming together to provide much-needed economic assistance and disaster relief for farmers nationwide. While this legislation also includes a one-year farm bill extension and short-term relief, it is not a replacement for a long-term farm bill. As we enter the 119th Congress, NAWG urges lawmakers to work quickly to pass a farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net and provides long-term certainty for producers and rural America.”

2025 Commodity Classic is right around the corner! NAWG hopes to see you in Denver, CO March 2 to 5. When you register make sure to mark the National Association of Wheat Growers as one of your associations. The early registration discount ends on January 15. Please encourage any wheat grower in your state to attend the largest agriculture trade show in the country.

On January 8, The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have reached a tentative agreement on all items for a new six-year Master Contract. The two sides agreed to continue to operate under the current contract until the union can meet with its full Wage Scale Committee and schedule a ratification vote, and USMX members can ratify the terms of the final contract. NAWG welcomes this news and has been urging ILA and USMX to reach an agreement both sides can agree on. NAWG sent multiple letters last year urging for a swift resolution to the labor dispute, so the shipment of agricultural products is not delayed.

On January 8, USDA and USTR announced the appointment or reappointment of 53 members to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees. These committees are comprised of senior representatives from the U.S. agricultural community who advise USDA and USTR on trade policy matters, while members of the six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees offer input and guidance from the perspectives of their respective product sectors. Read the full committee lists below.

On January 4, the House of Representatives voted to reelect Speaker Mike Johnson on the first ballot to continue serving as the 56th Speaker of the House. The final tally was 218-215. Following his election Speaker Johnson delivered remarks on the House floor. “But in recent months, we have witnessed something happening, something that’s really remarkable. A political moment in modern history. A groundswell of Americans from every state, race, and religion who now demand that we put the interests of Americans first again. And we will,” Speaker Johnson said. “This is a powerful new coalition of our country, it’s a coalition that insists that we purge the policies of ‘America last’ and we bury them in the graveyard of history’s mistakes. To that end, this Congress will renounce the status quo, and we will listen to the voices of the people. We will act quickly, and we will start by defending our nation’s borders. That’s the number one priority.” Read his entire speech below.

The National Wheat Yield Contest Winners will be recognized at a reception in Denver  from 7-9 pm on Sunday, March 2, 2025. The reception is open to interested wheat growers, it will be at the Embassy Suites 1420 Stout Street, Denver, CO. Another reason to join NAWG and NWF at Commodity Classic this year!

Bushel's 2025 State of the Farm Survey is now underway. Take 15 minutes to complete it today and get early access to the results in the 2025 State of the Farm Report! Plus, earn the opportunity to enter a drawing for $250. The link to take the survey can be found below. Each year Bushel reaches out to thousands of farmers like you to gather your unique thoughts and perspectives for an annual State of the Farm Report. The comprehensive report provides insights on several topics, including tillage practices, grain marketing, farm software, and the biggest opportunities and concerns for the coming year. With more than 850 farmers participating in last year's survey, it has become one of the industry's largest and most influential farm surveys.

The Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee has been submitted to the Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is now available online.