Weekly Update for
July 10

On July 8, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) attended a press conference hosted by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The event marked the official announcement of the USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing American agriculture as a pillar of national security. The plan addresses growing threats from foreign adversaries while enhancing the resilience and independence of the United States’ food and agricultural systems. "We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs, or our livelihoods," said Secretary Rollins. "This Action Plan puts America’s farmers, families, and future first—exactly where they belong. Under President Trump’s leadership, American agriculture will be strong, secure, and resilient. He will never stop fighting for our farmers and our ranchers." Read more about this plan below.

On July 9, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that producers who experienced eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can apply for financial relief through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). USDA will begin accepting applications on Thursday, July 10, at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. To streamline the process, pre-filled applications are being mailed directly to eligible producers. “Wheat growers have faced numerous challenges over the past year, including extreme weather,” said Pat Clements, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). “These funds will help producers recover and continue their critical work of feeding and fueling the world. NAWG appreciates USDA’s commitment to delivering this much-needed assistance in a timely manner.” For additional information on eligibility, application procedures, and program details, please visit USDA’s SDRP page or contact your local FSA office.

The Senate Committee on Appropriations unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, allocating $27.1 billion in discretionary funding to support rural communities, farmers, and food security. The bill includes major investments in agriculture research, biosecurity, food safety, rural housing, broadband, and nutrition programs such as WIC and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. It provides $3.6 billion for agricultural research, fully funds the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, supports disease prevention efforts, and boosts funding for the Farm Service Agency to ensure access to farm loans. The bill also enhances foreign-owned land tracking and reaffirms the Secretary of Agriculture’s role in foreign investment oversight. Rural development is supported with significant resources for housing, water infrastructure, small businesses, and electric and broadband services, while eliminating funding for the Rural Partners Network. Additionally, it funds international food aid programs and provides $3.6 billion for the FDA, with targeted increases for food safety, health, and nutrition-related initiatives.

On July 3, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson praised the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, calling it “a game-changer for America.” Thompson highlighted that the legislation includes the largest tax cut in American history, offering relief to working families and increasing take-home pay. He said it reduces wasteful government spending, cuts red tape, and makes major investments in border security, energy independence, and national defense. The bill fulfills key promises from President Trump’s and is a “victory for rural America,” with historic investments in agriculture, reforms to SNAP, and protections for family farms from the death tax.

On July 3, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig condemned the Republican budget as a betrayal of working families, rural communities, and the longstanding bipartisan Farm Bill Coalition. Craig stated, “This bill takes food away from millions of children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities”. The budget cuts SNAP benefits, placing 42 million Americans at risk and shifting $65 billion in costs to states and counties, which could force some to exit the program. It undermines food access for veterans, children, and people with disabilities, increases local tax burdens, and damages the rural economy by reducing farm revenue, harming small grocers, and jeopardizing hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by the food economy. Craig warned that dismantling SNAP jeopardizes future Farm Bills and leaves farmers with less certainty during challenging economic times.

On July 5, President Trump launched the year-long Great American State Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, with the fair set to travel nationwide and culminate in a grand festival on the National Mall on July 4th, 2026. United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins unveiled a proclamation urging all states to honor America’s agricultural heritage through America 250 programming at their fairs, stating, “As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, I call on all Americans – including state leadership at every level – to celebrate the achievements of our nation surrounded by the families and patriots who have dedicated their lives to feeding, fueling, and clothing our country for centuries.” The proclamation draws on past national celebrations and encourages the creation of patriotic exhibits and events at local fairs and rodeos. More than 35 states have committed to participate, with several already issuing proclamations. The most patriotic 2025 state fair will be honored during the 2026 National Mall event. Secretary Rollins, a member of Task Force 250, also announced the Great American Farmers Market to be held August 3-8, 2025, during National Farmers Market Week on the National Mall.

On July 7, Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden of Union City Tennessee, was sworn in as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, joining Secretary Brooke Rollins to implement President Trump’s agenda and the agriculture and nutrition policies of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Secretary Rollins praised Vaden’s policy and legal expertise as a valuable addition to the team, stating she looks forward to working with him to revitalize rural America and support American farmers. Vaden expressed gratitude to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their trust and said he is eager to begin supporting the mission of “Making Agriculture Great Again.” He previously served as USDA General Counsel during Trump’s first term and was appointed in 2020 to the U.S. Court of International Trade.

On July 8, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, joined by senior Trump administration officials, unveiled the National Farm Security Action Plan as the next pillar of her Make Agriculture Great Again initiative, declaring American agriculture a vital part of national security. The plan responds to recent threats, including foreign infiltration of research labs and farmland, and outlines aggressive actions across seven focus areas to protect farmland, food supply chains, research, and critical infrastructure from foreign adversaries. Secretary Rollins stated, “We feed the world. We lead the world. And we’ll never let foreign adversaries control our land, our labs, and our livelihoods.” Supported by cabinet members, governors, senators, and agriculture officials, the plan emphasizes that farm security is national security, and it seeks to build a united front among federal, state, and local partners to secure American agriculture and preserve national strength and independence.

On July 9, U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture for announcing application details for disaster assistance he secured to support farmers and ranchers affected by weather-related losses in 2023 and 2024. Boozman emphasized the challenges producers have faced due to severe weather and natural disasters, stating that while America’s producers are resilient, the scale of recent damage has been devastating. He called the assistance a critical step in helping farm families recover and maintain the strength of the agriculture industry. Boozman also thanked the USDA for working to distribute the resources quickly and efficiently, with applications beginning on July 10 at local FSA offices and prefilled forms being mailed directly to producers.

On July 10, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced new measures to strengthen American farm security following the rollout of the USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan. These actions include the launch of a searchable Foreign Farm Land Purchases map, a new web portal for reporting violations of the Agriculture Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, and a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Treasury that places the Secretary of Agriculture at the table for foreign investment reviews involving agriculture. Secretary Rollins emphasized the need to expose and prevent adversarial foreign influence in American agriculture, stating, “Gone are the days of foreign adversaries taking advantage of our farmland, farmers, and programs paid for by American taxpayers.” She also directed USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to ensure that illegal aliens do not receive SNAP benefits and required states to begin sharing participant data by July 23, 2025, to aid in fraud prevention and enforcement.

Washington, D.C. (July 7, 2025) – The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Osborne as Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025. Osborne has served as the Foundation’s Project Manager since January 2021, playing a key role in the expansion and success of its core programs. Under Osborne’s leadership, the Foundation’s signature initiative, the National Wheat Yield Contest (NWYC), has grown significantly. The contest now includes over 30 industry partners and receives more than 500 entries annually across five categories. It has led the way in innovation with the introduction of a digital yield category and an enhanced focus on wheat quality, attracting collaboration from all sectors of the wheat value chain. “Anne has consistently shown strategic leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to collaboration in her role with the Foundation. She is exceptionally well-suited to guide the organization into the future. As the sole member of the National Wheat Foundation, NAWG relies heavily on the Foundation’s exceptional work in education, outreach, and research,” said Pat Clements, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). A lifelong advocate for growers, Osborne brings extensive experience in agriculture. She has held leadership roles in several organizations including the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, and Ag in the Classroom. Osborne has also served on church boards, local school boards, and worked directly with producers through roles at DuPont and as a sales agronomist in central North Dakota. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Montana State University. Gary Broyles, Montana wheat farmer and Chair of the National Wheat Foundation, added: “Appointing Anne ensures continuity in our programs and strengthens our ability to expand partnerships and continue impactful education, outreach, and research. Her leadership will benefit the entire wheat industry.” 

Brian Walker, National Wheat Foundation Director and milling industry expert, explains what baking tests are used for the Quality Component of the NWYC. As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, several analytical tests were developed to measure wheat and flour quality. In the 1930’s a group of cereal chemists, millers and bakers developed a test for pan bread. Also known as the AACC bake test, it continues to be utilized in somewhat modified forms today. The U.S. baking industry grew from families producing unique products out of their kitchens to industrial facilities. Various Pan breads, English Muffins, Hamburger and hot dogs rolls as examples, utilizing various fermentation processes and formulations, processing equipment to provide texture and flavor profiles to build many of the brand names we have today. Not to mention many of the food service applications in Fast Food. Pizza and Frozen dough have evolved. As many of these brands grew and value was created for stakeholders, several baking tests were developed to ensure the quality needs of the wheat flour being used in these products. Some are performed by millers for their customers and some are worked into R&D laboratories or plant trials. The time of transition into the new crop harvest is a critical time for many to understand the adjustments needed to produce the product to the standards of the company to protect their brand. This requires baking or other performance testing. Wheat is unique given the many properties we expect to have. We see many variables from the varieties grown, to the diseases and weather stress all along the way of planting to getting it put into a bin at harvest. As we know a wheat producer encounters these many variables, it also can carry through to the wheat handling system when grading is a challenge or the mill needing to adjust to kernel size or hard/soft characteristics to the end processor needing to adjust moisture or yeast or development adjustments.  Today, the AACC bake test continues to provide important information to wheat breeders, millers and bakers involved in developing the wheat varieties of the future as well as understanding the crops we harvest in the present for the many applications of the end users of today and tomorrow. We also use the results of these analytical and bake testing protocols to protect and expand both domestic and international markets.

Spring Wheat Entries are due August 1, 2025 for the National Wheat Yield Contest. Growers can enter in dryland, irrigated or in certain states (ND, SD, MT, MN) digital yield categories. Everyone is encouraged to enter before the deadline in case you have any questions or issues with the entry process. If you do not have an account on the wheatcontest.org website yet, you will need to create an account and then put your entries in.