Weekly Update for
March 13

On March 12, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04) introduced a package of legislation to protect the Lower Snake River dams and strengthen hydropower as a reliable, affordable source of base load energy. NAWG joined other industry leaders and lawmakers in supporting this legislation. "Wheat growers across the nation rely on the Lower Snake River Dams to efficiently transport their crops to market through the Columbia-Snake River system. This system supports the movement of over 60% of all U.S. wheat exports to global markets at a low cost and with exceptional reliability. Moreover, these dams generate approximately 1,000 megawatts of renewable hydropower every year, ensuring a stable and affordable source of energy that not only powers agricultural operations but also sustains the economic vitality of rural communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is vital that these dams remain operational to sustain these benefits. Thank you, Congressman Newhouse, for leading the charge to protect the Lower Snake River Dams for future generations,” said Chandler Goule CEO National Association of Wheat Growers. More information on this legislation can be found below.

This week, Jake Westlin, NAWG's Vice President of Policy and Communications, participated in a panel hosted by the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) focused on the agricultural perspective in a changing environment. During the session, Jake shared NAWG’s key priorities with PNWA members, including trade, infrastructure, federal workforce programs, and food aid. Additionally, Jack Long, NAWG's Government Relations Representative, took part in a panel at 4-H’s Ignite Conference. Jack, alongside fellow 4-H alumni, engaged with students interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, offering valuable insights and guidance.

On March 11, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry conducted a hearing titled "Perspectives from the Field: Risk Management, Credit, and Rural Business Views on the Agricultural Economy Part 3." This session gathered insights from key stakeholders, including agricultural lenders, insurers, and producers, to assess the current challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector. Discussions focused on the importance of robust risk management tools, accessible credit, and the vitality of rural businesses in sustaining a resilient agricultural economy.

On March 11, the USDA released the WASDE report for February. U.S. wheat supplies have increased due to higher imports, but exports are projected lower, raising ending stocks by 18% from last year. Global wheat production is up, led by Australia, Argentina, and Ukraine, while trade is expected to decline due to lower exports from the EU, Russia, and the U.S. The season-average farm price for U.S. wheat is reduced to $5.50 per bushel. Other key takeaways include steady U.S. corn production, higher global coarse grain output, and adjustments to rice, soybean, and livestock markets based on trade dynamics and production trends. The WASDE report does not factor in pending tariff changes, though suspended U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico and ongoing trade actions with China remain key considerations.

On March 12, a bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement (PACE) Act to increase loan limits for Farm Service Agency (FSA) Operating and Ownership Loans. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) joined Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN-02) and Brad Finstad (R-MN-01) aim to include the PACE Act in the next Farm Bill to ensure farmers have the capital needed to sustain and expand their operations. The bill raises Guaranteed Operating Loans to $3 million and Direct Operating Loans to $750,000, among other adjustments, to reflect rising agricultural costs. Supporters, include the National Association of Wheat Growers,  Farm Credit Council, and other ag groups.

On March 11, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are advancing their review of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, aiming for completion by the December 31, 2025 deadline. Following the public comment period closure on February 10, 2025, the agencies are conducting a detailed review of the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to ensure the guidelines reflect current nutrition science and public health priorities. USDA and HHS also plan to implement process improvements for future updates, focusing on transparency and minimizing conflicts of interest in dietary recommendations.

On March 12, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will review and revise the "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) definition to align with the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA ruling and reduce regulatory uncertainty. The revision aims to clarify Clean Water Act jurisdiction, cut permitting costs, and empower state and local governments while maintaining protections for navigable waters. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson praised the decision, calling it a crucial step to correct regulatory overreach and provide certainty for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins also emphasized the importance of clear, practical water regulations that allow producers to focus on agriculture while protecting natural resources. The EPA will seek stakeholder input and proceed with a rulemaking process to update the 2023 WOTUS definition.

On March 12, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to address the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and discuss USDA’s role in supporting rural communities. She later met with Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, state officials, and local farmers to discuss key agricultural priorities. Rollins also visited the University of Georgia’s Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm for a roundtable discussion and toured Precise Cattle, a family farm in Watkinsville, to engage directly with producers. The visit reinforced USDA’s commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and agricultural resilience across Georgia and the nation.

Last week, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) released loan interest rates for March 2025, providing essential financing options for agricultural producers. Direct farm operating loans are set at 5.500%, while direct farm ownership loans range from 1.875% to 5.875%, depending on the loan type. Additionally, commodity loans are available at 5.250%, and farm storage facility loans vary from 4.250% to 4.750%, based on loan terms.

On March 6, a group of 15 Senators, led by Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), urged the administration to reconsider tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, citing concerns over rising input costs and restricted export markets for U.S. farmers. In response to recent trade adjustments, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins praised the administration’s decision to reduce potash tariffs from 25% to 10% and temporarily exempt Canada and Mexico from certain tariffs. Rollins stated that these measures aim to support farmers by lowering costs and maintaining trade stability while ongoing negotiations continue. Stakeholders continue to evaluate the broader impact of these tariff changes on the agricultural sector.

On March 13,  Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN-02) and Democratic members of the House Agriculture Committee sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, raising concerns over the uncertainty caused by the administration’s shifting tariff policies. Lawmakers emphasized the impact on farmers preparing for the planting season, citing potential increases in fertilizer and energy costs and disruptions to cross-border cattle trade. The letter urges the administration to pursue trade negotiations through established channels to provide stability for American farmers and protect long-standing market access.

Since the Winners Reception and Commodity Classic in Denver, there have been many articles by several media outlets about the yield contest and the winners. Thank you to all the press who do a great job telling our story. This article, recently published in the Tri-State Neighbor, highlights the WestBred winners and their commitment to high yield and high-quality wheat. Thank you, WestBred, for your partnership with the contest.

Thank you to BASF for their partnership every year since the contest started in 2016. Beyond Xtra Herbicide: The Recommended Solution for Clearfield Wheat Weed Control For wheat growers looking to protect their yields from aggressive weed competition, the combination of BASF’s Beyond® Xtra herbicide and Clearfield® wheat stands out as one of the most effective weed management systems available. Designed to target the toughest grass weeds, Beyond Xtra herbicide is one of the only products on the market that provides highly effective control of jointed goatgrass, while helping to suppress feral ryegrass—weeds that can cause significant damage to wheat yields if left unmanaged. Beyond Xtra herbicide exemplifies BASF’s innovation in helping wheat growers do the Biggest Job on Earth and provides a solution to a challenge they face every year. One of the key advantages of Beyond Xtra herbicide is its ability to enhance weed control in the Clearfield wheat system as part of a comprehensive management approach. When used alongside strong pre-emergence herbicides such as Zidua® SC herbicide and Sharpen® herbicide, growers can reduce early-season weed competition, setting the stage for a cleaner, more productive crop. Beyond Xtra herbicide is particularly valuable for spring applications, helping to control any remaining weeds that emerge post-planting. To optimize Beyond Xtra herbicide’s performance, it is crucial to include the right nitrogen source. Applying the herbicide at a rate of 4-6 fl oz/A will help ensure maximum efficacy. With Beyond Xtra herbicide, growers can take a proactive approach to weed management, helping to protect their wheat fields from yield-robbing competition. Enhance your wheat program today by contacting your local retailer or BASF representative.