Weekly Update for
March 20

On March 18, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the implementation of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. In December 2024, Congress passed the American Relief Act of 2025, which appropriated $10 billion in much-needed economic assistance for farmers. Today’s action by the USDA is a critical step in providing financial relief to producers facing economic hardship. “Thank you, Secretary Rollins, and everyone at USDA for working hard to deliver this crucial economic assistance to farmers in a timely manner,” said Chandler Goule NAWG CEO “As we celebrate National Agriculture Day today, the timeliness in the program delivery is crucial as America’s farmers continue to face dire economic challenges. Read the entire press release below.

Last week, Pat Clements, NAWG President, and Chandler Goule, NAWG CEO, attended the Bayer Crop Science Grower Advisory Council meeting. The council discussed current issues in the agriculture space and ways the ag industry can protect producers access to crop protection tools.

On March 17, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) announced the results of a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) showing significant progress in the sustainability of U.S. wheat production. The study highlights substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, water usage, land use, and soil erosion on a per-bushel basis over the past several decades. In collaboration with the National Wheat Foundation (NWF) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), NAWG commissioned the LCA to assess the environmental impact of wheat production across the U.S. This study was conducted by expert researchers from Texas A&M University AgriLife Research and Colorado State University’s AgNext Institute, the study provides a detailed overview of environmental improvements in wheat farming practices from 1978 to 2018. “Previous analyses have suggested reductions in wheat’s environmental impact, but a detailed study was needed to fully provide a more comprehensive understanding of the per bushel trends,” said Chandler Goule, CEO of NAWG. “These findings will be crucial in educating the administration, lawmakers, and key stakeholders on the environmental benefits of wheat and to help inform future policy initiatives.” Read the entire press release below.

On March 19, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced the reinstatement of the July Cattle Report and County Estimates for Crops and Livestock, starting with the 2024 crop season for row crops and the 2025 crop season for small grains. The County Estimates reports will be released throughout May, with the July Cattle Report scheduled for July 25. Last year, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) raised concerns about the cancellation of these reports during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing in May 2024. "NAWG welcomes the reinstatement of these vital reports. NASS data is invaluable, not only for market projections but also for estimating the economic impact and losses related to natural disasters, which wheat growers rely on," said Jake Westlin, NAWG Vice President of Policy and Communications.

This week, Jake Westlin, Vice President of Policy and Communications at NAWG, joined representatives from the International Fresh Produce Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Cotton Council, and the National Turkey Federation to brief the Farm Credit Council Board of Directors on the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. producers. During the meeting, Jake provided an overview of NAWG's recent advocacy efforts and key events over the past six months, as well as the organization’s strategy for the upcoming farm bill.

This week, bipartisan legislation aiming to strengthen crop and livestock insurance protections for new, beginning, and veteran farmers was introduced in the House and Senate. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN-02) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04) introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act in the House, while U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. The legislation extends the definition of a “beginning farmer” from five to ten years, aligning insurance eligibility with other federal programs and reducing financial barriers for producers. It applies to all federal crop insurance programs, including livestock policies, ensuring broader coverage for farmers establishing their operations and providing greater financial stability for the next generation of agricultural producers.

On March 15, President Trump signed a continuing resolution into law, extending federal funding through September 30, 2025. The resolution largely maintains existing funding levels with key adjustments, including a $6 billion increase in defense spending, a $13 billion reduction in non-defense discretionary spending, and additional funding for border enforcement initiatives. The bill was narrowly approved in the House (217-213) and passed in the Senate (54-46) before reaching the President’s desk.

On March 17, following severe windstorms across the South and Midwest, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced USDA’s commitment to provide economic relief to affected farmers, ranchers, and communities. The agency is offering disaster relief programs, risk management tools, and food safety guidance to help with recovery efforts. Producers are encouraged to report crop losses promptly and access available support through USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency. Additionally, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and Rural Development programs are prepared to assist with emergency food aid and long-term community rebuilding.

On March 18, President Trump issued a proclamation recognizing National Agriculture Day, honoring the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who sustain the nation’s economy and way of life. Emphasizing the resilience of family-owned farms and his administration’s commitment to strengthening agriculture through fair trade, market expansion, and biosecurity measures, he reaffirmed support for the industry. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins echoed this message, celebrating the perseverance and innovation of those in agriculture and calling on Americans to appreciate the people behind the nation’s food, fuel, and fiber. Both expressed deep gratitude for the hard work and dedication of America’s agricultural community.

On March 19, over 20 state agriculture departments celebrate National Agriculture Trade Day. This day highlights the crucial role agricultural trade plays in boosting state economies and supporting farmers and ranchers while underscoring the need for policies that expand market opportunities and keep U.S. agriculture competitive. National Ag Trade Day is a part of National Ag Week and seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of agricultural trade, while advocating for the development of new markets to further support U.S farmers, ranchers and food producers. In 2023, agriculture, food and related industries contributed 5.5% to U.S. gross domestic product and provided 10.4% of U.S. employment, underscoring the sector’s economic significance.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reopened the public comment period on its proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This extension, running from March 19 to May 19, 2025, allows additional public input on species protections, conservation strategies, and critical habitat designations. Previously submitted comments remain part of the public record and will be considered in the final decision. The agency encourages broad participation in conservation efforts and invites comments via regulations.gov under docket number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0137

Wheat farmers in all 50 states can begin entering the National Wheat Yield Contest for 2025. If you do not have an account set up, you will first need to register on the site. After registering, you can place your entries. For the “traditional” 5-acre contest, you enter by Variety. Vouchers are available from many of our great partners so at check out, you will select which voucher you want to apply to your entry. You need to make sure your membership with your state wheat grower association is up to date, if there is no organization in your state, you will join NAWG for $100/year. 

With the help and feedback from many stakeholders in the contest, we have expanded the Pilot Digital Yield Category into winter wheat in the following states: CO, KS, NE, OK, TX and WY. In this category, growers enter by field.  Field boundaries need to be attached to the entry. Growers can enter up to 3 fields in this category. Vouchers are available to pay your entry fees. Membership in your state wheat grower association is required. Growers can enter in as many categories as they fit but can only be selected as a National Winner in one category. See the FAQ section on the contest website for more details.  www.wheatcontest.org

The Wheat Quality Council will sponsor its annual Hard Winter Wheat Tour this May, following traditional routes with field stops every 10-15 miles to assess crop conditions. Participants will have the opportunity to observe this year’s crop firsthand, gain insights from industry experts, and connect with others in the field. Each evening, participants will gather for dinner to discuss their observations, with each car reporting its findings. Additionally, crop scouts traveling through Nebraska, Colorado, and Oklahoma on the same days will provide updates from those states. For more details, visit the Wheat Quality Council website.