Weekly Update for
March 27

On the March podcast, we delve into key conversations that are shaping the future of agriculture and food policy. First, we’re joined by Reece Langley, Principal at Langley Consulting, a bipartisan government relations and public policy firm. Together, we explore the recently introduced Bipartisan Grown in America Act and its potential impact on wheat growers. Next, Kansas farmer Clay Schemm provides an overview of the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado, sharing some of the event’s highlights. We also speak with Senator John Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, about the Committee’s recent hearings on the financial challenges facing the agricultural industry, as well as his top policy priorities for the 119th Congress. NAWG’s new president, Pat Clements, shares his goals and what he hopes to achieve during his term.

This week, NAWG, North American Millers’ Association, wheat growers, wheat breeders, and researchers met with over 30 offices in the House of Representatives and Senate to discuss the National Wheat Improvement Committee’s (NWIC) appropriations requests for FY2026 and also highlight the importance behind USDA-Agriculture Research Services (ARS) public wheat research. During these meetings, they voiced concerns about the USDA's handling of Congressional-approved funding for the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative. Additionally, they highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing wheat research, with particular emphasis on the work conducted by USDA-ARS. The groups also ensured that members of Congress and their staff were fully informed about NWIC’s appropriations requests for FY2026, including those related to the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, the Small Grains Genomic Initiative, and the National Rust Initiative.

On March 24, The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) highlighting potential harm to wheat growers, grain trade, and international buyers from proposed Section 301 actions targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. NAWG and USW informed the USTR that uncertainty about the proposals is already causing real problems for the grain trade and overseas customers, who are hesitant to make purchases with potentially enormous port fees looming. With about half of U.S. wheat exports relying on Chinese-built or -operated vessels, the organizations emphasized the logistical and economic challenges of the proposed measures. They urged the USTR to reconsider the actions to avoid unintended impacts on farmers, exporters, and rural communities. Read the full letter below.

On March 21, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced key presidential appointments to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) CEO Chandler Goule provided the following statement in response. “NAWG looks forward to partnering with these highly qualified individuals. Their expertise and leadership will be crucial as we work together to support the needs of wheat growers and rural communities across the nation.” Appointees include: Brooke Appleton – Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Andrew Fisher – Chief of Staff for Farm Production and Conservation, Aubrey Bettencourt – Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bill Beam – Administrator for the Farm Service Agency, Pat Swanson – Administrator for the Risk Management Agency, Colton Buckley – Chief of Staff for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

On Monday, March 24, House Republican leaders, including Speaker Johnson (R-LA-4), Majority Leader Scalise (R-LA-1), Whip Emmer (R-MN-6), and Budget Committee Chairwoman McClain (R-MI-9), released a joint statement with several committee chairs following the passage of a budget resolution in the House. The lawmakers highlighted their efforts to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year and expressed their intent to advance key legislative priorities. They emphasized goals such as border security, tax policy, economic growth, energy production, and government efficiency. The statement also called on the Senate to take up the House-passed budget resolution to move forward with the legislative agenda.

On Tuesday, March 25, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing examining the 50-year history of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and its role in overseeing U.S. derivatives markets. The committee highlighted the CFTC’s evolution from safeguarding agricultural futures to regulating today’s complex global swaps markets, emphasizing its importance in maintaining market stability and integrity. The hearing focused on whether the Commission continues to meet its responsibilities under the Commodity Exchange Act, including fostering market integrity, customer protection, and responsible innovation. Six expert witnesses, with decades of experience in derivatives markets, shared their perspectives on the Commission’s legacy and future.

On Tuesday, March 25, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the release of previously obligated funds under the REAP, New ERA, and PACE programs, offering recipients the option to revise their projects within 30 days. The USDA invited applicants to voluntarily adjust proposals to align with updated energy priorities, emphasizing domestic energy production and reduced regulatory requirements. According to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, this move aims to ensure rural energy investments better support farmers, ranchers, and small businesses while reflecting recent shifts in federal energy policy. USDA Rural Development is coordinating directly with award recipients to guide the revision process.

This week, NAWG and NWF leaders participated in the Bayer Leadership Program (BLP) training in Portland to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills. The visit included valuable discussions with Pacific Northwest growers and agricultural groups about regional wheat production, export markets, and the critical importance of quality standards. Leaders also had the chance to enjoy tours of venues like the Columbia Export Terminal and the Wheat Marketing Center, enriching their understanding of industry dynamics. This training also provided an excellent opportunity for leaders to build stronger relationships and align efforts between NAWG and NWF. NWF expresses its gratitude to Bayer CropScience for their support in facilitating this impactful training experience.