Weekly Update for
March 6

On March 3, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) marked its 75th anniversary at the 2025 Commodity Classic, bringing together past and present leaders to reflect on the organization’s legacy and discuss the future of wheat advocacy. NAWG reaffirmed its commitment to securing a long-term farm bill, strengthening the farm safety net, and ensuring U.S. wheat growers remain competitive. “This event recognizes the hard work of those who have been part of NAWG’s history and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to ensuring that wheat growers and rural America can continue to thrive for generations to come,” said NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. Additionally, during the General Session, NAWG President Keeff Felty emphasized the importance of the next 75 years in advancing the wheat industry. Since its founding in 1950, NAWG has played a pivotal role in protecting growers’ interests, securing crop protection tools, and shaping agricultural policy.

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Commodity Classic, which saw record-breaking participation, with a total of 11,395 attendees, including an all-time high of 5,221 farmers. The event also welcomed 3,925 first-time attendees and featured 433 exhibiting companies, highlighting the industry’s strong engagement. Additionally, a record 168 media representatives attended the event. During the week, NAWG had the opportunity to meet with Secretary Brooke Rollins, industry partners, and various media outlets to discuss top priorities for wheat growers. NAWG participated in a panel discussion featuring Senate and House Agriculture Committees staff and a roundtable with senior USDA officials, providing valuable updates on everything from farm bill debate, reconciliation, taxes, economic assistance, disaster aid, and more. NAWG was proud to be part of this historic gathering, advocating for wheat growers and engaging with stakeholders to shape the future of the industry.

On March 4, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcomed its new officer team at Commodity Classic 2025 in Denver, CO, as they begin their one-year terms advocating for U.S. wheat growers. Pat Clements (KY) will serve as President, Jamie Kress (ID) as Vice President, Nathan Keane (MT) as Treasurer, and Chris Tanner (KS) as Secretary. Keeff Felty (OK) transitions into the role of Past President. The officers were elected during NAWG’s winter meeting in Washington, D.C., on January 16. “We are excited to have these dedicated and strong leaders serving on the NAWG officer team,” said Chandler Goule, NAWG CEO. “Their combined experience and passion will help us continue to build a better future for wheat growers and rural America.”

This week, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcomed Anthony Peña as its new Policy Manager, bringing extensive experience in government relations. Peña previously served as Government Relations Manager at the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) and worked for U.S. Senator Patty Murray as a Regional District Director and Representative. “We are thrilled to welcome Anthony to our policy team at this critical time for wheat growers,” said Chandler Goule, NAWG CEO. Peña brings extensive expertise in transportation infrastructure, waterway maintenance, and international trade logistics—critical factors driving U.S. wheat competitiveness.. He looks forward to working directly with wheat growers to advance policies that enhance their competitiveness and profitability.

Last week Congressman Kustoff (R-TN) and Congressman Costa(D-CA). This legislation creates a new incentive for American manufacturers to purchase agricultural commodities from U.S. farmers. The bipartisan bill recognizes the importance of domestic production and manufacturing. It aims to increase demand for American-grown crops, reduce reliance on imported goods, and support our farmers and rural communities. The Grown in America Act was endorsed by the Ag Investment for America Coalition, of which NAWG is a member. "Our growers around the country are responsible for the third-largest field crop in the U.S., shouldering a sizable contribution to the nation's GDP. All the while, our growers have seen decreased prices and increased input costs," said NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. "Reps. Costa and Kustoff's legislation will help stabilize prices by increasing domestic demand for our crop and ensuring rural communities thrive. We are proud to partner with these leaders and look forward to helping them get this legislation across the finish line."

On Sunday, at the 2025 Commodity Classic, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the launch of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (E-CAP) to distribute $10 billion in economic aid, with applications set to open by March 20. She also confirmed a fast-tracked rollout of $20 billion in disaster relief, eliminating delays and burdensome paperwork. Additionally, Rollins revealed that funding has been released for key conservation programs under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Engaging with industry leaders and producers, she emphasized the administration’s commitment to revitalizing American agriculture and streamlining aid distribution.

This week, President Trump initially moved forward with tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, which he were temporarily paused last month. However, after calls between President Trump and the leaders from Mexico and Canada, he announced a delay in tariffs for some Mexican and Canadian products until April 2, 2025. This pause on tariffs applies only to imports that comply with the free-trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which President Trump signed into law in late 2018. While there is still a 10 percent tariff on energy, the 25 percent tariff will not be applied on fertilizer, potash, and some other ag products are delayed and may receive a 10 percent tariff in April.

On Wednesday, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) ruled that USDA must temporarily reinstate nearly 5,700 employees who were fired over the past month, citing unlawful terminations. The board found that the mass dismissals of probationary employees—many from the U.S. Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service—were not based on individual performance but instead part of a broader restructuring effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk. The ruling orders USDA to return affected employees to their positions until at least April 18, as the investigation continues.

On Tuesday, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar announced the third hearing in a series examining the state of the farm economy. Titled “Perspectives From the Field: Risk Management, Credit, and Rural Business Views on the Agricultural Economy Part 3,” the hearing will take place on Tuesday, March 11, at 2:30 p.m. EDT. Lawmakers will hear directly from industry stakeholders on key financial challenges facing farmers and rural businesses.

On Sunday, Senators Amy Klobuchar, Raphael Warnock, and 13 Democratic colleagues are pressing the USDA to expedite disaster relief for farmers impacted by economic challenges in 2024 and natural disasters in 2023-2024. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, they stress the urgency of timely aid as farmers make critical planting decisions. The senators urge USDA to streamline implementation using past program precedents and existing loss data to ensure swift payments to both row crop and specialty crop producers. Delays, they warn, could force farmers to reduce plantings or sell assets, worsening economic instability in the agricultural sector.

2025 Trade Policy Agenda, 2024 Annual Report, and World Trade Organization at Thirty report to Congress. The agenda lays out the Administration’s vision for trade, describing the economic and national security challenges facing the United States and articulates a plan for rebalancing trade to address those challenges, including the work required by the President’s America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum. “The United States faces unprecedented economic and national security challenges. President Trump has set out a plan to tackle those challenges in his America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum,” said Ambassador Greer. “Today’s Trade Agenda lays out the thinking and vision that undergird that plan. The current moment demands action to put America First on trade, and the Trade Agenda explains the importance of President Trump’s trade policy to American workers and businesses.”

The National Wheat Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Bernard Peterson for his dedicated leadership and service as Chairman. Throughout his tenure, Peterson has played a vital role in advancing wheat research, grower education, and industry advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on the foundation and the broader wheat community. His commitment to supporting U.S. wheat producers and strengthening the industry has been invaluable. We thank Bernard for his hard work and leadership.

The National Wheat Foundation is pleased to welcome its newly elected officer team: Gary Broyles (MT), Scott Brown (ID), and Ben Scholz (TX). Their leadership and dedication to the wheat industry will help drive continued innovation and support for U.S. wheat growers. We also extend a warm welcome to Dennis Schoenhals (OK) as a new NWF Director. We look forward to working together to advance the mission of the foundation and strengthen the future of wheat production.

The National Wheat Yield Contest is now accepting entries for the 2025 competition, inviting wheat growers across the country to showcase their best yields and innovative farming practices. The contest recognizes top-performing farmers in dryland and irrigated categories for both winter and spring wheat. Participants have the opportunity to gain national recognition, share best practices, and contribute to advancements in wheat production. For more details and to enter, visit www.wheatcontest.org.