Weekly Update for
May 28

Last week, NAWG Vice President of Policy and Communications Anthony Peña participated in the Virginia Small Grain Field Day in Warsaw, Virginia, hosted by the Virginia Grain Producers Association. Peña joined representatives from the Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry’s office, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, and VGPA for an Ag Policy and Profitability Q&A focused on the federal policy landscape, market challenges, and grower profitability. During the discussion, Peña highlighted the importance of farmer voices in federal policy debates, NAWG’s work to support demand and market access for wheat, and key issues growers should be watching over the next year, including farm bill, trade, appropriations, and regulatory developments.

This week, NAWG Vice President of Policy and Communications Anthony Peña and CEO Sam Kieffer met with United States Environmental Protection Agency leadership to discuss several key crop protection issues impacting U.S. wheat growers. During the meeting, NAWG urged Assistant Administrator Doug Troutman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Nancy Beck, and Deputy Administrator Kyle Kunkler to address the growing backlog of crop protection innovations that have completed EPA’s rigorous safety review process but remain pending final registration approval. NAWG emphasized that U.S. growers are still waiting to access technologies already available to farmers in competing countries. The group also encouraged EPA to help correct misleading narratives circulating within the federal government regarding wheat farmers’ responsible use of agricultural chemicals.

For decades, 76-year-old Montezuma, Kansas wheat farmer Orville Williams has weathered droughts, economic downturns, and shifting agricultural conditions. But this year, he says the outlook is especially grim. “All in all, it’s not going to be a good year,” Williams shared after another difficult growing season marked by extreme weather and mounting financial pressure. Above-average temperatures, sudden cold snaps, and record-setting drought conditions earlier this year have intensified the spread of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSM) and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV), threatening wheat production across Kansas and much of the country. Combined with rising input costs for fuel, fertilizer, and equipment, many farmers are facing one of the toughest seasons in decades. Experts warn this year’s wheat crop could be the worst since 1972.

The financial pressures facing farmers today continue to take a serious toll on mental health across rural communities. According to estimates, farmer suicide rates are approximately 3.5 times higher than those of the general population, underscoring the growing need for open conversations and accessible support resources within agriculture. In response, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has joined a broad coalition of farm, food, and commodity organizations to support a statewide Farm Suicide Prevention campaign launched during Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the mental health challenges farmers face while connecting individuals and families with critical support services and resources.

This week, a Kansas agriculture roundtable highlighted growing support among farm leaders and lawmakers for transferring administration of the Food for Peace program from USAID to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Originally established in 1954 under President Dwight Eisenhower, Food for Peace provides humanitarian food aid using U.S.-grown commodities while also supporting American farmers and export markets. Kansas wheat farmers and trade advocates argued that USDA is better equipped to oversee the program because of its experience managing agricultural supply chains, commodity markets, and export systems. NAWG maintains the position that this move would strengthen demand for U.S. wheat, preserve export opportunities, and ensure food aid remains closely tied to American agriculture. Participants also emphasized the diplomatic value of the program, describing it as a way to build international goodwill through U.S. food assistance. Concerns were raised that increasing reliance on locally or regionally sourced food purchases overseas could reduce benefits for American producers. NAWG Treasurer Chris Tanner was also present during the discussion, representing wheat growers and contributing to conversations about the importance of maintaining strong export and food aid programs for U.S. agriculture. Kansas lawmakers, including Senator Jerry Moran and Representative Tracey Mann, are backing legislation to formally move the program under USDA authority, reinforcing its role as both a humanitarian effort and a strategic trade tool for U.S. agriculture.

China has begun allowing fresh exports of urea fertilizer in an effort to ease rising global fertilizer prices caused by supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and instability around the Strait of Hormuz. Chinese authorities recently issued export quotas to fertilizer producers, signaling confidence that domestic supplies are sufficient to resume some overseas shipments. China, one of the world’s largest fertilizer exporters, had previously restricted exports earlier this year to protect domestic farmers from soaring prices and supply uncertainty. The reopening of exports is expected to provide relief to countries heavily dependent on imported fertilizer, particularly India, which relies significantly on Middle Eastern suppliers affected by the conflict. Industry analysts believe China could release up to 1.5 million metric tons of urea into global markets, helping stabilize prices for one of the world’s most important crop nutrients. The article also notes that the broader fertilizer market has been strained by shipping disruptions, rising energy costs, and reduced production tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, increasing concerns about global food production and agricultural costs.

This week, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the Environmental Protection Agency will conduct an unbiased and science-based review of glyphosate, the widely used herbicide commonly associated with Roundup. Speaking amid ongoing debate over the chemical’s potential health risks, Zeldin emphasized that the agency’s review process would rely on scientific evidence rather than political pressure or outside influence. The article notes that the EPA has repeatedly concluded that glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic when used according to label directions, a position supported by several international regulatory agencies. At the same time, critics continue to point to lawsuits, conflicting studies, and public skepticism surrounding the herbicide’s safety. Zeldin’s comments were aimed at reassuring both farmers and consumers that the EPA’s review process would remain objective as scrutiny over pesticide regulation continues.

WINTER WHEAT Crop condition: An estimated 44% of winter wheat was rated poor to very poor as of May 24, up 1 percentage point from 43% a week ago, according to NASS. Crop development: 78% of winter wheat was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That's 5 percentage points ahead of last year's 73% and 8 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 70%. Top winter-wheat-producer Kansas' crop was 97% headed, 5 points ahead of last year at this time and 10 points ahead of the five-year average. SPRING WHEAT Planting progress: 86% of the crop was planted nationwide as of May 24, steady with last year's pace and 7 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 79%. Spring wheat planting reached 98% in Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington, while Montana and North Dakota trailed at 83%. Crop development: 56% of spring wheat was emerged as of Sunday, 2 percentage points behind last year's pace of 58% and 5 percentage points ahead of the five-year average of 51%.

The Wheat Quality Council Spring Wheat Tour registration and information is out. The tour will be held July 20-23, 2026. The tour offers an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with others across the industry. The registration and agenda information can be found below.

The wheat industry continues to evolve, driven by innovation, education, and global demand for high-quality grain products. At the Northern Crops Institute, we’re committed to supporting that progress by offering resources and training that strengthen understanding from field to finished food. One of our most valuable educational tools is the Wheat Quality Handbook, a comprehensive guide that follows the wheat kernel’s journey from field to table. The handbook explains wheat structure, highlights the differences among wheat classes, and explores the science behind milling, processing, and end-use quality. Whether you’re a grower, processor, educator, or simply curious about the grain that feeds the world, this resource offers a clear, holistic look at the factors that shape wheat quality and functionality. For those interested in hands-on learning, NCI’s Pasta Production from Multiple Wheat Classes course provides an in depth look at how various U.S. wheat classes perform in pasta manufacturing. Through lectures and lab demos, participants learn from industry experts about processing basics, ingredient quality, die manufacturing, and essential quality assurance practices. The program will take place October 6–9, 2026, at the Northern Crops Institute in Fargo, North Dakota. Registration is $2,100, with a registration deadline of September 14, 2026. Looking ahead, NCI is also excited to welcome more than 30 international wheat buyers to Fargo this September for the Grain Procurement Management for Importers course. This program provides an overview of the U.S. grain handling and marketing system and the risk management tools available to assist buyers in purchasing U.S. grain that meets quality needs at the best value. Together, these resources and programs reflect NCI’s mission of supporting agriculture through educational programs and technical services that expand markets for northern grown crops.

The Bayer Leadership program for fall of 2026 and winter 2027 application is available. The completed application should be emailed to Anne Osborne (aosborne@wheatworld.org) by July 1, 2026. The program is held just after the fall and winter NAWG/ US Wheat/ NWF board meetings. The program focuses on the responsibilities of board members, governance, media relations and lobbying. This annual program provides leadership training for state wheat grower leaders who will soon become part of the NAWG board of directors or want to become more involved in their state associations. Find the application on the NWF website.