Weekly Update for
May 8

This week, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) took part in the National Association of Farm Broadcasters’ (NAFB) annual Washington Watch event. Held each spring in the nation’s capital, Washington Watch provides NAFB journalists with an opportunity to engage directly with agricultural organizations, USDA officials, and bipartisan congressional leadership from both chambers. During the event, staff from NAWG and USW participated in ten interviews with agricultural news outlets. In those interviews, NAWG focused on highlighting the economic challenges facing wheat producers and the need to strengthen the farm safety net, while USW addressed issues related to trade policy and international wheat markets.

Last week, Elizabeth Rivera, NAWG Director of Communications and Partnerships, participated in a meeting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) press team. The meeting brought together communications staff from agricultural organizations to foster collaboration and align messaging on key policy priorities. Participants introduced themselves, shared updates on their organizations’ current focus areas, and discussed ways to strengthen communication between USDA and the agricultural community. Moving forward, this group will convene on a quarterly basis to maintain strong connections, ensure message alignment, and support mutual goals across the agriculture sector.

This week, NAWG launched a letter campaign to address the growing MAHA movement and the newly created MAHA Commission. The Commission is expected to release its initial assessment around May 24. NAWG and many of our partners are actively engaging in multiple initiatives to ensure that crop protection tools vital to wheat production are evaluated fairly, with recognition that these tools undergo rigorous scientific review, are used safely, and remain essential to American wheat farmers. As a critical part of our advocacy efforts, we have launched a campaign to link wheat farmers directly with key decision-makers. Learn more and join the campaign below.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a new round of presidential appointments for key leadership roles within the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development. Among those appointed was former NAWG President David Schemm, who will reprise his role as the State Executive Director for the FSA in Kansas. Schemm previously held this position during the first Trump Administration and most recently served as Agricultural Advisor to U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall. He continues to farm alongside his wife, Lisa, and their son, Clay, in Western Kansas. “It’s always exciting to see NAWG leadership continue their service in new and meaningful ways,” said NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. “David Schemm brings deep experience and a strong connection to Kansas producers and rural communities. I know he will excel in this role.”

On May 8, President Trump and UK Prime Minister Starmer announced a new trade agreement between the United States and United Kingdom on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The deal aims to increase market access for U.S. exporters, with projections of $5 billion in new export opportunities, including $700 million in ethanol exports and $250 million in other agricultural products such as beef. The agreement maintains the previously implemented 10% reciprocal tariff rate, while establishing special provisions for UK auto imports (10% tariff on the first 100,000 vehicles, 25% on additional vehicles) and includes commitments to negotiate alternative arrangements for steel and aluminum tariffs. The deal also addresses non-tariff barriers, creates provisions for aerospace and pharmaceutical supply chains, and establishes commitments related to intellectual property, labor standards, and environmental protections. U.S.-UK goods trade was estimated at $148 billion in 2024.

On May 7, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins hosted the inaugural Farmers First roundtable at USDA headquarters, bringing together Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) leadership, and over 20 farmers from 11 states to discuss challenges facing small, family-owned operations. During the event, Rollins unveiled a plan to expedite $21 billion in disaster assistance, with payments for drought and wildfire livestock relief expected by the end of May. A public dashboard tracking USDA’s disaster aid rollout has been launched for transparency. While the Emergency Livestock Relief Program is anticipated by the end of the month, additional information for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for Previously Indemnified Losses is expected to come in late June, with signup commencing in July 2025.

This week, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before both the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture to present the USDA’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. She addressed $4.6 billion in proposed cuts, announced plans to disburse $21 billion in disaster aid by the end of May, and assured lawmakers that no Farm Service Agency offices would close. Rollins also previewed upcoming updates to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, expected in early fall. The hearings marked her first congressional testimony since taking office.

On May 5, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry advanced the nominations of Judge Stephen Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture. Judge Vaden, a Tennessee native, previously served as USDA General Counsel from 2017 to 2020 and currently serves as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade. Tyler Clarkson has held multiple senior legal roles at USDA, including Acting General Counsel, and brings extensive experience in regulatory and compliance matters. Both nominations now await full Senate confirmation.

On May 5, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), House Financial Services Committee Vice Chair French Hill (R-AR-02), Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee Chairman Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), and Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI-01) released a discussion draft of legislation to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. The proposal aims to provide consumer protections, promote innovation, and deliver long-awaited clarity for digital asset markets. A joint subcommittee hearing titled “American Innovation and the Future of Digital Assets: A Blueprint for the 21st Century” was held on Tuesday, May 6, to solicit public feedback.

On May 6, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined 15 Senate colleagues in raising concerns over a new USDA policy requiring certain farm loans and guarantees to be cleared by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The senators warned that this added layer of review could delay financial assistance for qualified borrowers, particularly those operating as formal entities like LLCs. In a letter to Secretary Rollins, they requested clarity on the policy’s legal basis, potential use of AI, and its implications for borrower privacy and loan processing efficiency. Responses are requested by May 13, 2025.

On May 13, the Senate Agriculture Committee will host “Perspectives from the Field, Part 4: Conservation” at 3:00 PM EDT. The hearing will feature testimony from key voices in agricultural conservation, including leaders from the National Association of Conservation Districts, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Pheasants Forever, Texas Agricultural Land Trust, and Illinois Corn Growers Association. Witnesses will share on-the-ground insights into conservation practices and priorities across rural America.

Bushel recently released its 2025 State of the Farm Report, showing farmers are using more digital tools than ever before, especially for record-keeping and payments, while keeping trusted relationships at the core of their business. More than 1,300 farmers across the U.S. shared how they manage their operations, make decisions, and use technology to make everyday tasks faster and more convenient. Key takeaways: Digital record-keeping is the new normal. Only 21% of farmers still use pen and paper. Most rely on about three different farm software tools to track costs, margins, and field performance. Mobile convenience is in demand. 35% of farmers under 50 would submit a grain offer through a mobile app if they had the option. Younger farmers also show a clear preference for mobile payments and direct deposits over traditional checks. Growth outlook stays strong. Half of farmers expect to maintain their current size, and 35% plan to expand their operations. Better decisions through tech. Farmers under 50 value software that helps them make faster, smarter business decisions. Farmers over 50 focus more on tools that help control costs. Download the full 2025 State of the Farm Report below.

The deadline for Winter wheat categories is May 15.  Please get your entries in by the deadline, no late entries are accepted.  The contest is a great way for wheat growers to challenge themselves to achieve their best yield, quality and profit on their wheat crop this year.  The contest will be announcing 28 National Winners.  In the Dryland categories, there is a % over county category so winners from all across the country have the opportunity compete.  The new Digital Yield pilot category allows growers in certain states to submit their harvest data using their technology, this category will judge yield on a larger portion of their selected fields.  For all these details and to get entered, please go to www.wheatcontest.org.

Learn more about the National Wheat Yield contest from two contest winners. This podcast episode is now available: