Weekly Update for
November 12

Last week, NAWG brought together grower leaders from across the country in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for its annual fall meeting, jointly hosted with U.S. Wheat Associates. The meeting featured committee discussions, opportunities for collaboration, and leadership and professional development programming for growers interested in becoming more engaged in agricultural policy and advocacy. A key outcome of the meeting was establishing NAWG’s policy priorities, which will guide the organization in the lame duck session of Congress and beyond. As lawmakers return to Washington, NAWG will be laser-focused on finishing the farm bill, securing additional economic and disaster assistance for wheat growers, and urging Congress to develop long-term solutions that address ongoing challenges facing the farm economy like inflation and input prices. “Another great fall meeting that brought together grower leaders from across the country to discuss the issues that matter most to wheat farmers,” said NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer. “As we look toward the lame duck session, Congress must finally deliver a farm bill to rural America, enact much-needed economic and disaster assistance, and begin addressing the input cost crisis threatening farm families. Growers need certainty and open markets, and NAWG will continue advocating for bipartisan, commonsense solutions that create a brighter future for America’s wheat growers.”

On November 11, NAWG President Jamie Kress joined American Soybean Association’s Steve Censky and former National Corn Growers Association President Ken McCauley of Kansas for this week’s Farmer Forum. The discussion focused on the midterm elections, the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, and other key issues shaping the agricultural industry.

On November 10, NAWG sent a letter to USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce outlining recommendations for implementing the Harvest Fuel Relief Program. The letter urges USDA to maintain the per-acre payment structure used in the Farmer Bridge Assistance program and provide clear guidance on fall planting expenses, wheat-fallow rotations, crop-share arrangements, and acreage reporting flexibility. NAWG also emphasized the need for transparent payment timelines, consistent guidance for county offices, and coordination with Treasury, the IRS, and state officials on the transition from temporary dyed-diesel relief. Additionally, NAWG requested an opportunity to meet with USDA officials to ensure the program addresses the needs of wheat growers and delivers assistance efficiently.

This week, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig criticized the USDA’s proposed rule to eliminate broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) for SNAP, warning it could result in 6.3 million individuals losing food assistance and $50.82 billion in reduced SNAP benefits. The proposed rule could also affect access to other federal assistance programs, including school meals, Summer EBT, and WIC. Currently, 46 states use BBCE to streamline eligibility for low-income households.

On November 10, the Senate Agriculture Committee held a nomination hearing for Gregory Ibach, nominated to serve as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, and Carl Bednarski, John Grunewald II, and James Russell Middleton, nominated to serve on the Farm Credit Administration Board. In his opening remarks, Chairman John Boozman emphasized the importance of filling key leadership positions at USDA and the Farm Credit Administration as farmers and ranchers continue to face significant economic challenges. He highlighted the importance of expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products, strengthening trade promotion efforts, and advancing a five-year Farm Bill before the end of the year. Boozman also pointed to rising farm debt and tightening credit conditions, underscoring the Farm Credit System’s critical role in providing producers with reliable access to credit. Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar also stressed the importance of advancing a bipartisan Farm Bill and raised concerns about the administration’s tariff policies, noting their impact on input costs and the uncertainty they create for U.S. agricultural exporters. She urged Ibach, if confirmed, to prioritize stability and predictability in agricultural trade policy. Klobuchar also emphasized the importance of ensuring farmers and rural communities have continued access to reliable credit.

House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig criticized USDA’s handling of its reorganization following a GAO report finding that the department provided limited transparency and failed to respond to requests for information about key decisions. Craig called on USDA to cooperate with congressional oversight and provide greater transparency regarding the reorganization’s potential impacts on program delivery and customer service. The report comes as USDA has reduced its workforce by approximately 20%, leaving many regional and local offices understaffed.

On November 10, the Senate Committee on Appropriations released the text for two FY 2027 funding bills: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.

The National Wheat Foundation, along with our partner, BASF, offers 2 $2500 scholarships for college students. The deadline to submit the application is December 1, 2026. For more information about the scholarships and the application, please visit the Foundation’s website.

The National Wheat Foundation announced the 28 national winners of its 11th Annual National Wheat Yield Contest. Rylee Reynolds of Idaho earned the Bin Buster title in the irrigated winter wheat category for the second consecutive year, with a yield of 214.16 bushels per acre. The contest recognizes wheat growers for outstanding yields, grain quality, and innovative production practices. Looking ahead, the contest will expand in 2027 to include additional winter wheat class categories and new durum wheat categories.