Weekly Update for
October 22

NAWG joined a coalition of agricultural organizations in urging the Senate to advance the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 in November. In a joint letter, the coalition emphasized the legislation’s potential to strengthen U.S. agriculture and rural communities by modernizing federal permitting, establishing more predictable environmental review timelines, streamlining Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act processes, and providing greater regulatory certainty for farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses investing in infrastructure and other rural development projects.

On October 20, The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcomed the Trump Administration’s announcement of $8 billion in assistance for American farmers through the Harvest Fuel Relief Program. “NAWG thanks President Trump and Secretary Rollins for recognizing the financial pressures facing wheat growers and providing assistance to help offset rising fuel costs,” said NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer. “While this relief is welcome, high fuel prices and other input costs continue to squeeze farm margins and threaten the viability of family farms. NAWG remains ready to roll up our sleeves and work with the Administration and Congress to address the farm input cost crisis and advance long-term solutions that help keep American wheat growers competitive.” NAWG staff has been engaged in a series of conversations with White House and USDA staff on how this program will be implemented. There are still more questions than answers, but USDA welcomes feedback and questions at HarvestFuel@usda.gov.

On the latest episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, NAWG CEO Sam Kieffer joins host Aaron Harries and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin to discuss the economic pressures facing wheat farmers, farm bill priorities, and the importance of bipartisan agricultural advocacy. The conversation explores how research funding, wheat breeding, and biofuel demand can support farm profitability, along with the roles of key wheat organizations in advancing growers’ interests. Kieffer also shares practical advice for meeting with lawmakers: bring real-world examples, such as fuel and fertilizer receipts and crop contracts, to show how policy decisions affect farmers’ bottom lines.

NAWG is launching a new, hands-on Wheat Leaders Lab at this year’s Fall Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico! Join us November 3 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. MST for an interactive experience designed to help board members strengthen their advocacy, communication, and leadership skills. Participants can visit six stations featuring practical tips, expert insights, and opportunities to practice skills they can put to use back home. Mugshot: Professional Headshots — Update your professional photo with a headshot session featuring a green screen and multiple background options. Talking Nutrition in a MAHA World — Learn how to respond to questions and misconceptions about wheat nutrition with insights from Erin Ball of the Grain Foods Foundation. Telling Your Farm Story — From the basics to advanced techniques, Sheri Glazer of the Grain Foods Council will share tips for telling your farm’s story effectively on social media. Safe Media Interviews — Practice mock interviews with NAWG staff to build confidence, navigate reporter tactics, and prepare for tough or unexpected questions. Tips and Tricks for Better Meetings with Lawmakers — Luke Crumley of Ohio Corn and Wheat will share lessons learned from meetings with lawmakers and practical strategies for making your next meeting more effective. Wheat Quality and Its Importance in the Milling Process — Learn from industry experts about wheat quality and how the National Wheat Foundation is helping educate the industry on the importance of balancing high yields, quality, and profitability. The Wheat Leaders Lab will equip board members with practical tools and greater confidence to tell wheat’s story, engage with policymakers, and advocate for the industry. We look forward to seeing you there!

On October 22, Vice President JD Vance and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the selection of eight fertilizer manufacturing projects for approximately $573 million in proposed funding through USDA's Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program. The projects represent more than $1.3 billion in investments to expand the domestic production of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur fertilizers. Once operational, USDA estimates the projects could increase domestic nitrogen production by up to 5% and potash by almost 40%, helping to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and lower costs for American farmers. NAWG appreciates the Administration's continued focus on addressing agricultural input costs and will monitor implementation, particularly the projects' ability to deliver meaningful cost savings for wheat producers.

On October 20, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) released the following statement in response to USDA’s announcement of $8 billion in assistance for American farmers through the Harvest Fuel Relief Program. "The fastest way for the president to provide farmers with meaningful and durable relief is to end his war with Iran and stop picking fights with our closest trading partners. Continuing these failed policies will lead right back to where we are next year. This latest bailout is another band-aid on a gaping wound, ignoring the root causes of the cost-of-living crisis that is straining the household budgets of farmers and millions of other hardworking Americans."

Everyone is invited to attend the National Wheat Foundation’s Fall meeting on Monday, November 2 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are looking forward to two guest speakers on nutrition topics, an update from the NAWG president, committee reports and financial reports. This is a great way for anyone to learn more about the Foundation and what we do for the wheat industry. Please join us on Monday at 1:00 p.m. MDT at The Clyde Hotel.