Weekly Update for
October 24

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) joined fellow members of the Grain Chain in submitting a response to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the recent Request for Information (RFI) on the development of a definition for ultra-processed foods (UPFs). In a joint letter sent Thursday, NAWG and its partners emphasized the importance of a science-based and practical approach as the Agencies explore how UPFs are characterized and evaluated. The Grain Chain’s comments were submitted to help inform the Agencies’ ongoing research efforts—both specifically on the topic of ultra-processed foods and within the broader context of federal nutrition policy. The Grain Chain coalition continues to advocate for evidence-based nutrition guidance that reflects the role of grain-based foods in a balanced diet and supports consumer understanding through clear, accurate information.

FMC will be hosting a virtual session focusing on Plant Health in the Central Cornbelt on Monday, November 10, from 10:00-11:30 AM CST. This free webinar is designed specifically for growers and will feature FMC technical experts sharing updates on new and proven plant health technologies that support stronger roots, improved diseases management, and great yield potential. Information will be provided on Xyway brand fungicides, Zironar biofungicide/bionematicide, Avodigen biofungicide/bionematicide, and Ethos Elite LFR insecticide/biofungicide.

On October 21, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and Ranking member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) led committee passage of H.R. 4550, the United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025, as amended. NAWG endorses this advancement. "NAWG commends the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for its bipartisan leadership in advancing the reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act,” said National Association of Wheat Growers President Pat Clements, “We support the Committee’s focus on modernizing grain grading technologies and streamlining evaluation processes, which will strengthen transparency, consistency, and market confidence. Maintaining and updating U.S. grain standards is critical to protecting the integrity of both domestic and export markets, and we appreciate the Committee’s efforts to incorporate technology and innovation, ensuring U.S. standards remain world-class and responsive to the needs of farmers, buyers, and the broader supply chain.”

On October 23, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced the committee will hold a hearing to consider the U.S. Department of Agriculture nominations of Dr. Mindy Brashears, Stella Yvette Herrell, and John Walk on October 29.

On October 22, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, and Food Safety, led seven of their colleagues in pressing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden on the Department’s proposed reorganization plan and its impacts on animal health threats. “The USDA should not hamper its capacity to address the dangerous threats posed by New World Screwworm (NWS) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to livestock and poultry, like so many animal health threats faced by the United States, through coordination, monitoring, communication, and research and scientific development,” wrote the Senators.

On October 22, House Agriculture Committee Ranking member Angie Craig (MN-02) released a statement regarding the decision by Agriculture Secretary to partially reopen Farm Service Agency offices after keeping them closed for 21 days due to the government shutdown. “I am glad the administration is finally doing right by America’s farmers by partially opening FSA offices, though I question why the administration waited so long and made this decision only after putting farmers through three weeks of uncertainty. Now it’s time they do right by seniors, children and veterans and utilize the SNAP contingency fund to ensure benefits can be provided for November.”

On October 22, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced a suite of actions to strengthen the American beef industry. Due to the decline of the national herd and an increase in demand for beef, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing to make these markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable to consumers. “At USDA we are protecting our beef industry and incentivizing new ranchers to take up the noble vocation of ranching,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins, “Today, USDA will immediately expedite deregulatory reforms, boost processing capacity, including getting more locally raised beef into schools, and working across the government to fix longstanding common-sense barriers for ranchers like outdated grazing restrictions.”

On October 21, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) led committee passage of the Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation to combat catastrophic wildfires, improve forest management, and safeguard communities. “This is a commonsense way to protect lives, property, and the environment,” Boozman stated, “I look forward to swift passage in the Senate so we can make our forests healthier and more resilient.”

The GFF website is plentiful with information about grain foods, from recipes to basic research to the nutritional value of grains.   Do you know how enrichment and fortification of grain foods help us get our essential “shortfall nutrients”? Take a look at this great website and maybe you will find some new ways to incorporate grains into your daily routine. 

BASF has partnered with the National Wheat Foundation for students with connections to the wheat industry who are planning careers in agriculture. There will be two $2,500 college scholarships for the 2026 academic year. Payment will be sent directly to the student's university or college in January, 2026.  For more information please visit the National Wheat Foundation website, www.wheatfoundation.org.  Deadline to apply is December 31, 2025