Kissimmee, Fla. – Visitors to the Wheat Industry Booth at the 2013 Commodity Classic are getting the opportunity to learn about the important role wheat plays in human lives and to express their opinions to their legislators.

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the Wheat Foods Council (WFC) work together to present the Wheat Industry Booth each year. This year’s show runs until Saturday at noon.

At the exhibit, visitors will be able to combine fun and learning by spinning a prize wheel and answering questions about the 10,000-year-old grain crop, which gets credit for helping human beings form permanent communities and provides 20 percent of world food calories today. Successful answers win respondents chances to enter the booth raffle for a ruggedized digital camera.

Around the corner is a “Write Your Member of Congress” area where volunteers are talking with visitors about the most important policy issues of the day, including farm policy, trade promotion and environmental regulation. Visitors can then write a postcard to their Member and take an novelty oversized pen as a reminder of the need to write often.

“We are always encouraging farmers to be more involved in the decisions made at a national level that will affect their businesses and their communities,” said Bing Von Bergen, who was elected NAWG president Thursday.

“We hope the Wheat Booth this year will provide both some education and some energy for advocacy, which is what everyone – from Secretary Vilsack to farmers I talk to in the countryside – agrees we need to get a farm bill done.”

Leaders from NAWG, USW and WFC will be at the exhibit throughout the Commodity Classic trade show to greet visitors and answer any questions about wheat industry policy, export market development and wheat nutrition.

More about the organizations is available online at www.wheatworld.org, www.uswheat.org and www.wheatfoods.org.

###

Kissimmee, Fla. – Montana wheat and barley farmer Bing Von Bergen was elected and installed as the new president of the National Association of Wheat Growers at the Association’s Board of Directors meeting Thursday.

Von Bergen is a native of Moccasin, Mont., in the center part of the state. Prior to becoming a NAWG officer, he served in the officer corps of the Montana Grain Growers Association for five years and on the NAWG Board, chairing the Domestic and Trade Policy Committee in 2008 and 2009.

Von Bergen Installed as NAWG President At Commodity Classic

In addition to running his farm, Von Bergen is the co-owner of Heartland Seed Company, which specializes in small grain seeds as well as grass and alfalfa seed. He has also served in several leadership roles in his community, including on a local co-op board, bank board and school board.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Von Bergen attended Montana State University. He and his wife Lois have two college-age children.

As president, Von Bergen will also be serving as acting chief executive officer while the Association undertakes a search process for a new staff lead.

“I am entering this new role during what some may consider a challenging time for our Association and our industry, but I see a lot of opportunity for us to grow and improve,” Von Bergen said.

“I appreciate my fellow growers entrusting me with these duties and responsibilities, and I will work diligently to ensure I live up to them.”

Other NAWG officers elected and installed at the Thursday meeting include:

• Paul Penner, Hillsboro, Kan., as first vice president;
• Brett Blankenship, Washtucna, Wash., second vice president;
• Gordon Stoner, Outlook, Mont., secretary-treasurer; and
• Erik Younggren, Hallock, Minn., immediate past president.

Members of NAWG’s Executive Committee, known as officers, commit to serve five years when they first run for the role of secretary-treasurer. The NAWG Nominating Committee and NAWG Board reaffirms their selection each year as they move into new roles on the officer team.

More about all of the officers is at www.wheatworld.org/about-us/contact-us/.

More from NAWG at the 2013 Commodity Classic is at www.wheatworld.org/2013Classic.

###

Kissimmee, Fla. – U.S. wheat growers have left their cold, snowy farms for the warmer – if not windier – climes of Kissimmee, Fla., and the 2013 Commodity Classic.

Members of the National Association of Wheat Growers are once again partnering with the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association and National Sorghum Producers for the 18th annual convention and trade show.

In addition to its sponsorship and participation in the Commodity Classic events, NAWG will hold its annual meeting during Commodity Classic for the seventh year in a row.

“Commodity Classic is always a fun time to get together with our growers and growers from the other commodity groups,” said NAWG President Erik Younggren, who farms near Hallock, Minn.

“Agriculture is a very small community, and any time we can get together with our growers at the grassroots level is important. It’s always good to meet with our fellow growers, see what’s on their minds, see what’s happening in different parts of the country.”

NAWG leaders will conduct a full complement of policy committee meetings starting the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 27, with the full Board of Directors meeting Thursday, Feb. 28, to review policy resolutions and committee actions and elect new officers. The National Wheat Foundation’s Board will meet Saturday, March 2.

More than 5,000 farmers pre-registered to attend the 2013 Classic, which will include multiple social events, a general session and trade show. NAWG, U.S. Wheat Associates and the Wheat Foods Council will sponsor a Wheat Industry trade show exhibit in booth #1001.

The National Association of Wheat Growers works with 22 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at state and national levels. More about the Association is at www.wheatworld.org.

More about the wheat industry’s 2013 Classic events will be at www.wheatworld.org/2013Classic throughout the week.

An audio preview of wheat Classic events with Younggren is at http://www.wheatworld.org/wp-content/uploads/audio-younggren-classic-preview-20130226.mp3.

###

The National Association of Wheat Growers presented its highest Congressional award to Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) on Tuesday, as wheat growers in her home state confirmed their affiliation with the national association.

Stabenow was named the 2012 Wheat Leader of the Year, an award given annually to one Member of Congress based on his or her demonstrated commitment to the well-being and goals of the wheat industry.

Stabenow was chosen to be so honored due to her diligence and leadership on farm bill legislation in the 112th Congress.

“Though a farm bill ultimately didn’t get done last year, our growers are confident that Chairwoman Stabenow did everything in her power to push it forward, and she has already shown her commitment to do the same in this new Congress,” said NAWG President Erik Younggren, a farmer from northern Minnesota.

“We are happy to honor her in this way and hope to continue our close relationship with the Chairwoman and her office in the coming years.”

Stabenow’s selection for the Wheat Leader Award comes as Michigan wheat farmers become more involved in national wheat organizations.

Michigan wheat farmers have been working for several years to establish a checkoff program, which they successfully did in the summer of 2011. Now that the program is up and running, they are becoming members of NAWG to ensure Michigan has a voice on both the state and national levels. They are also sending representation to learn more about U.S. Wheat Associates, the industry’s export market development organization.

The Michigan Wheat Program represented by Chairman David Milligan of Cass City and Secretary Chris Schmidt of Auburn sought and received membership from the NAWG Board of Directors at its meeting on Tuesday.

“On behalf of Michigan’s 8,000 wheat farmers, we are very pleased to become members of NAWG,” Milligan said. “It has been a long journey to get the check-off passed. Joining NAWG is another step in the right direction as we move the Michigan wheat industry forward.

“We have a state with strong leadership, as illustrated by Senator Stabenow. It only makes sense to also have a strong wheat grower organization. We are very pleased to be admitted into NAWG and for them to recognize Senator Stabenow.”

NAWG was also pleased to announce the recipients of its two other awards, the Wheat Advocate Award and the Friend of Wheat Award.

The Wheat Advocate Award is given annually to Members of Congress who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm. Those receiving 2012 Wheat Advocate awards include:

• Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
• Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)
• Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas)
• Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.)
• Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio)
• Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.)
• House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.)
• Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)
• Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.)
• House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.)
• Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)
• Rep. Tim Walz (D-Minn.)

The Friend of Wheat Award is given annually by NAWG for superior action in support of the goals and policies of the wheat industry. This award is given to Congressional and administrative staff members who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm. The 2012 Friend of Wheat Awards were given to:

• Andrew Brandt – Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)
• Jonathan Coppess – Senate Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
• Mike Dunlap – House Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
• Bart Fischer – House Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
• Max Fisher – Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)
• Brandon Harder – Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
• Joel Leftwich – Senate Agriculture Committee Minority Staff
• Dr. David Marshall – USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
• Jim Miller – Senate Budget Committee Majority Staff
• Shaughnessy Murphy – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)
• Matt Schertz – House Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
• Joe Shultz – Senate Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
• Tara Smith – Senate Agriculture Committee Minority Staff
• Alexis Taylor – Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
• Emily Tully – Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio)

For his extensive service to the industry, the NAWG Board also recognized Oklahoma State University wheat breeder and professor, and National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) chairman, Dr. Brett Carver, with a Friend of Wheat Award. This is an exception to policy that calls for all Friends to be employed directly by Congress or an administrative agency.

Representatives from NAWG’s member-states, in town for NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates meetings and Hill visits, will deliver physical awards to all of the winners or they will be presented at a later date.

More about the Congressional awards, including more about past winners, is available at http://www.wheatworld.org/about-us/policy-process/.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, NAWG Director of Communications, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

A statement from National Association of Wheat Growers President Erik Younggren, a wheat, soybean and sugar beet farmer from Hallock, Minn.:

“NAWG is pleased that leaders in Washington came to some agreement on fiscal and tax policy for our nation that includes an extension of farm policy through the 2013 wheat growing season. This will allow our nation’s farmers to know the parameters of tax policy and the farm safety net for spring planting decisions and allow continued operations of critical foreign market development programs.

“However, the extension of the 2008 farm bill is not ideal and we are concerned about unknown implications of automatic spending cuts, known as sequester, which are now postponed.

“We commend our agriculture leaders – Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Roberts, Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson – for their leadership in putting forth reforms that would have saved taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and regret that our joint efforts to reauthorize a five-year bill were not successful.

“It is of the utmost urgency to our farmer-members that Members of the 113th Congress reauthorize a new farm bill expeditiously. We call on policymakers to come to the table, compromise and send a five-year farm bill to the President for signature this year.”

###

The 2008 law governing many of our nation’s farm policies expired on Sunday, September 30th, and the 2012 Farm Bill needed to replace it is bottled up in Congress. While the Senate and the House Agriculture Committees were both able to pass their versions of the new farm bill, the full House was unable to do so. While expiration of farm bill program authorities has little or no effect on some important programs, it has terminated a number of important programs and will very adversely affect many farmers and ranchers, as well as ongoing market development and conservation efforts. Following is a summary of these impacts.

Programs Affected by Expiration of the 2008 Farm Bill

Dairy producers will face considerable challenges. The Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program expired on Sunday. That program compensated dairy producers when domestic milk prices fall below a specified level. Without a new farm bill, dairy farmers are left with uncertainty and inadequate assistance. While milk prices are high enough that the price support program doesn’t kick in; unfortunately, there is no other safety net to help battle the highest feed costs on record.

Many farmers, ranchers and agribusiness or agricultural processors benefit from the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD). FMD is a cost-sharing trade promotion partnership between USDA and U.S. agricultural producers and processors. The program pools technical and financial resources to conduct overseas market development. FMD helps maintain and increase market share by addressing long-term foreign market import constraints and by identifying new markets or new uses for the agricultural commodity or product in the foreign market. That funding, as well as specific funding for personnel to run the program at USDA, will run out at the end of October. Since 31 percent of our gross farm income comes from exports which also make a positive contribution to our Nation’s trade balance, trade promotion is an important part of our safety net. Other countries will most certainly take advantage of the fact that the program is rendered inoperable and will do what they can to steal our markets – and everyone knows, the hardest market to get is the one you lost.

About 6.5 million acres rotates out of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) this year. While current contracts are protected, no new signup will be allowed for CRP or the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Both of these programs are voluntary land retirement programs that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard ground and surface water. In addition, there cannot be sign up for the Wetlands Reserve Program or the Grasslands Reserve Program.

Both versions of the new Farm Bill contain funding for the disasters facing the livestock industry due to the drought. However, programs are currently only available for lack of forage, as well as death of animals.

Most producers of fruits and vegetables do not have a safety net, but instead receive funding to augment the competitiveness of specialty crops through programs that enhance trade, promote cutting-edge research, and implement on-the-ground projects to protect crops from disease and invasive species. Funding for these programs ended when the Farm Bill expired.

Numerous other programs, including energy, agricultural research, rural development and funding for new and beginning farmers could be added to this list of affected programs. The bottom line is that while expiration of the Farm Bill causes little or no pain to some, others face significant challenges.

Programs Not Affected by Expiration of the 2008 Farm Bill

Almost 80 percent of the Farm Bill’s cost is for nutrition programs – primarily the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly commonly known as food stamps. Most recipients of nutrition program benefits will not be affected because the SNAP program did not need to be extended. Funds for nutrition assistance programs will continue to be provided to those Americans without issue.

Farmers and ranchers who manage their risks using the farm bill’s crop insurance provisions will be unaffected because, like SNAP, those programs don’t expire. Nor do some of the conservation-related programs. In addition, most commodity-specific programs are largely covered by the 2008 Farm Bill since it applies to the 2012 crop year, rather than the 2012 fiscal year. The main challenge, however, will be in planning for 2013. This includes lining up the critical financial assistance needed from lending institutions which prefer, if not demand, to see business plans presented in black and white. That will be difficult when producers don’t know when to expect a new Farm Bill – or what type of financial safety net is likely to be included in that bill.

Congress will return in mid-November for a lame-duck session prior to final adjournment in December. We will work to have the first order of business for the House of Representatives be to consider a new Farm Bill. We are urging our members to seek out their House members between now and the elections and remind them of the consequences of not having a new bill in place prior to adjournment at the end of the year.

American Farm Bureau Federation

American Pulse Association

American Soybean Association

National Association of Conservation Districts

National Association of Wheat Growers

National Barley Growers Association

National Corn Growers Association

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

National Farmers Union

National Milk Producers Federation

National Sunflower Association

United Fresh Produce Association

USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council

U.S. Canola Association

Western Growers Association

A statement from National Association of Wheat Growers President Erik Younggren, a wheat and sugar beet farmer from Hallock, Minn.:

“Congress has now left Washington with no new farm bill passed and no clear path for how one will get passed in the near future.

“As a farmer who grew up on the land I still farm, and as the leader of a national organization made up of men and women whose families are dedicated to their farm businesses, this development is both surreal and deeply unsettling.

“Members of Congress are now fanning out across our nation to ask for our support in their efforts to get their jobs back. Regardless of party or position, we strongly encourage farmers to ask their legislators for an explanation of why they have failed to pass this fundamental legislation despite ample time and the worst drought conditions in our lifetimes.

“We thank our agriculture leaders – Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Roberts, Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson – and many other faithful Members who have worked hard to push the farm bill forward.

“We can only hope that House leaders have the will to bring forward the five-year reauthorization of the farm bill as the first item of business when they return in November and get done what should have been done long ago.”

###

Farmers from around the country put on business suits and headed to the Capitol lawn Wednesday, united with nutrition, energy and conservation advocates in a clear message: pass a farm bill, now.

The 400-strong rally is supported by more than 90 groups and included speeches from NAWG First Vice President Bing Von Bergen, who farms wheat and barley in Montana, as well as representatives of the Alliance to End Hunger, the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farmland Trust, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Consumers League and trade associations for producers of soybeans, corn, milk and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Von Bergen spoke on trade policies, which are vital to the wheat industry.

“Each year, we export about half of the total wheat crop produced in this country. Eighty percent of wheat from my home state goes overseas,” he said. “To me, trade means money in farmers’ pockets, growth in our economy and doing my part to feed hungry people around the world.”

Other advocate representatives spoke on the importance of farm bill policies to providing growers a safety net, feeding hungry Americans and conserving U.S. lands, as well as the certainty a long-term farm bill provides to the ag sector, which supports 1 in 12 American jobs.

Several Members of Congress joined the crowd, with remarks delivered by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich); Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.); House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.); and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.).

The rally is part of the larger Farm Bill Now effort launched in August at www.farmbillnow.com. The call to action now has nearly 90 signatory groups, with an additional 1350 individuals signing a petition to support for the statement.

Quick approval of a new farm bill is essential to farmers and the larger economy. Wheat farmers are already planting next year’s crop without a clear understating of how farm policy will affect their businesses when harvest arrives.

Ten farmers from NAWG state associations in Washington, Montana and Idaho came in for the rally.

“We were happy to be able to come out to D.C. this week to inject a little bit of reality into the political debate around the farm bill,” said Joe Anderson, a wheat and dry bean farmer from Genesee, Idaho, and a NAWG director. “We’ve been home doing our jobs, and we expect Congress to do theirs.”

For more about the rally Wednesday and the Farm Bill Now effort, visit www.farmbillnow.com.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, Director of Communications, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org, 202-386-2585

The following is National Association of Wheat Growers’ (NAWG’s) statement to The View regarding Wheat Belly claims discussed during the Sept. 11, 2012, episode:

“Humans have been growing and eating wheat for thousands of years, and the assertion that wheat’s nutritional value has been changed is patently untrue.

“Eliminating wheat foods means eliminating an important source of healthful nutrients that are vital to our bodies functioning properly, like fiber, iron, B vitamins, antioxidants, and folic acid, which is especially important to women of childbearing age.”

For more factual information about wheat and wheat nutrition, we recommend visiting our sister associations the Grain Foods Foundation and the Wheat Foods Council, or our nutrition website page.

###

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and 38 other national agricultural organizations issued a statement Wednesday regarding the need for Congress to pass a new, comprehensive, five-year farm bill before current farm programs expire in September.

The coalition of groups, using the name Farm Bill Now, comprises associations and coalitions representing commodity crops, livestock, dairy, specialty crops, state and local governments, minor crops, energy and biobased product groups, farm cooperatives and financial groups, as well as the nation’s two largest farm groups, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union.

Each organization has strong and distinct policy priorities, yet all 39 are committed to passing a new, comprehensive bill this year.

“Calling the farm bill the ‘farm bill’ suggests its impact is limited only to farms and to the rural areas to which they are so closely tied,” the groups wrote.

“While Congress waits to finish the farm bill, we are united in asking all Americans to encourage legislators—home for summer town hall meetings and speeches—to finish this vital legislation before the current farm and food law expires in September. After all, it’s your bill too.”

In addition to today’s statement, Farm Bill Now launched an interactive web portal at www.FarmBillNow.com, through which farmers and consumers can connect to their Members of Congress and show their support for a new five-year farm bill.

In the coming weeks, Farm Bill Now will hold events in Iowa and on Capitol Hill to further underscore the message.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 28, farmers representing multiple groups within the coalition will discuss the Farm Bill Now effort at the annual Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, the nation’s largest outdoor farm show.

Wednesday morning Sept. 12, representatives of many of the groups uniting today will gather on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol to encourage Congress to pass the bill before programs expire at the end of the month.

To read the full statement out today and see a full list of signatories, please visit www.FarmBillNow.com.

###

A statement from National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Erik Younggren, who farms wheat, sugar beets and soybeans near Hallock, Minn.:

“The top legislative priority for the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) during this Congress remains the achievement of a new, five-year farm bill before current law expires on Sept. 30.

“The Association and its farmer-leaders do not support a short-term extension of the 2008 Farm Bill by itself. A one-year extension would create even more uncertainly in a political, agronomic and economic climate that is already uncertain enough. A short-term extension would not incorporate many of the farm policy reforms that are crucial to garnering widespread support for a new farm law. And a one-year extension would set up the farm community for another year of waiting for Congress to get its job done.

“As it is, next year’s winter wheat crop will be in the ground before any farm policy legislation is able to go to the President’s desk this year. We appreciate the continued efforts of our farm leaders who are working to achieve a five-year bill and encourage Members of the House to do what they can, through whatever process possible, to give our nation’s growers long-term farm policy certainty this year.”

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, Director of Communications, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

A statement from National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Erik Younggren, who farms wheat, sugar beets and soybeans near Hallock, Minn., on the House Agriculture Committee’s approval of 2012 Farm Bill language:

“NAWG was happy to see Members of the House Agriculture Committee approve their version of the 2012 Farm Bill early this morning, and we strongly encourage House Leadership to schedule floor time for the bill as soon as possible.

“My fellow farmers will begin planting winter wheat in just a couple of months. It is very important they and all farmers have an understanding of the farm safety net available to them when they make the substantial investments required for the new crop. In addition to crop insurance and Title I policies, the bill passed today includes important provisions with regards to conservation, research, food aid, marketing and nutrition that should not be subjected to the uncertainty of short-term extensions.

“We commend Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson for undertaking the mark-up in an expeditious fashion and allowing Committee Members’ voices to be heard. We look forward to the floor process and finalizing new farm and food policy before Sept. 30.”

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, Director of Communications, mkessler@wheatworld.org

After nearly two weeks of commendable effort, the Senate moved for full passage of their version of the 2012 Farm Bill, S.3240 or the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, by a 64-35 vote.

NAWG President Erik Younggren, farmer from Hallock, Minn., commended the Senate for moving forward with the legislation.

“This will provide policy certainty for hundreds of thousands of U.S. farmers and one in 12 American job earners who rely on agriculture,” he said.

“This bill is about standing up for our nation’s farmers, our small businesses, our manufacturers, our exporters and others whose livelihoods depend on us getting the policy right,” said Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).

In addition to reauthorizing the nation’s food and farm programs, the chamber’s version calls on the Office of Management and Budget and the Pentagon to report on how sequestration expected in January 2013 will be implemented.

“American agriculture and those who depend on it around the globe need a Farm Bill,” said Senate Committee on Agriculture Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.).

“They need to know what to expect from the federal government to make planning decisions, to be assured of a safe and affordable food supply, and to know that their businesses and families will have the opportunity to thrive. I take this responsibility seriously.”

Efforts to reauthorize farm and food programs this year now turn to the House of Representatives who are expected to hold a committee mark up of their version of the bill after the fourth of July recess.

More about NAWG’s farm bill work is at www.wheatworld.org/farmbill.

The coming reauthorization of federal farm and food policy should include a multi-legged farm safety net with crop insurance as its foundation, NAWG President Erik Younggren testified Thursday to Members of the House Committee on Agriculture’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

Speaking at a hearing held to get stakeholder views prior to mark-up of 2012 Farm Bill legislation in the full Committee, Younggren stressed the importance of crop insurance to farmers’ risk management plans, which has made it the top priority for wheat growers and other crop producers in the 2012 Farm Bill.

However, he and other panelists recognized that crop insurance alone is not a fully-functioning safety net, and he voiced support for a revenue-based Title I program modeled on ACRE and SURE with an on- farm trigger and coverage by commodity.

“While we support a revenue-based program in Title I, we recognize and are grateful for concerns from the leaders of the House Agriculture Committee about protecting farmers and farm businesses in times of low prices,” Younggren said. “As a farmer, I share these concerns and recognize the risks of changing the existing safety net so dramatically that it removes the price protection currently available in Title I.”

The Wheat Growers president, who farms near Hallock, Minn., described a number of additional core principles that should guide House leaders when developing new farm policy, including:

• building on the aspects of existing Title I programs that functioned well;
• striving to bring Title I coverage as close to the farm as possible;
• ensuring that any new programs do not unnecessarily distort planting decisions; and
• ensuring programs are compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations.

He also strongly reiterated calls for Congress to complete its work on the 2012 Farm Bill quickly, before the current farm and food law expires on Sept. 30. This is made more critical for wheat growers, who will be planting winter wheat early this fall.

“If you take anything away from my testimony today, take this: it is of the utmost urgency to our farmer-members that you and your colleagues in the Senate approve new farm policy soon,” he said.

Thursday’s testimony was Younggren’s third appearance before a Congressional panel in preparation for the 2012 Farm Bill. His full written statement and statements from past hearings are available at www.wheatworld.org/farmbill

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, Director of Communications, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

The U.S. wheat industry congratulates the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as it celebrates its 150th anniversary on Tuesday.

On May 15, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act establishing the Department of Agriculture. Five days later, he signed the Homestead Act, which opened up western lands to settlement, including much of today’s wheat production region. Later that summer, Lincoln signed the Morrill Act, establishing the system of “land grant” universities that are still vital to wheat and other agricultural research.

Today, USDA handles a diverse portfolio, administering nutrition, risk management, conservation and trade promotion programs as well as food inspection and safety services and vital public research on crops including wheat.

“The original vision for USDA, the Homestead Act and the Morrill Act was to help America’s farmers and ranchers provide a safe, ample food supply for our nation and the world,” said Erik Younggren, a wheat farmer from Hallock, Minn., and president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). “Agriculture has changed a lot since the 1800s, and yet USDA remains vital to our farms, our nation’s lands, our nation’s food security and safety and our economy.”

Since 1860, the percentage of the population working in agriculture has declined from about 48 percent to just seven-tenths of a percent of all Americans. This makes the farmers who remain on the land — and the innovations they have incorporated into their operations to make them more efficient — vitally important to the nation and the world.

“From its support for research and export market development to inspecting our food and helping maintain a safety net for farmers, USDA has had a positive and lasting impact on the wheat industry, American agriculture and the lives of every American,” said Randy Suess, a wheat farmer from Colfax, Wash., and chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates.

In this anniversary year, the wheat industry encourages farmers and consumers to learn more about USDA’s contributions to the strength of our nation and to see how the agency can continue to partner with Americans working to provide better lives for their families.

To read and see more from USDA about its 150th anniversary, visit www.usda.gov/usda150.

Visit http://www.wheatworld.org/news-events/2012/05/10-ways-to-celebrate-usdas-150th-anniversary-on-tuesday/ to learn more ways to celebrate the milestone, or search #usda150 on Twitter for the latest anniversary news.

###

In a huge victory for U.S. wheat farmers, the United States and Colombia officially implemented on Tuesday a free trade agreement (FTA) first signed in 2006.

The pact immediately eliminates all tariffs on U.S. wheat imports to Colombia and ends a significant tariff disadvantage U.S. farmers have faced compared to Canadian and Argentine wheat imports there.

“This is a very good day for wheat farmers,” said Randy Suess, a wheat farmer from Colfax, Wash., and chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW).

“The tariff situation has basically forced our largest customer, historically, in South America to buy more wheat from Canada and Argentina. Now our customers in Colombia will not have to pay the tariff, and we can compete equally on the basis of quality, supply and service.”

Implementing this FTA is particularly important to U.S. wheat farmers, who rely on exports to market about half of their crops each year. In marketing year 2010/2011, Colombia imported from Gulf and Pacific Northwest tributaries about 800,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat from five of six classes. However, U.S. wheat sales for this marketing year are down about 45 percent year on year, mainly due to the Canada-Colombia FTA that went into effect on Aug. 15, 2011. Wheat imported from Argentina has also enjoyed duty-free status under the South American Mercosur trade agreement.

“A lot of people have joined us in working hard to get the U.S.-Colombia agreement approved by Congress, signed by the President and now implemented,” said Erik Younggren, a wheat farmer from Hallock, Minn., and president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG).

“While the process of removing our trade barriers with Colombia has been a long one, we are eager to get this market back on track.”

The U.S. wheat industry believes this agreement, along with the recently implemented FTA with South Korea and a pending FTA with Panama, will help the United States rebuild and expand markets, grow our economy at home and maintain the status of the United States as the most reliable supplier of wheat in the world.

The industry appreciates the hard work and support of Colombian flour millers and government officials throughout the process, as well as the efforts of trade supporters in Congress and the Bush and Obama Administrations.

More about trade issues of importance to wheat growers is at http://www.wheatworld.org/issues/trade/ or http://www.uswheat.org/whatWeDo/tradePolicy.

###

The National Association of Wheat Growers promoted Will Stafford this week to the position of government affairs representative, covering trade, transportation and financial markets policy for the organization.

In his new role, Stafford will work closely with Manager of Government Relations for Risk Management Brooke Shupe, who also recently joined the Association, as well as the rest of the NAWG government affairs team, NAWG’s grower-leaders and U.S. Wheat Associates’ trade policy team.

Stafford has been at NAWG since September of last year, when he joined the Washington, D.C.-based staff as an intern. He became the staff’s policy assistant at the beginning of 2012 and will now move into full-time government affairs work with a unique policy portfolio.

“In the months since Will came to NAWG, we have found him to be an invaluable part of our team,” said Dana Peterson, NAWG’s chief executive officer. “I was pleased to be able to elevate his work here and have every confidence he will grow into a successful career in agriculture advocacy.”

A Maryland native, Stafford graduated in May 2011 from Towson University, which is near Baltimore. He studied economics and business administration.

During his time at NAWG, Stafford has assisted the government affairs staff, focusing on trade, financial markets, biotechnology and environmental policy. In addition to work related to NAWG’s winter meetings and research fly-in, Stafford has represented NAWG at Hill and media events and has written stories for NAWG’s weekly news update.

“I am extremely excited to continue to be a part of the NAWG team, especially in these important times for agriculture policy,” Stafford said.

“I cannot stress how much I have appreciated learning about wheat and agriculture from NAWG members and staff over the past year, and I am very proud to be able to continue to support America’s wheat farmers.”

Stafford is reachable at wstafford (at) wheatworld.org or 202-547-7800 x 8.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, Director of Communications, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

Brooke Shupe has joined the National Association of Wheat Growers’ (NAWG’s) Washington, D.C.-based staff to focus on risk management programs.

As manager of government affairs for risk management, Shupe will be responsible for designing, implementing and advocating NAWG’s policies in the areas of federal crop insurance and federal farm programs.

Shupe began her new position on Tuesday, April 24, as the Senate neared consideration of a 2012 Farm Bill draft.

“During this critical period of farm bill debate, we are delighted to have Brooke joining our staff to help us analyze and lobby for positive policies for wheat growers,” said Dana Peterson, NAWG’s chief executive officer.

Prior to coming to NAWG, Shupe worked on the professional staff of the House Small Business Committee under the panel’’ chairman, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), focusing on agriculture and environmental issues.

She previously worked in Graves’ personal office, including as a legislative assistant handling issues like immigration, trade and the environment in addition to the Congressman’s assignment to the House Committee on Agriculture.

“I am very excited to join the National Association of Wheat Growers and to hit the ground running as negotiations continue on the next farm bill,” Shupe said.

“Growing up on a farm in rural Missouri, where my family grows wheat, I know how important sound risk management policies are for wheat producers and their families, communities and consumers.  I look forward to working with NAWG’s outstanding team in support of our members and their goals.”

Shupe holds a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management with minors in international agriculture and political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

She was raised on her family’s row crop and cattle farm, near Stanberry, in northwest Missouri.

Shupe is reachable at bshupe (at) wheatworld.org or 202-547-7800 x 3.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, Director of Communications, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

The following is a statement from Erik Younggren, National Association of Wheat Growers president and a wheat farmer from Hallock, Minn., on the pending Senate Agriculture Committee mark-up of the 2012 Farm Bill.

“We urge the Senate Agriculture Committee to hold and complete its mark-up of 2012 Farm Bill legislation this week.

“We understand the importance of building consensus around the key provisions of this important legislation. We also know crafting a bill that addresses the wide range of needs is a herculean task. But time is short – for committee approval, Senate floor time and full consideration by agriculture leaders in the House of Representatives.

“The next crop year for wheat farmers will be here in a few short months. These producers need to know a strong, crop-insurance-based safety net will be available to them after the current farm bill expires on Sept. 30. Now is the time for forward movement.”

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, Director of Communications, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

In a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) this morning, a group of eight prominent agricultural associations voiced its support for the Senate’s approach to the 2012 Farm Bill, and raised several issues related to commodity and risk management programs.

Co-signed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association and USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, the letter commended the committee for adhering to its original proposal of $23 billion in deficit reduction, brought forth to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction last fall. Additionally, the groups applauded the Committee’s decision not to restructure the federal crop insurance program or to reduce its funding for deficit reduction purposes.

“Even with the clear and real need to reduce our federal deficit, it remains in the best interest of our nation to help ensure a basic level of risk management for farmers and our food supply,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman. “Farming is a risky business. There is no doubt about that, and crop insurance is a key principle in the goal to provide farmers a dependable safety net.”

“Crop insurance,” stated the groups, “is the core risk management tool used by our producers, and the current program should serve as the foundation for providing additional protection against loss.”

In response to concerns from other commodity groups about a revenue-based approach, the groups advocate making changes in the crop insurance program to enhance its viability as a risk management tool, while maintaining the effectiveness of the existing program for other commodities. The groups do not, however, support program alternatives that tie current-year production to fixed price supports, which can distort planting decisions and production between commodities when market prices decline.

“NCGA strongly believes a farmer should be able to absorb a price or yield loss in any given year,” said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer, a corn grower from Auburn, IL. “However, we are trying to protect farmers, especially young farmers, when they are facing these types of losses multiple years in a row.”

In addition to crop insurance, the groups advocated heavily for planting flexibility for farmers. “Our top policy priority for Title 1 in the 2012 Farm Bill is to maintain full planting flexibility and avoid potential planting distortions, so producers are encouraged to follow market signals rather than making planting decisions in anticipation of receiving payments under government programs,” stated the groups. “With the anticipated elimination of direct payments and possible restructuring or elimination of the counter-cyclical program, it is imperative that any alternative program included in the next farm bill be structured in a manner to not distort planting decisions and to provide full planting flexibility.”

“Planting flexibility and limiting planting distortions are musts, not only for soybean farmers, but for farmers in each commodity group,” said ASA President Steve Wellman, a soybean farmer from Syracuse, Neb. “We need policies in place that allow and encourage farmers to plant for the market, and not for the government program. Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Roberts have done a wonderful job thus far in representing the diverse needs of American agriculture in this farm bill process, and we look for that leadership to continue in what appears to be the home stretch.”

In the letter, the groups also advanced their concept for a new program to complement the risk protection provided under crop insurance. “Our organizations support an approach that partially compensates for current-year revenue losses on a crop-specific basis,” said the groups. “We believe this approach would have an insignificant impact on planting decisions because of the percentage of risk covered. Also, revenue benchmarks would be adjusted annually to reflect recent average commodity prices, and certification of revenue loss would be required.”

“We support this framework that would allow us to continue protect our nation’s crops and livestock farms so they can continue to deliver a safe, secure food supply that supports thousands of jobs along the value chain to our consumers,” added NAWG President and Hallock, Minn.-based wheat farmer Erik Younggren.

Finally, the groups advocated the continuation of the marketing loan program, urging the Committee to oppose any changes in current law regarding payment limitations or eligibility for farm programs based on Adjusted Gross Income. “Currently, 98 percent of U.S. producers participate in the farm program and comply with their conservation requirements,” stated the groups in the letter. “It is important that farmers remain in the program so that our country can maintain conservation compliance on agricultural lands.”

“Both in their various communities and here in Washington, each of our groups has put so much time and effort into crafting a solvent, practical farm bill that works for American farmers,” said NBGA President Scott Brown, a barley grower from Soda Springs, Idaho. “As the House schedules its hearings on the bill, we are encouraged by our progress, and we look forward to continuing our work with both chambers in the interest of farmers nationwide.”

A copy of the letter is available for media by contacting the organization representatives listed below.

###

Media Contacts:

American Farm Bureau Federation: Mace Thornton, 202-406-3641, macet@fb.org
American Soybean Association: Patrick Delaney, 202-969-7040, pdelaney@soy.org
National Association of Wheat Growers: Dana Peterson, 202-547-7800, dpeterson@wheatworld.org
National Barley Growers Association: Travis Jones, 208-345-0706, tjones@idahograin.org
National Corn Growers Association: Janice Tolley Walters, 202-628-7001, walters@dc.ncga.com
National Sunflower Association: Sonia Mullally, 701-328-5104, soniam@sunflowernsa.com
U.S. Canola Association: Angela Dansby, 773-472-2911, angela@uscanola.com
USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council: Erica Beck, 208-882-3023, ebeck@pea-lentil.com

The U.S. wheat industry welcomes the announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos that the countries will implement the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement (FTA) on May 15. The U.S.-Colombia FTA is vital to the wheat industry’s efforts to rebuild market share in one of the largest markets for U.S. wheat in South America.

Implementation of the FTA will eliminate all tariffs on U.S. wheat imports into Colombia. The agreement creates a level playing field for U.S. wheat farmers, as export competitors Canada and Argentina already enjoy duty-free access to the market.

“We are extremely pleased to see this FTA set for implementation,” said Alvaro de la Fuente, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) regional vice president for South America. “Our extensive efforts over the nearly six years since the agreement was first signed have finally become a reality and U.S. wheat exports will now compete on an equal basis with other major exporters.”

Colombia is currently the second largest destination for U.S. wheat in South America. In marketing year 2010/11, Colombia imported about 800,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat from five of the six U.S. wheat classes. The implementation of the FTA will help the United States regain the market share lost this year after the Canada-Colombia FTA went into effect on Aug. 15, 2011.

“We have already started the push to win back the wheat export business we lost without this FTA in effect,” said Randy Suess, a wheat farmer from Colfax, WA, and USW. “Based on our work, we know this agreement, and others like them, will help us rebuild and expand markets, grow our economy here at home and remain the most reliable supplier of wheat in the world.”

The U.S. wheat industry has been highly supportive of the FTAs with Colombia, South Korea and Panama and other free trade measures.

“All three of these pacts are important to wheat farmers, who depend on exports to sell about half of the wheat we grow every year,” said Erik Younggren, a wheat farmer from Hallock, MN, and president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). “The implementation of both the U.S.-Colombia and the U.S.-Korea FTAs gives us encouragement that we will soon see the agreement with Panama complete in the very near future.”

The United States is the world’s largest wheat exporter, offering customers around the globe a reliable, high-quality supply of six wheat classes. In the 2010/2011 marketing year, ended May 31, 2011, the U.S. exported nearly 1.3 billion bushels (35.4 million metric tons) of wheat valued at $10.3 billion, supporting thousands of jobs and economic benefits across the country. More on the industry’s trade work is at www.wheatworld.org/trade or www.uswheat.org/whatwedo/tradepolicy.

###

Contact: Will Stafford, NAWG, wstafford (at)wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800 x 8

Wheat farmers, researchers, millers and bakers are in Washington, D.C., Tuesday and Wednesday to deliver a simple message to Members of Congress: there is no more to cut from federal funding for agriculture research.

The 35 wheat industry visitors, including a dozen growers and 10 milling and baking representatives, are spreading that message as part of an annual fly-in focusing on wheat research, sponsored by the National Wheat Improvement Committee, a group of wheat scientists and stakeholders, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), the North American Millers’ Association and the American Bakers Association.

Key facts they are sharing with policy makers on Capitol Hill key include:

• Funding for USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will be down 12 percent since the federal government’s 2010 fiscal year, assuming modest increases proposed in the Obama Administration’s FY2013 budget are adopted.
• In FY2011 alone, $180 million was cut and not restored due to the elimination of earmarked spending.
• A few weeks ago, university researchers learned that funding they receive from ARS would be cut by 30 percent to help cover costs associated with carrying out Congress’ instructions to close 12 labs.
• Despite demonstrated return on investment of up to $32 to $1, just 1.6 percent of the $142 billion annual federal investment in research goes to agriculture research, according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

For wheat industry stakeholders who depend on public funding, this is a disturbing trend. While private companies are investing more money in wheat than ever before, public researchers undertake vital basic science, and more than three-quarters of wheat acres in the United States are planted with varieties produced through the public system. Public programs, particularly those that work in collaboration with land-grant universities, also focus on addressing local or regional problems.

“As a farmer and a seedsman, my message to our leaders in Washington is that a good crop doesn’t start when I put it in the ground, it starts 10 years before, in my state wheat breeder’s labs and fields,” said Bing Von Bergen, a wheat farmer from Moccasin, Mont., and NAWG’s first vice president.

“Funding for wheat research, and all ag research, is an investment in the future of farming and the future of food.”

Fly-in participants are specifically asking Members to support the Obama Administration’s requests for $1.103 billion in funding for ARS and $325 million in funding for USDA’s premier competitive grant programs, the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).

As Congress prepares to finalize a 2012 Farm Bill, fly-in participants are also asking Members to ensure reauthorization of the AFRI grant program and the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI), a collaboration of public, private and federal researchers fighting the disease Fusarium head blight, or scab.

“We’ve come to Washington, D.C., many times over the years, but this visit is particularly urgent,” said Dr. Brett Carver, a wheat breeder at Oklahoma State University and NWIC chair.

“Research is a long-term process that needs long-term funding. We are seeing increased investments from private companies and farmers themselves, but federal agencies still play an irreplaceable role in ensuring we can develop the best possible varieties for farmers.”

Much more about wheat research needs and the wheat research community is at www.wheatworld.org/research.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Erik Younggren called on Congress Thursday to approve new farm policy legislation before the 2008 Farm Bill expires on Sept. 30.

Testifying before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee on safety net programs, Younggren told Senators wheat farmers would be in the fields to plant winter wheat as early as August and needed the certainty of a long-term bill to finalize their risk management plans for the coming year.

A wheat, sugar beet and soybean farmer from far northern Minnesota, Younggren spoke in depth about his family’s farm operation and his experiences with crop insurance and farm programs, which are illustrative of NAWG’s policy priorities.

Younggren told Senators that NAWG strongly opposes any reductions to the baseline available for the federal crop insurance program, which is the core of the farm safety net for many crop producers.

“We are prone to frequent flooding in the spring and occasionally in the summer, as well as heavy, yield-robbing rains. Our humid summers are conducive to disease and fungus growth,” he said. “My family farm operation has benefited enormously from the evolution of crop insurance in recent decades, showing how important this tool has become.”

While crop insurance is NAWG’s top policy priority for the new farm bill, Younggren told Senators that it alone is not a complete safety net.

Because different production areas of the country rely on different farm programs in times of need, NAWG supports multiple safety-net programs, including a disaster program in Title I.

Younggren called on Members of Congress to:

• outline programs that are understandable and built on the lessons farmers have learned from existing crop insurance revenue products;
• create programs that are defensible to our nation’s taxpayers and friendly to our trading partners;
• offer a revenue-based farm program modeled on those in the 2008 Farm Bill, with coverage by commodity calculated with on-farm triggers and planted acres;
• ensure changes to existing programs or newly-created programs maintain producers’ planting flexibility and the market’s influence in planting decisions; and
• ensure spending within Title I, including funding for direct payments, remains part of Title I.

Younggren’s written testimony is available in full at www.wheatworld.org/farmbill.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org, 202-386-2585

The U.S. wheat industry is very pleased to see the United States-Korea free trade agreement (FTA) implemented today. U.S. wheat farmers face effective competition for Korea’s milling wheat import market and the agreement immediately eliminates the bound tariff on U.S. wheat.

“While that tariff has not been a huge impediment, removing it will help U.S. producers compete with other wheat exporters and help Korean flour millers spend less to buy our wheat,” said Randy Suess, a wheat farmer from Colfax, Wash., and chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW).

South Korea is consistently a top ten market for U.S. wheat and imported more than 1.6 million tons of U.S. wheat valued at approximately $468 million in marketing year 2010/11.

“Our industry is uniquely trade-dependent, with about half of our production moving to overseas markets each year,” said Erik Younggren, a wheat farmer from Hallock, Minn., and president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG).

“Hopefully, the results from the U.S.-Korea FTA will encourage implementation of bilateral agreements with Colombia and Panama that were ratified last year.”

U.S. wheat producers look forward to implementation of the FTAs with Colombia and Panama as soon as possible so that customers there may also benefit from zero tariffs.

The United States is the world’s largest wheat exporter, offering customers around the globe a reliable, high-quality supply of all six wheat classes.

In the 2010/2011 marketing year, ended May 31, 2011, the U.S. exported nearly 1.3 billion bushels of wheat valued at $10.3 billion, supporting thousands of jobs and economic benefits across the country.

###

Contact:  Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org, 202-386-2585

Nine wheat farmers and longtime industry participants have been selected to lead a revitalized and restructured National Association of Wheat Growers Foundation (NAWGF), doing business as the National Wheat Foundation effective immediately.

The election of a new Foundation Board is the result of a year-and-a-half-long process to enhance the 35-year-old organization’s ability to facilitate collaborations across the wheat chain.

The process began with a strategic planning retreat held in September 2010, at which farmer leaders from the NAWGF and the National Association of Wheat Growers’ (NAWG’s) state associations set a new vision and mission for the organization. Based on that direction, grower-leaders undertook an extensive process of examining the Foundation’s governance structure, programming goals and management of its key asset, the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

At its fall 2011 meeting, the NAWGF voted to amend the Foundation’s articles of incorporation, modifying the organization to make NAWG its sole member.

The amended articles called for the Foundation to begin doing business as the National Wheat Foundation, which wheat leaders believe will be more inclusive of all aspects of the wheat industry, from researchers to bakers.

The articles amendment also reduced the size of the Foundation’s board from 21 to nine members.

New Board members nominated by the NAWG Nominating Committee and approved by the NAWG Board at Commodity Classic include:

• Joe Anderson, diversified farmer from near Potlatch, Idaho, and member, Idaho Wheat Commission;
• Steve Joehl, director of industry affairs for wheat and soybean quality traits, Monsanto Company;
• Phil McLain, Mclain Farms, Statesville, N.C., and past NAWG president;
• Jimmie Musick, owner/operator Musick Farms;
• Michael H. Pate, vice president-research and development, Bay State Milling Company;
• Allen Scarborough, Ph.D., manager, stakeholder relations, Bayer CropScience;
• Dusty Tallman, owner/operator of Tallman Farms of Brandon, Colo., and past NAWG president;
• John C. Thaemert, owner/operator, J.T. Farms, vice president and trust officer at Citizens State Bank & Trust Co., Ellsworth, Kan., and past NAWG president; and
• Hayden Wands, vice president of commodities and ingredients, Bimbo Bakeries USA.

Shortly after their installation, the new Board elected temporary officers, including Musick as chairman, Tallman as vice chairman and Joehl as secretary-treasurer.

“The new National Wheat Foundation will represent the wheat industry’s need to identify and seek resourcing for wheat improvement across the supply chain of production, milling and food manufacturing,” Musick said.

“This restructuring allows the National Wheat Foundation to enhance its identity and begin increasing its influence in the wheat industry.”

“A new Foundation structure that is inclusive of all aspects of the wheat chain is the culmination of NAWG’s grower-leaders having long recognized the need for the wheat industry to increase its impact. The National Wheat Foundation is the tool to do just that,” said Erik Younggren, NAWG president.

“We know wheat has lacked capacity to attract partnerships for wheat research and education, and we firmly believe the changes being made today to the Foundation will enhance our work in those areas, from farm to fork.”

The Foundation plans to continue existing programs, which are managed by the NAWG staff, including three annual leadership training programs; facilitation of wheat industry work on biotechnology solutions and education; and participation with educational coalitions.

In January, the NAWGF Board voted to move forward with plans to renovate the Foundation’s primary asset, the Wheat Growers Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. That project and associated fundraising efforts will now be directed by the newly-elected Board.

NAWG members established the NAWG Foundation in 1977 to undertake charitable, scientific and educational work for the industry. Today, guided by values of grower-centeredness, integrity, honesty and trustworthiness, the National Wheat Foundation’s mission is to purposefully advance the wheat industry through strategic research, education and outreach collaborations.

From Commodity Classic (Nashville, Tenn.) - Minnesota wheat farmer Erik Younggren was elected and installed as the National Association of Wheat Growers’ (NAWG’s) 50th president at the Association’s Board of Directors meeting held Saturday.

Younggren farms near Hallock in northwestern Minnesota, where he produces wheat, sugar beets and soybeans in partnership with two cousins.

Prior to becoming a NAWG officer in 2009, Younggren represented the Minnesota Association Wheat Growers on the national association’s board, serving as a member of NAWG’s domestic and trade policy, operations and budget committees. He has also participated in special committees examining crop insurance policy and an upcoming renovation of the Wheat Growers Building, which is owned by the NAWG Foundation.

A fourth-generation farmer, Younggren has involved himself in leadership positions in his local community. Fifteen years ago, he started a business that pioneered broadband Internet service in rural areas. He has also served as a member of his church’s Board of Deacons; on the board of his county economic development committee; and in his local curling club, supporting the popular Northern sport.

Younggren is an alumnus of the wheat industry’s training programs, the Wheat Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (WILOT), the Wheat Organization Leaders of the Future (WOLF) program and the Syngenta Leadership at Its Best program. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics from Minnesota State University at Moorhead.

He and his wife, Angela, who runs pet grooming and kennel businesses, have a young daughter.

“Serving the nation’s wheat growers is an honor and a privilege,” Younggren said. “I know we are going to hit the ground running this year, and I look forward to the challenge. Active participation on the national level is more important now than ever before.”

Other members of NAWG’s officer corps elected Saturday include:

• Bing Von Bergen, Moccasin, Mont., first vice president;
• Paul Penner, Hillsboro, Kan., second vice president;
• Brett Blankenship, Washtucna, Wash., secretary-treasurer; and
• Wayne Hurst, Burley, Idaho, immediate past president.

NAWG’s officers typically commit to serve for five years when they are selected for the role of secretary-treasurer, though they must be reviewed and nominated by the NAWG Nominating Committee and approved by the NAWG Board of Directors before each year of service.

More information about all of the new officers is available at http://www.wheatworld.org/about-us/contact-us/.

###

Note: Audio to accompany this story is available at http://www.wheatworld.org/2012classic/.

From Commodity Classic (Nashville, Tenn.) – Can you tell which wheat is which?

That’s the challenge for visitors to the Wheat Industry Booth at the 2012 Commodity Classic, sponsored by the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the Wheat Foods Council (WFC).

Those who stop by the booth at the front of the show will have a chance to enter one of two raffles by taking their best shot at identifying which jar of kernels matches with which wheat class.

Wheat class is generally defined by the hardness and color of the wheat kernel produced as well as the time of year it is planted.

• Hard red winter, often known as bread wheat, is planted in the fall and harvested in the spring.
• Hard red spring, which is used to make “designer” wheat foods like rolls, croissants and bagels, is planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.
• Soft red winter produces a softer wheat, used to make cookies, crackers and pastries.
• Soft white is a white wheat for cakes, pastries and Asian-style noodles.
• Hard white, the newest class of U.S. wheat, is used for whole wheat products including pan breads and flat breads.
• Durum, the hardest of all wheats, is a rich amber color and used for pasta.

Kernels of the six classes are notoriously hard to differentiate, even for many farmers. The trade show game is made harder because contestants must make their guesses by sight alone, with no opportunity to touch or chew the kernels to determine how hard or soft they are.

“We thought this would be a fun way to help educate trade show goers about the diversity of wheat while raising their competitive spirits,” said Melissa George Kessler, NAWG’s director of communications. “We are excited to be here at Classic again, educating attendees about the unique value of wheat to our nation’s economy and food supply.”

“Many, if not most, farmers attending Classic grow some wheat, even if the crop isn’t on the majority of their acres,” said Wayne Hurst, NAWG president and a wheat farmer from Burley, Idaho. “We are excited to tell them about the possibilities available to those who grow and market wheat.”

In addition to the “guess the classes” game, visitors to the wheat booth can enter a separate raffle by rolling one of a pair of supersized dice and correctly answering a wheat-related trivia question.

The 2012 Commodity Classic booth is also hosting three media availabilities – with wheat leaders from NAWG and USW, on wheat research and biotechnology, and on the work of the Field to Market coalition.

Follow the action at the 2012 Classic in real time by following @wheatworld and @uswheatassoc on Twitter.

More about wheat activities at the 2012 Classic is at http://www.wheatworld.org/2012classic/.

More about the six classes is available in this downloadable primer.

###

From Commodity Classic (Nashville, Tenn.) – The following statement on the 2012 farm bill was released today by:

• National Corn Growers Association President Garry Niemeyer, a corn grower from Auburn, Ill.;
• National Association of Wheat Growers President Wayne Hurst, a wheat producer from Burley, Idaho;
• American Soybean Association President Steve Wellman, soybean farmer from Syracuse, Neb.; and
• National Sorghum Producers Chairman Terry Swanson, a sorghum grower from Walsh, Colo.

“Commodity Classic provides our organizations an opportunity to come together to discuss important policy issues facing our industry. As Congress continues work on the next farm bill, our organizations agree that an affordable crop insurance program is our No. 1 priority. We also stand ready to work with House and Senate Ag Committee leaders to create farm programs that provide risk-management tools to growers when they are facing a loss beyond their control.

“We urge Congress to pass a new farm bill this year to provide the level of certainty in America that a short-term extension cannot.The nation is currently facing record high federal deficits and this requires difficult decisions. We stand ready to do our part to develop more efficient farm policy that will be responsive to taxpayers and effective in helping farms remain viable and productive.

“Our organizations represent more than 70 percent of all crop acres in the United States. Agriculture is a bright spot in our nation’s economy, sustainably meeting the expanding demands to provide food, feed, fuel and fiber to the world. We are pleased to see the Senate and House Agriculture Committees have produced such an aggressive schedule and we thank them for their efforts.”

# # #

NASHVILLE, TENN., Feb. 29, 2012 - The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) Foundation and BASF will establish a scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in the agriculture industry to honor longtime wheat industry friend and BASF employee Jerry Minore.

As a BASF Senior Market Manager, Minore was a liaison to the wheat industry, including NAWG and the Foundation, and an advocate for wheat growers. He passed away unexpectedly in February.

To honor his advocacy for the wheat industry, BASF has partnered with NAWG to fund a Jerry Minore Memorial Scholarship of up to $5,000 per year for the next three years. The Foundation will administer the scholarship program to benefit students with connections to the wheat industry who are planning careers in agriculture.

Applications for the Jerry Minore Memorial Scholarship will be accepted through the end of 2012, with the first recipients announced at the 2013 Commodity Classic. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be pursing an agriculture-related degree at an accredited university or college, and they or a relative must be a NAWG member.

BASF will also sponsor winners’ participation at the 2013 Commodity Classic to provide out-of-the-classroom ag education, as well as an opportunity to network with industry leaders.

“We are honored by the opportunity to partner with BASF on the Minore Scholarship,” said NAWG Foundation Executive Director Dana Peterson. “Jerry’s insight into the industry and sense of humor will be greatly missed, but we know he would be pleased that a scholarship in his name will help future agriculture students complete their educations.”

“Our friend and colleague Jerry Minore was passionate about the future of agriculture and the sustainability of the wheat industry,” said Paul Rea, Vice President, U.S. Crop Protection, BASF. “BASF echoes these commitments to the industry and we know Jerry would be honored to support the bright students who will lead the industry into the future.”

More information about applying for the Minore Scholarship will be available in late spring from the NAWG Foundation.

###

Contacts:

NAWG Foundation, Melissa George Kessler, (202) 386-2585

BASF, Pat Morrow, (919) 547-2631

###

About the BASF Crop Protection division 

With sales of €4.0 billion in 2010, BASF’s Crop Protection division is a leader in crop protection and a strong partner to the farming industry providing well-established and innovative fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Farmers use these products and services to improve crop yields and crop quality. Other uses include public health, structural/urban pest control, turf and ornamental plants, vegetation management, and forestry. BASF aims to turn knowledge rapidly into market success. The vision of BASF’s Crop Protection division is to be the world’s leading innovator, optimizing agricultural production, improving nutrition, and thus enhancing the quality of life for a growing world population. Further information can be found on the web at www.agro.basf.com or follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/basfagro

BASF – The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $19.9 billion in 2011. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

###

Note: Audio to accompany this story is available at http://www.wheatworld.org/2012classic/.

From Commodity Classic (Nashville, Tenn.) - Wheat growers from around the country are boarding planes and hitting the road for Nashville, Tenn.

That’s the site of the 17th annual Commodity Classic, which begins officially on Thursday at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Grower-leaders from the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) will begin business meetings held in conjunction with the larger convention on Wednesday.

NAWG’s policy committees and NAWG’s Board of Directors will meet in Nashville, as well as the leadership of the NAWG Foundation, which is scheduled to seat a new board as part of its ongoing revisioning process.

Wheat farmers will also join the more than 5,000 registered attendees for this year’s important educational sessions, including a Friday afternoon session with Larry Elworth of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sponsored by the NAWG Foundation.

Other happenings will include social events, a general session headlined by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and the Classic trade show, which will feature a Wheat Industry Booth sponsored by NAWG, U.S. Wheat Associates and the Wheat Foods Council.

“We are excited to be heading to Nashville to meet again with our corn, soybean and sorghum friends,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson.

“So many issues our organization is facing today – from farm policy to communicating about the importance of a robust farm economy – are part of the Commodity Classic. We are looking forward to a successful event.”

The 2012 Classic will be NAWG’s sixth annual meeting with the convention.

Much more about wheat meetings and events in Nashville is available at http://www.wheatworld.org/2012classic/.

Growers and others can also follow along with Classic events through NAWG’s Twitter feed, www.twitter.com/wheatworld, and at NAWG’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/wheatworld.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, call or text, 202-386-2585

The following statement is sent on behalf of these organizations in reference to joint meetings held Tuesday and Wednesday in Washington, D.C.:

• American Farm Bureau Federation
• American Soybean Association
• National Association of Wheat Growers
• National Barley Growers Association
• National Corn Growers Association
• National Cotton Council
• National Farmers Union
• National Sorghum Producers
• National Sunflower Association
• Southern Peanut Farmers Federation
• US Canola Association
• USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council
• USA Rice Federation

“Over the past two days, producer leaders have met to discuss policy priorities, to hear the perspectives of key policymakers and to work toward consensus on the future of U.S. farm policy. What was confirmed in our meeting is that we are committed to work together to come up with a viable farm policy.

“Also confirmed is our common belief that Congress should pass and the President should sign a strong new farm bill into law this year. The law expires at the end of this year and producers – like all job creators – need certainty from Washington.

“American agriculture has a solid record that we are proud of.

“The people we represent ensure that American consumers spend less of their paycheck at the grocery than anyone else in the world.

“American agriculture stands out as one of the few sectors of the economy that has, throughout the economic downturn, still contributed positively to our nation’s balance of trade while helping to create jobs and put this country back on its economic feet.

“And we have accomplished these things with a farm policy that also stands out as consistently under budget over the past 10 years and for leading the way on deficit reduction, contributing disproportionately and in some cases even alone in the effort to get our nation’s fiscal house in order.

“The economy is fragile, unemployment is high, and Americans are worried. Given the need for economic growth and deficit reduction, for our part we have offered to do more with less. If Washington provides America’s farmers and ranchers with some certainty, we can continue to help lead our nation’s economic recovery.”

###

Contact:

Dana Peterson, National Association of Wheat Growers, dpeterson (at) wheatworld.org

Reece Langley, USA Rice Federation, rlangley (at) usarice.com

Signaling a desire for more market efficiency, the boards of directors of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) each passed a resolution on Jan. 29 calling for an open border with Canada that provides reciprocal bilateral wheat trade.

Under a December 2011 law, which still faces some legal challenges, the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) will lose its grain marketing monopoly Aug. 1, allowing western Canadian farmers to sell their wheat and barley in the open market.

The United States is routinely Canada’s top wheat export market, but Canada’s open market changes could affect the ways wheat moves into the United States.

“We believe that in an open market, some Canadian wheat will move to U.S. country elevators near the border,” said Gordon Stoner, a Montana wheat farmer who serves as the head of the USW/NAWG Joint International Trade Policy Committee.

“Our wheat farmers are ready to accept that outcome as long as we similarly have a fair opportunity to deliver into the Canadian handling system. This resolution gives NAWG and USW the authority to work with farmers, the grain trade and government agencies here and in Canada to give U.S. farmers reciprocal access to the Canadian market. We seek an open border — in both directions.”

Stoner said some key issues must be resolved before U.S. farmers could sell their wheat to cash markets in Canada, such as Canada’s narrow wheat class variety eligibility lists that do not allow most U.S. varieties to be marketed in the country as top grade milling wheat.

“Ultimately, open trade across the border will be good for both Canadian and U.S. wheat farmers by adding efficiency and allowing Canadian and U.S. wheat handlers, users and growers to compete on the basis of quality and location,” Stoner said. “At the same time, with the CWB monopoly gone, the international market that determines our prices will become more transparent, fair and efficient.”

For an audio report from Stoner on happenings at the NAWG/USW Joint International Trade Policy Committee meeting Jan. 28, please visit http://www.wheatworld.org/wp-content/uploads/audio-stoner-report-jitpc-20120131.mp3.

###

Senate Finance Committee Chairman and longtime agricultural advocate Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) was named this week as the National Association of Wheat Growers’ 2011 Wheat Leader of the Year.

The Wheat Leader of the Year Award, the wheat industry’s highest public service award, is given annually to one Member of Congress based on his or her demonstrated commitment to the well-being and goals of the wheat industry.

Baucus was chosen by NAWG’s leadership to receive the 2011 award because of his tireless support of three free trade agreements that were approved last year; his efforts to protect crop insurance within the federal budget; and his general advocacy for agricultural priorities.

“We in Montana know how much Sen. Baucus and his staff care about our state’s farmers and about farmers around the country,” said Bing Von Bergen, NAWG’s second vice president and a wheat farmer from Moccasin, Mont. “Sen. Baucus has proven time and time again that he’s a champion of the wheat industry. He understands our concerns and does a spectacular job of fighting for them.”

Baucus received his award at a NAWG open house Thursday evening, held during the Wheat Industry Winter Conference in Washington, D.C.

“America’s farmers commend Chairman Baucus for his leadership in the effort to approve trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, and for his strong defense of essential programs that support the foundation of our nation’s economy – agriculture,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson.

Baucus is a repeat winner of the Wheat Leader award, having also won it in 2008 and 2002.

Previous Wheat Leaders include Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) (2010); Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) (2009 and 2007); Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.) (2006); Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) (2005); Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) (2004); Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) (2003); Rep. Larry Combest (R-Texas) (2001); Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Wash.) (2000); and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) (1999).

Representatives from NAWG’s member-states, in town for NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates meetings and Hill visits, have also been delivering other wheat awards given by the national association.

The Wheat Advocate Award is given annually to Members of Congress who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm.

Those receiving 2011 Wheat Advocate awards include:

• Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.)
• Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio)
• Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
• House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.)
• House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.)
• Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)
• Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio)
• Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho)
• Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)

The Friend of Wheat Award is given annually by NAWG for superior action in support of the goals and policies of the wheat industry. This award is given to Congressional and administrative staff members who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm.

The 2011 Friend of Wheat Awards were given to:

• Jonathan Coppess – Senate Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
• Ryan Flickner – Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)
• Krysta Harden – USDA’s Office of the Secretary
• Tina May – Senate Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
• Jim Miller – Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.)
• Bill Murphy – USDA-Risk Management Agency
• Clark Ogilvie – House Agriculture Committee Minority Staff
• Joe Schultz – Senate Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
• Mike Seyfert – Senate Agriculture Committee Minority Staff
• Anne Simmons – House Agriculture Committee Minority Staff
• Alexis Taylor – Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.)

Awards that couldn’t be delivered to winners during this week’s activities in Washington will be presented to Members and staff members at a later date.

More about the Congressional awards, including more about past winners, is available at http://www.wheatworld.org/about-us/policy-process/.

Pictures of Baucus and other winners receiving their awards are at www.facebook.com/wheatworld.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

NAWG President Wayne Hurst, a wheat farmer from Burley, Idaho, wrote the leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees Tuesday regarding the Association’s farm policy priorities.

The full letter is available here.

Information inquiries on the letter can be directed to NAWG Communications Director Melissa George Kessler, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org.

Leaders of the U.S. wheat industry applauded President Barack Obama’s signing on Friday of three long-pending free trade agreements, with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

The agreements were passed by both chambers of Congress last week on a bipartisan basis. National Association of Wheat Growers President Wayne Hurst, a wheat farmer from Burley, Idaho, and U.S. Wheat Associates Chairman Randy Suess, a wheat farmer from Colfax, Wash., attended a ceremony Friday at the White House Rose Garden, held to mark the occasion.

Hurst, Suess and the Boards of both organizations are now urging the Administration to work closely with our trading partners to be sure the agreements enter into force as quickly as possible.

The delay in Congressional consideration of the agreements, which were signed in 2006 and 2007, has significantly hurt wheat exports, especially to Colombia.

As recently as 2007/2008, 70 percent of Colombia’s total annual wheat imports came from U.S. farmers. U.S. sales have fallen since then to a low of 46 percent of total imports. At the same time, Canada negotiated and ratified an FTA with Colombia that entered into force in August, allowing Canadian wheat to enter Colombia duty free.

“Since June, Canadian wheat exports to Colombia have doubled versus last year while U.S. wheat exports have fallen 20 percent,” Hurst said. “We need the U.S.-Colombia FTA implemented quickly to get our tariffs to zero and put us back on equal footing with Canadian wheat again.”

The FTAs with Panama and South Korea also eliminate duties on U.S. wheat. While current tariffs do not significantly affect wheat exports to those countries, research commissioned by U.S. Wheat Associates in 2010 showed that lowering barriers to trade increases the value and volume of all U.S. agricultural exports, an industry that already supports more than 800,000 U.S. jobs. As Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has stated, every $1 billion increase in exports creates more than 8,000 jobs. Liberalized trade also helps boost standards of living and quality of life for our trading partners.

“We are very pleased to see these FTAs signed into law today and we have already started the push to win back the wheat export business we lost without them,” Suess said. “Our competitors are negotiating at least 120 other bilateral trade agreements that do not include the United States. So even as we work in these markets, we will continue to urge our government to take every opportunity to expand market access for U.S. wheat and other commodities around the world.”

The U.S. wheat industry has been highly supportive of these FTAs and other free trade measures. More on the industry’s trade work is at www.wheatworld.org/trade or www.uswheat.org/whatwedo/tradepolicy.

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

Steve Mercer, U.S. Wheat, smercer (at)uswheat.org

Statement from Wayne Hurst, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) president and a wheat farmer from Burley, Idaho, and Randy Suess, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) chairman and a wheat farmer from Colfax, Wash., following Congressional passage of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea:

“We were extremely pleased to see Congress pass on Wednesday the long-pending free trade agreements our country has negotiated with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. We have waited for the day these agreements would be taken up for many years now. Based on our work within the wheat industry, we know these agreements and others like them will help us rebuild and expand markets, grow our economy here at home and remain the most reliable supplier of wheat in the world. We strongly urge the President to sign these agreements quickly.”

###

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) are pleased that the Obama Administration submitted implementing legislation for pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea on Monday.

The U.S. wheat industry strongly supports these bilateral agreements as critical steps toward competing on a level playing field in the global wheat market, and now urges Congress to pass them as quickly as possible.

The Colombia agreement, in particular, is vital to the wheat industry’s efforts to maintain market share in what has traditionally been the largest market for U.S. wheat in South America.

Under trade agreements with Canada and Argentina, wheat from these origins enters Colombia duty free while U.S. wheat faces a 10 percent tariff. Colombian buyers want to import U.S. wheat, but they do not want to pay the extra cost associated with the tariff. U.S. wheat sales to Colombia have dropped 20 percent since June alone, a rate of loss that is likely to grow now that an FTA between Canada and Colombia is in place. In fact, USW estimates that U.S. wheat growers could lose at least $100 million in sales in this competitive market every year.

“We know there is strong support for these trade agreements on both sides of the aisle and in both Congressional chambers,” said Wayne Hurst, NAWG president and a wheat farmer from Burley, Idaho. “We want Members to work day and night until these agreements are done and duty free access is in place for our growers and exporters.”

“Our industry is uniquely trade-dependent, with about half of our production moving to export markets each year,” said Randy Suess, USW chairman and a wheat farmer from Colfax, Wash. “Not long ago we supplied 70 percent of Colombia’s wheat imports so we know we can compete there. It is very frustrating that the delay in ratifying this agreement that was signed in 2006 is now costing us sales every day.”

The U.S. is the world’s largest wheat exporter, offering customers around the globe a reliable, high-quality supply of all six wheat classes. In the 2010/2011 marketing year, ended May 31, 2011, the U.S. exported nearly 1.3 billion bushels of wheat valued at $10.3 billion, supporting thousands of jobs and economic benefits across the country. U.S. wheat is also a common component in U.S. food aid efforts.

More about the industry’s trade priorities and the impact of the pending FTAs on U.S. wheat is at www.wheatworld.org/trade or www.uswheat.org/whatwedo/tradepolicy.

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org
Steve Mercer, U.S. Wheat, smercer (at) uswheat.org

Benjamin Bell will join the National Association of Wheat Growers as director of government affairs for farm policy on Wednesday, July 13.

In his new role, Bell will lead the organization’s efforts on farm policy, crop insurance, transportation and trade issues. Among other things, he will be the primary NAWG staff member working on Title I programs, crop insurance and trade issues for the 2012 Farm Bill.

“The next few months and years will be very important to the future of U.S. farm and trade policy, and we are excited to have Ben coming on board,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson.

“Ben brings a depth of experience gained by working for Members of Congress, in associations and on the farm that will be important as we enter a time of change for federal farm programs. We are thrilled to have someone joining our team who can bring all of these experiences to bear in our work for wheat farmers.”

Bell has most recently been a director of government affairs at the American Forest and Paper Association. Prior to that, he was a senior legislative assistant focusing on agriculture in the office of former Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.) for five years, including during the 2008 Farm Bill negotiations.

Since coming to Washington more than 10 years ago, Bell has also worked for the Southern Governors’ Association, Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Rural Development Association.

“I am excited to again be working to represent America’s farmers,” Bell said. “It is especially important as we approach the next farm bill to help to protect the farm safety net for both our nation’s farmers and the consumers who rely on a stable and affordable food supply.”

Bell is originally from Morgan City, La. His family owns farmland that is used to produce sugarcane, soybeans, and wheat. He remains engaged in farming in both Louisiana and Maryland.

When Bell is not working with farmers and Members of Congress on policy matters, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two children, including taking them out to the farm.

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

A statement from Wayne Hurst, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers and a wheat farmer from near Burley, Idaho, and Don Schieber, chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates and a wheat farmer from near Ponca City, Okla.:

“We were pleased to see leaders in the House of Representatives and the Senate take a step forward today with the three free trade agreements our country has negotiated with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

“We understand the political aspects of how these agreements move toward ratification are complicated. But, for wheat growers, these agreements aren’t complicated at all: they mean reduced barriers to our products, help maintaining markets we’ve built over time and higher wheat prices.

“Immediate passage of the three pending free trade agreements remains of utmost importance for wheat growers across the country, the agriculture industry and the U.S. economy. We urge all officials to work toward their resolutions as soon as possible.”

###

A statement from Wayne Hurst, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers and a wheat farmer from near Burley, Idaho, and Don Schieber, chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates and a wheat farmer from near Ponca City, Okla.:

“U.S. wheat farmers were pleased to hear news Tuesday of a possible agreement that would move forward the passage of three pending free trade agreements, and of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus’ intention to hold mock mark-ups of the measures on Thursday.

“All three of these pacts are important to wheat farmers, who depend on exports to sell about half of the wheat we grow every year.

“The agreement with Colombia is particularly vital today because a free trade agreement between Colombia and Canada is set to go into effect in mid-August. That agreement would allow Canadian wheat to enter duty free – a benefit Argentina already receives – while leaving duties on U.S. wheat in place. Passing the U.S.-Colombia FTA will help prevent lost sales estimated at $100 million each year in that important and growing market.

“We strongly believe these agreements have languished long enough and call once again for their quick consideration and approval.”

To learn more about this issue, please visit www.wheatworld.org/trade.

###

Producers’ experiences with USDA’s local offices working to deliver farm and conservation programs can be dramatically improved by streamlining programs and using more Internet and cell phone communication, Washington state wheat farmer Brett Blankenship testified to the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday.

Blankenship, who grows soft white winter wheat, dark northern spring wheat and spring barley near Washtucna in Washington’s Adams County, was the sole agricultural producer speaking at the hearing, called to examine farm bill program accountability and efficiency.

In his written and oral testimony, he outlined in detail the structure of his family’s farm partnership and the administrative burden the farm business faces when managing program participation. He also described his experiences with the various organizations he and his farm partners must interact with on a regular basis, including USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); his crop insurance agent; his banker; and his landlords.

“Like most farmers, I participate in many government and quasi-government programs. All of these programs and offices the farmer interacts with are ‘silos’ of sorts with different rules and procedures. To complicate matters further, they don’t generally talk to one another for legal, technological or cultural reasons,” he testified.

Though he stopped short of advocating specific policy changes, Blankenship did make some suggestions from his personal experience about how to improve interactions between USDA and agricultural producers.

In addition to using communication methods online and via mobile computing, Blankenship described how his use of GPS-based data management has streamlined his work. He also said that, based on his experience, service available at county offices could be more standardized, and Congress could consider effects of consolidating program management and rules.

Blankenship also noted that while his testimony described the confusion farmers can face when participating in USDA programs, the Department has made great strides in recent years in improving county-level service. He said producers are grateful for county staff that are, in large part, extremely dedicated in the face of tight budgets and incomplete training.

“I appreciated the opportunity to provide the grower perspective at today’s hearing,” he said about the meeting. “The farmers I know are aware of how critical our country’s budget situation is, and I am happy to provide some perspective for the Committee Members as they look at each program individually and program delivery overall.”

Blankenship is a past president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and a current Director of the National Association of Wheat Growers, though he testified on his own behalf.

To read Blankenship’s testimony in full, please visit www.wheatworld.org/farmbill.

###

A strong and proactive Surface Transportation Board (STB) is necessary to help agricultural shippers and others who are captive to one railroad line receive fair rates and good service, NAWG President Wayne Hurst told that Board’s Members at a hearing on Wednesday.

Hurst, a wheat, barley and sugar beet farmer from the Burley, Idaho, area, spoke as part of a two-day public forum examining the state of competition in the nation’s railroad industry.

He described to Board members farmers’ situations as “price takers” rather than “price makers,” with little control over the price they receive for their products and no ability to pass along increased costs to customers.

Studies have shown that railroad mergers over the past 30 years have caused a substantial reduction in rail-to-rail competition. In the wheat industry alone there are substantial pockets of captivity in at least 14 states stretching from Texas to the Pacific Northwest that are primarily attributable to the effects of mergers. In these areas the rates are higher and the service levels are not the same as service that is provided in areas where there is rail-to-rail competition.

“Railroads are vital to agricultural production and the value chain. They are extremely important to us, and in my experience, the people who run them are good, smart, hard working Americans, much like the American farmer,” he told STB Members.

“But those facts do not take away from the reality that there are billions of dollars to be made each year in the railroad business, and the pressure to maximize that profit is real.”

Higher transportation costs take away from revenue farmers would reinvest in buying inputs and expanding their businesses. Higher transportation costs also affect the position of U.S. agricultural products in highly competitive export markets – a particular concern for wheat farmers, who export about half of their annual production in a typical year.

“Farmers believe that both railroads and shippers would be better off with more competition in the marketplace. We fervently believe that a strong, proactive STB can provide a host of benefits where competition cannot physically be created,” he said.

Hurst also told STB Members that wheat growers using the nation’s railroads continue to face high rates and spotty service, particularly in areas without competition.

Hurst did note that, based on his understanding and experience, in recent years service has generally improved, though a good portion of the change is attributable to a weaker economy and continued direct dialogue between shippers and railroads

NAWG works to help its members find solutions to rail-related concerns by participation in the STB process; advocating for STB and railroad reform on Capitol Hill; and working directly with railroad companies, in particular BNSF Railway.

More about this work and Hurst’s testimony from this week are available online at www.wheatworld.org/transportation.

###

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) applauds the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee’s approval Tuesday of H.R. 872, which will remove duplicative and onerous new permitting requirements for pesticide applications.

Committee Members took the action with a voice vote at a business meeting called to review the bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives in late March.

When finalized, the bill will amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act to clarify Congressional intent and eliminate the requirement for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for applications of pesticides approved for use under FIFRA.

The new requirements emerged following a January 2009 ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court saying pesticide discharge is a point source of pollution subject to additional regulation under the Clean Water Act.

The decision is set to go into effect in October following two and a half years of stays intended to allow agencies across the country to determine how it will be implemented.

The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated the ruling will affect approximately 365,000 pesticide applicators that perform 5.6 million pesticide applications annually – which will require a new level of paperwork and processing the federal government and few local entities are prepared to deal with.

If a legislative solution is not achieved when the new requirement goes into effect, farmers running afoul of it could be subject to fines of up to $37,500 per day.

“We are happy to see the Senate taking action on this important legislation,” said Wayne Hurst, NAWG president and a wheat producer from the Burley, Idaho, area.

“Wheat farmers work hard to comply with the extensive processes in place to ensure the products we use on our farms are safe. New requirements added by the Sixth Circuit Court would only create paperwork for us and government officials without adding any additional measure of safety for the public. We urge quick completion of this bill.”

H.R. 872 has achieved widespread bipartisan and bicameral support from Congressional leaders concerned about increasing regulation without environmental benefit and burdening government officials and farmers with new and complicated requirements in a time of tighter budgets.

NAWG staff and grower leaders have worked extensively over the last year to educate Members and their staffs about the problems presented by the Sixth Circuit decision and to help formulate a lasting solution.

For more about this issue, please visit www.wheatworld.org/environmentalregulation.

###

Instead of working his fields in northeastern Montana, wheat farmer Gordon Stoner is in Washington, D.C., to testify before Congress – twice – on the significance of pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea to his business and the U.S. wheat industry.

Wednesday morning, Stoner testified to the Senate Finance Committee on the importance of the pending agreement with Colombia, and on Thursday he will speak to the House Agriculture Committee on the need for immediate ratification of all three agreements to bolster American agriculture.

“I am here today instead of at home working my fields because I know the viability of our industry depends on our ability to export U.S. wheat and barley to every market in the world,” Stoner said

Stoner is a fourth-generation farmer and rancher from Outlook, Mont., where he grows durum wheat, peas and lentils in addition to raising cattle. Stoner is also the president of the Montana Grain Growers Association, a member of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) Board of Directors and vice chairman of the NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates Joint International Trade Policy Committee.

All three countries with current pending free trade agreements are important customers of U.S. wheat growers. Last year, the United States exported 645,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat to Colombia, 123,000 MT to Panama and 1.1 million MT to South Korea. At today’s export prices, that wheat represents about $650 million in export sales.

“We cannot afford to miss out on these markets as these countries are not waiting for the United States,” Stoner said. “We encourage the Obama Administration to prepare and submit all three free trade agreements to Congress for a ratification vote as soon as possible, and we urge the House and Senate to vote for their swift passage.”

Without the pending free trade agreements, U.S. wheat producers will lose market share. Competitors including Australia, Canada, the European Union and Argentina have already concluded agreements or are negotiating their own bilateral agreements, which will effectively shut the United States out of wheat markets in some cases.

For example, when the Colombia-Canada FTA becomes effective this summer, millers that would prefer to use U.S. wheat will have to turn to cheaper duty-free wheat from Canada to remain competitive. The tariff disadvantage would result in a more than $100 million per year loss to U.S. wheat farmers.

Nearly 80 percent of the wheat produced in Montana is exported. Overall, the United States exports about half of total wheat production each year. For the 2010/2011 marketing year, USDA indicates that exports will be 34.7 million metric tons (MMT), representing 58 percent of U.S. production and 28 percent of world wheat trade.

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org
Steve Mercer, U.S. Wheat, smercer (at) uswheat.org

Following is a joint statement from U.S. Wheat Associates Chairman Don Schieber, a wheat grower from Ponca City, Okla., and National Association of Wheat Growers President Wayne Hurst, a wheat grower from Burley, Idaho:

“The U.S. wheat industry applauds Ambassador Kirk’s announcement that the Obama Administration is ready to take the next steps toward ratification of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA), following Panama’s ratification of the U.S.-Panama Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA).

“We congratulate the Government of Panama for their steadfast commitment to free trade and their actions to ensure successful implementation of this agreement.

“We also congratulate President Barack Obama for his administration’s successful efforts to overcome their concerns with the agreement for it to move forward. We thank Members of Congress for their continued support for this pact with one of the United States’ strongest allies in Latin America. U.S. wheat industry leaders also deserve recognition for their tireless efforts to support the U.S.-Panama FTA as part of their commitment to free trade.

“This agreement, along with the pending free trade agreements with Colombia and South Korea, will increase trade opportunities, create jobs in the United States and allow U.S. wheat growers to compete on equal terms in these markets.

“The U.S. wheat industry encourages all parties to begin the process of implementing all three free trade agreements.”

###

Contact: Dana Peterson, dpeterson (at) wheatworld.org

Chicago, Ill. (April 12, 2011) – Representatives from across the U.S. wheat value chain met Tuesday in Chicago for the fourth Wheat Summit. To encourage open and honest industry dialogue, the discussions at this meeting were closed to press, as previous Wheat Summits have been.

Following is a joint statement from Dana Peterson, chief executive officer of the National Association of Wheat Growers; Alan Tracy, president of U.S. Wheat Associates; Mary Waters, president of the North American Millers’ Association and Lee Sanders, senior vice president of the American Bakers Association, whose organizations jointly hosted the meeting Tuesday:

“We were pleased to be able to come together today for the fourth Wheat Summit meeting with our colleagues from organizations spanning the depth and breadth of the wheat chain, from seedsmen to food companies.

“The Wheat Summit process started with a call to the industry on wheat’s competitiveness crisis. In the five years since that first meeting, we have seen a true resurgence of interest and investment by the public and private sectors in research and development of wheat. Some of this new engagement stems from grower support for the eventual commercialization of biotechnology traits in wheat, and some is a reaction to increased demand for plentiful, affordable and nutritious grains from a growing world population.

“Together we have identified a number of critical areas of agreement when it comes to paving the way for the responsible introduction of biotechnology – this follows our theme for the 2011 Summit – Moving Forward Together. As a guiding principle throughout our work, we hold as paramount the importance of choice for both the grower and the consumer. We are committed to guarding the high quality of our wheat through all technological innovations, since we know that is key to our continued competitiveness in the marketplace. Additionally, we recognize the need for reasonable tolerances to be set for biotech wheat in future non-biotech shipments.

“Our organizations will continue to work together on biotechnology issues in a variety of capacities, including work to track developments on the scientific and regulatory fronts; to educate stakeholders about the need for innovation in wheat; and to keep open the dialogue with all wheat chain participants on emerging technologies.

“We appreciate the time and engagement of those attending the Wheat Summit today and look forward to continuing to work together so our industry and our customers can benefit from the innovation we expect in the coming decade.

###

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org
Steve Mercer, U.S. Wheat, smercer@uswheat.org
Terri Long, NAMA, tlong@namamillers.org
Lee Sanders, ABA, lsanders@americanbakers.org

Following is a joint statement from National Association of Wheat Growers President Wayne Hurst, a wheat grower from Burley, Idaho, and U.S. Wheat Associates Chairman Don Schieber, a wheat grower from Ponca City, Okla.:

“The U.S. wheat industry is very pleased to hear the announcement today from President Barack Obama’s Administration that the United States and Colombia have successfully negotiated a way forward on our pending free trade agreement (FTA). This is a critical step toward being able to compete on a level playing field in one of the largest wheat markets in South America. Without this FTA, U.S. wheat farmers face a potential loss of sales currently valued at about $100 million per year.

“This advancement is the result of hard work by parties in both the United States and Colombia. Specifically, we want to thank President Obama and his administration’s efforts to overcome points of contention in the original agreement. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, the Colombian government and its people, especially the Colombian wheat milling industry, deserve praise for their efforts to make this agreement possible. We thank the many U.S. wheat industry leaders who have worked tirelessly to support the agreement. Members of Congress who have come out in support of the FTA also deserve credit for their role in moving the agreement forward.

“U.S. wheat producers need this FTA to compete in the Colombian market on the basis on quality and supply with wheat from other countries. Argentine wheat enjoys trade preferences under the Mercosur agreement. Canada and Colombia have ratified a separate FTA that will eliminate import tariffs on Canadian wheat and most other agricultural goods likely by July of this year. When that happens, the existing tariff and price band system applied to U.S. wheat imports will, in effect, make Canadian wheat significantly cheaper than U.S. wheat. As a result, Colombian millers who want to keep buying U.S. wheat would be forced buy more wheat from Canada because of the significant tariff disadvantage alone. The U.S.-Colombia FTA would remove that barrier.

“There is more work to be done before that happens. We encourage the Obama Administration to prepare and submit the FTA to the House of Representatives for a ratification vote as soon as possible. Assuming Congress ratifies the agreement, several months will be needed before the FTA is implemented. The National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates will continue to work to encourage rapid approval of the U.S.-Colombia FTA and FTAs with South Korea and Panama.”

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) was extremely pleased to see Thursday’s House passage of H.R. 872, a bill to remove duplicative new permitting requirements related to pesticide applications. The bill passed by a 292 to 134 vote.

When signed into law, the legislation will amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act to clarify Congressional intent and eliminate the requirement for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for applications of pesticides approved for use under FIFRA.

This requirement has emanated from a ruling by the Sixth Circuit Court, issued in January 2009, which said pesticide discharge is a point source of pollution subject to additional regulation under the Clean Water Act.

The decision is set to go into effect this year following a two-year stay intended to allow local and federal government agencies to set up processes to implement it, though most remain unprepared. The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated ruling will affect approximately 365,000 pesticide applicators that perform 5.6 million pesticide applications annually.

Once implemented, farmers found not to be compliance with the new and vague requirements could be subject to fines of up to $37,500 per day – enough to put most out of business quickly.

The bill passed Thursday has achieved widespread bipartisan support from Members of Congress concerned about increasing regulation that will lead to no environmental gain and about the immense cost implementing the new permitting rules would entail for federal and state agencies and pesticide users, including farmers.

“A permanent solution to this extra regulatory burden is needed as soon as possible to give our growers certainty on what rules they must follow this production season,” said Wayne Hurst, NAWG president and a wheat producer from the Burley, Idaho, area. “Wheat growers and other agricultural producers are committed to continuing to protect our land, air and water, but we need to know the rules of the road and deserve to have regulation that is understandable and streamlined.”

NAWG staff has been working closely with agricultural groups and other coalition partners for a number of months to seek a legislative solution to this new regulatory burden, and will continue working with coalition partners and agriculture leaders in the Senate as legislation is considered in that chamber.

For more about this issue, please visit www.wheatworld.org/environmentalregulation.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org

Note: Audio to accompany this story is at www.wheatworld.org/audio.

From Commodity Classic (Tampa, Fla.) – Idaho wheat producer Wayne Hurst was elected and installed as president of the National Association of Wheat Growers at the organization’s Board of Directors meeting held Saturday.

Hurst is from the Burley, Idaho, area, where he has operated a diversified crop farm since 1980, including cultivation of wheat, sugar beets, potatoes, dry beans and forage crops.

As an officer for the Idaho Grain Producers Association and on the NAWG Board, Hurst has been deeply involved in wheat policy issues for more than a decade. He has served on various NAWG policy committees and the NAWG Budget Committee and was chair of the NAWG/U.S. Wheat Associates/WETEC consolidation committee in 2006.

Like most NAWG officers, he has participated in two leadership training programs sponsored by the NAWG Foundation for incoming wheat leaders, WOLF and WILOT.

Hurst attended Brigham Young University and Idaho State University. He is fluent in Spanish, having served two years on a church mission in Concepcion, Chile. He is also an accomplished musician and has held numerous leadership positions in community organizations and at church.

Hurst and his wife, Sherrie, have five children and four grandchildren.

Other members of the 2011 NAWG officer corps elected at Saturday’s meeting include:

• Erik Younggren, Hallock, Minn., first vice president;
• Bing Von Bergen, Moccasin, Mont., second vice president;
• Paul Penner, Hillsboro, Kan., secretary-treasurer; and
• Jerry McReynolds, Woodston, Kan., immediate past president.

NAWG officers typically “run the chairs” for five years after being selected as secretary-treasurer, though they all must be interviewed and recommended by the NAWG Nominating Committee and approved by the NAWG Board of Directors on an annual basis.

The NAWG Board meeting was held at the end of the 2011 Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla. Much more about all Classic activities is at www.wheatworld.org/2011Classic.

Bios and photos for the new NAWG officers are at http://www.wheatworld.org/about-us/contact-us/.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org

From Commodity Classic (Tampa, Fla.) – A joint statement from:

• National Association of Wheat Growers President Jerry McReynolds, a wheat producer from Woodston, Kan.
• National Corn Growers Association President Bart Schott, a corn grower from Kulm, N.D.
• American Soybean Association President Alan Kemper, soybean farmer from Lafayette, Ind.
• National Sorghum Producers Chairman Gerald Simonsen, a sorghum grower from Ruskin, Neb.

“Farmer members of the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the National Corn Growers Association and the National Sorghum Producers are meeting at Commodity Classic to determine policies that reflect their priorities in 2011 and beyond. Among these priorities, we recognize that reducing federal deficits and the national debt is critical to putting the American economy, including U.S. agriculture, on a sound course for future growth and prosperity.

“We note that agriculture made a down payment in cutting spending when the Department of Agriculture directed $4 billion in savings under the Standard Reinsurance Agreement for federal crop insurance toward deficit reduction. We believe any further reduction in discretionary spending should recognize and reflect this contribution. We would also note that agriculture-related programs represent less than one-half of one percent of the federal budget.

“Looking forward, we believe any meaningful approach to deficit and debt reduction in the FY2012 budget must encompass all entitlement programs and all discretionary spending. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to develop a budget that successfully addresses the need for federal deficit and debt reduction balanced with the need of ensuring a successful agricultural economy.”

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org
Bob Callanan, ASA Communications Director, bcallanan@soy.org
Ken Colombini, NCGA Communications Director, colombini@gmail.com
Lindsay Kennedy, NSP External Affairs Director, Lindsay@sorghumgrowers.com

From Commodity Classic (Tampa, Fla.) – There will be no NAWG newsletter this week due to activities at the 2011 Commodity Classic. Classic updates on Friday’s activities include:

• Larry Elworth, agriculture counselor to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, spoke at a NAWG Foundation-sponsored learning center session. A lengthy audio update from him is available to growers and media at www.wheatworld.org/audio.
• NAWG President Jerry McReynolds took part in the Classic General Session. Video of McReynolds’ talk is at www.youtube.com/wheatworld.
• The General Session also featured House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. NAWG covered Lucas’ and Vilsack’s talks on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wheatworld.

To get all the latest news from Classic, please visit www.wheatworld.org/2011Classic. You can also follow us at www.twitter.com/wheatworld and see pictures from Classic events at www.facebook.com/wheatworld.

Audio updates from each day of the convention and each NAWG policy committee meetings are also available at www.wheatworld.org/audio.

Though we’ve been out of town, Capitol Hill has been hopping this week. Here are a few items of particular note for wheat growers; as necessary, these will be covered in more depth in future editions:

FY2011 Budget/Continuing Resolution: Both the House and Senate have approved a two-week continuing resolution, avoiding a government shutdown this weekend. The CR included $4 billion in cuts and lasts until March 18. The new CR should allow some time for negotiations on a longer-term FY2011 spending plan; top Congressional leaders and Vice President Joe Biden met Thursday to continue negotiations.

NPDES Permitting: With just a few short weeks to find a solution to drastic new pesticide application permitting requirements, Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) went into action this week. As anticipated, a bill, H.R. 872, was introduced to clarify that if a pesticide user is following the existing FIFRA label requirements, no other permitting is needed.

Also, following a request on Wednesday by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), the EPA requested on Thursday an extension of the implementation deadline for the new requirements. While Stabenow suggested the Agency request a nine-month extension, EPA requested a six-month extension. Still, this would add extra time to allow Congress to pursue a legislative solution.

Rail Bill: The Senate Judiciary Committee approved by a 14 to 1 vote S. 49, the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2011. This bill would effectively remove an antitrust exemption railroads currently enjoy, empowering the Federal Trade Commission to regulate, and engage in antitrust enforcement regarding, collective rate agreements and some railroad transactions. NAWG is highly supportive of the legislation and will continue to follow it closely.

1099 Issue: The House voted 314-112 on Thursday to repeal new requirements for 1099 reporting passed in recent health care legislation. Though the new requirements are widely opposed, including by NAWG, multiple attempts to repeal them have failed. The House and Senate versions use different offsets to pay for the repeal, and a conference agreement will be needed before a final repeal can be sent to President Barack Obama for consideration.

Mexican Trucking Dispute: President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon announced a tentative deal to solve an ongoing dispute over Mexican trucks on U.S. roads. The conflict arose when Congress cut off funding in the 2009 omnibus spending bill for a trucking pilot program that had permitted a limited number of Mexican carriers into the U.S., which is required under NAFTA. In response, Mexico implemented tariffs on nearly 100 products. Wheat has not been a targeted product, but NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates have been actively engaged in efforts push a conclusion to the issue.

FY2011 Budget: Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack testified before the House Appropriations Committee’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies subcommittee on the FY2012 budget. His testimony is available here.

Note: Audio to accompany this story is at www.wheatworld.org/audio. Pictures to accompany this story are at www.facebook.com/wheatworld or by e-mail to mkessler (at) wheatworld.org.

From Commodity Classic (Tampa, Fla.) – Wheat growers and other attendees of the 2011 Commodity Classic kicked off the show’s major events Thursday afternoon with the opening of the Classic trade show, the largest ever in the history of the event.

Once again, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), a sponsoring organization of Classic, U.S. Wheat Associates and the Wheat Foods Council are putting on a large Wheat Industry Booth.

This year’s theme is “Wheat…the future’s so bright!”, and wheat industry grower-leaders and staff passed out sunny yellow sunglasses advertising a special website, www.wheatsbrightfuture.com.

Also available were pocket cards with key facts about wheat research, trade and economic impact, which will empower those who may not know much about wheat to discuss the crop with their friends, kids or coworkers.

Most visitors’ attention turned quickly to a prize wheel they could spin to get the chance to answer wheat-related questions and win tickets to the wheat raffle for a netbook.

Other visitors focused on a beautiful and educational display of the six classes of wheat, complete with wheat samples from each class, provided by U.S. Wheat-affiliated state commissions. The display also offered information about production areas, export destinations and final products for each wheat type.

During the Classic trade show, NAWG and U.S. wheat leaders are also taking the opportunity to talk with media during availabilities scheduled on trade, environmental regulation and research and technology.

For pictures from the booth, please visit www.facebook.com/wheatworld.

For more about NAWG’s activities at the 2011 Classic, please visit www.wheatworld.org/2011Classic.

###

Contact: Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

Note: Audio to accompany this story is at www.wheatworld.org/audio.

From Commodity Classic (Tampa, Fla.) – Wheat growers who volunteer to represent their state producer organizations on the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) Board of Directors are in Tampa, Fla., this week to meet as part of the 2011 Commodity Classic.

Commodity Classic is a large convention and trade show for growers of wheat, corn, soybeans and sorghum. It is also NAWG’s annual meeting, and the last time the growers who make up NAWG’s Board will meet before their focus turns to the busy harvest and planting seasons.

At the 2011 Classic, members of NAWG’s Board of Directors will hold a full complement of policy meetings. These sessions allow Board members from around the country to bring their states’ ideas to the national association for consideration, setting the policy that will guide NAWG’s activities for much of 2011.

Pressing topics expected to come to the forefront of discussions include looming federal budget cuts, the future of farm policy, efforts to combat overreaching environmental regulations and the future of innovation in the wheat crop.

“NAWG truly is a grassroots organization, so our face-to-face meetings are important part of getting our work done and giving direction to our staff,” said Jerry McReynolds, NAWG’s current president and a wheat producer from near Woodston, Kan.

“The farmers on our Board know they have a tremendous responsibility to their neighbors and to their families who work with them on the farm. Especially in these uncertain financial times, we have to be diligent about our policy work and making sure we are advocating for the best options.”

Policy meetings begin Wednesday and culminate in a Board of Directors session Saturday afternoon. Some of the meetings will be closed to allow for open discussion among directors, but others will be open for Classic attendees who want to learn more about the wheat industry.

For more about NAWG’s activities at the 2011 Classic, please visit www.wheatworld.org/2011Classic.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

Note: Audio to accompany this story is at www.wheatworld.org/audio.

From Commodity Classic (Tampa, Fla.) – Wheat growers from around the United States arrived in Tampa, Fla., Tuesday to begin the policy meetings and networking events that will highlight the 2011 Commodity Classic.

Commodity Classic is the premier convention and trade show for wheat, corn, soybean and sorghum growers. It is also the annual meeting for the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), which joined the event for the first time four years ago.

Though dozens of major agriculture events happen each year, Classic offers a unique opportunity for crop growers to meet with their colleagues representing different organizations, supply chain contacts, political leaders and members of the media.

“NAWG joined Classic because it is the place to be to network with our fellow growers and work on policies that benefit all of us,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson. “We expect a productive 2011 Classic that strengthens our relationships with corn, beans and sorghum growers, while having a bit of fun, too.”

Commodity Classic is an enjoyable mix of policy work, networking, education and entertainment.

NAWG policy committees are scheduled to meet Wednesday, and NAWG’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet Saturday.

NAWG is the principal sponsor of a large Wheat Industry trade show booth that will meld education and fun, offering visitors the chance to win an entry into an exciting raffle by answering wheat trivia questions.

For the second year in a row, the NAWG Foundation is pleased to be able to sponsor two learning center sessions specifically on topics of importance to wheat growers – pending pesticide permitting requirements and communicating with the public.

NAWG will also host a reception for its incoming and outgoing presidents and a dinner and auction fundraiser.

Much more about Classic is available at www.wheatworld.org/2011Classic, a site that will be updated daily throughout the show.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

More than 40 wheat growers, researchers, millers and bakers are in Washington Tuesday and Wednesday to urge Members of Congress and the Obama Administration to protect federal investments in wheat research that return $10 to the nation’s economy for every dollar spent.

Funding for USDA programs including wheat research is under threat because of attempts to cut government expenditures and the United States’ massive debt. Federal government spending on wheat research is considered discretionary spending, the type most targeted for cuts by the House Budget Committee.

Historically, because wheat research focuses on locally-adapted varieties for the nation’s six classes of wheat, the work is spread among many different USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) locations and state land grant universities, which have specialized expertise and staff. Agriculture research funding has been essentially flat for 20 years while expenses for salaries and new technology have continued to climb.

Unlike crops including corn and soybeans, wheat is disproportionally dependent on public research. Wheat is also uniquely complicated, with regional-specific varieties of six unique types, called classes, grown across 42 U.S. states. Wheat’s genome is larger than the human genome.

Those from the wheat industry in Washington this week are explaining to lawmakers that investing in agricultural research is vital to continuing to have an abundant and affordable wheat supply.

“We feel like it’s important to come to D.C. every year to remind our national leadership just how important it is for wheat research to continue to receive this funding,” said Dr. Brett Carver, wheat breeder at Oklahoma State University and holder of the Oklahoma Wheat Research Genetics Foundation chair.

“Producing a new variety takes more than a decade, and continuing to produce innovative varieties is vital for our local farmers’ ability to fight pests and diseases and deliver their grain to domestic mills and export customers so consumers will have plenty of nutritious breads, pastas and cereals.”

Though a number of private companies have announced investments in wheat science in recent years, the industry is still highly dependent on public research funded by the federal government, state governments and producer-paid check-off dollars. More than three-quarters of varieties being used today came from public research programs.

“We know wheat research is a good investment because we see its returns every day on our farms,” said Erik Younggren, a wheat producer from Hallock, Minn., and the second vice president of the National Association of Wheat Growers. “NAWG is eager to tell the research story and work to ensure those vital dollars continue to supplement our local check-off investments.”

The fly-in this week is one of a number of efforts members of the wheat value chain undertake together to show federal officials the importance of research to the entire economy, not just producers.

“This joint educational effort is an excellent opportunity for the industry to press upon Congressional staffers how critical federal funding of wheat research programs is to sustaining, and increasing, crop production in the U.S.,” said Sherri Lehman, North American Millers’ Association’s director of government relations.

Wheat is vital to the U.S. and world economy and for food security. Wheat exports alone contributed $5.9 billion to the U.S. economy in 2010, and wheat itself is responsible for 20 percent of calories consumed in the world, according to the United Nations.

“The American Bakers Association recognizes the work of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service wheat quality laboratories is vital as global demand for wheat expands,” said Lee Sanders, American Bakers Association’s senior vice president for government relations and public affairs.

“As re-emphasized in the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, grain foods are part of the foundation for a healthy, balanced diet for Americans, and continuing wheat research and developing new technology in the areas of nutrition, quality and disease resistance is critical. Our unified wheat chain advocacy efforts to bolster support for USDA-ARS resources will continue to be a priority.”

More information about wheat research funding and projects is available online through the following resources:

• A chart of wheat research funding over time, please visit http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/trres09p.pdf.
• A map showing each U.S. region’s wheat classes, research labs and challenges addressed by research is available at http://www.wheatworld.org/wp-content/uploads/research-informative-map-fly-in-20110208.pdf.
• NAWG’s comprehensive research website page is at http://www.wheatworld.org/research.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, 202-547-7800, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) is the recipient of the National Association of Wheat Growers’ 2010 Wheat Leader of the Year Award, the wheat industry’s highest public service award.

Murray was nominated by her home state’s grower association because of her history of providing leadership in the areas of agricultural research funding; her support for farm bill programs and trade agreements; and her advocacy on behalf of funding to improve the Columbia and Snake River systems.

“I am pleased to be able to present this award to Sen. Murray,” said Jerry McReynolds, NAWG president and a wheat producer from Woodston, Kan. “We need champions in Congress like Sen. Murray to lead and help educate new Members who are coming in and may not know the value agriculture research and transportation infrastructure contribute to a successful farm economy.”

Murray’s nomination was approved by the NAWG Domestic and Trade Policy Committee and the NAWG Board of Directors. A member of Murray’s staff accepted her award on her behalf at an awards dinner held Tuesday evening as part of the ongoing Wheat Industry Winter Conference in Washington, D.C.

“Sen. Murray has been a friend of Washington wheat for many years, and we’re proud to see her efforts recognized nationally,” said Brett Blankenship, past president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and a producer from Adams County, Wash.

The Wheat Leader of the Year Award is given annually by NAWG to one Member of Congress based on his or her demonstrated commitment to the well-being and goals of the wheat industry.

Previous Wheat Leaders include Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) (2009 and 2007); Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) (2008 and 2002); Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.) (2006); Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) (2005); Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) (2004); Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) (2003); Rep. Larry Combest (R-Texas) (2001); Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Wash.) (2000); and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) (1999).

Representatives from NAWG member-states will also be distributing other public service awards given by NAWG on behalf of the wheat industry as they visit Capitol Hill offices this week.

The Wheat Advocate Award is given annually to Members of Congress who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm.

Those receiving 2010 Wheat Advocate awards include:

• Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.)
• Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
• Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.)
• Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)
• Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.)
• Rep. Tim Holden (D-Pa.)
• Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.)
• Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
• Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.)

The Friend of Wheat Award is given annually by NAWG for superior action in support of the goals and policies of the wheat industry. This award is given to Congressional and administrative staff members who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm.

The 2010 Friend of Wheat Awards are being awarded to:

• Sarah Bittleman – USDA Office of the Secretary
• Jake Kuhns – Rep. Tim Holden (D-Pa.)
• Carrie Meadows – Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.)
• Riley Scott – Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)
• Mike Seyfert – Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)
• Anne Simmons – House Agriculture Committee
• Kay Simmons – USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
• Dave White – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Awards that couldn’t be delivered to winners during this week’s activities in Washington will be presented to Members and staff in the coming weeks.

More about the Congressional awards, including more information about past winners, is available at http://www.wheatworld.org/about-us/policy-process/.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

NAWG applauds USDA’s announcement Wednesday that the wheat and barley research communities will be awarded a $25 million grant from the National Institute for Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA’s) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).

In the world of wheat research, the grant is a significant investment of public funds in work critical to the industry’s continued profitability.

It will span five years and include 56 scientists from 28 institutions, led by Dr. Jorge Dubcovsky of the University of California at Davis and Dr. Gary Muehlbauer at the University of Minnesota.

“Enhancing public and private research is at the heart of NAWG’s strategic plan, and this is an exciting infusion to our public wheat research system,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson.

“These dollars will return significant benefits to farmers by developing tools to adapt varieties planted by growers across the country, which is a significant step in the right direction as we seek to raise wheat yields 20 percent by 2018.”

The goal of the project is to develop methods to produce new varieties that minimize the damage to crops from stresses associated with climate change.

The long-term objective is a 10 percent reduction in both nitrogen and water use in barley and wheat production, though the project will also focus on traits related to fungal diseases and low temperature tolerance.

To achieve these goals, the AFRI project will build on the rapidly decreasing costs of genetic markers and other tools to accelerate breeding cycles, improving publicly-available germplasm, standardizing methods for high-throughput field evaluation and integrating genetic and field measurements into public databases for use by all breeding programs.

A systematic genotypic and phenotypic characterization of varieties in the National Small Grains Collection (NSGC) and commercially available wheat and barley lines will accelerate the introduction of novel non-GMO genes into cereal breeding programs. The NSGC provides access to the ancestors of modern wheat and barley, which carry a wide diversity of genes for crop improvement previously underutilized by plant breeders because of insufficient funding and genomic information.

Importantly, the project will also facilitate training for a new generation of plant breeders in the most advanced breeding technologies, which is critical for wheat research development in the coming decades.

“We applaud NIFA for their support of basic and applied wheat research, which is vital to all American wheat farmers,” said Jane DeMarchi, NAWG’s director of government affairs for research and technology. “We look forward to working with scientists during the project to maximize the positive benefits for farmers.”

NAWG works with organizations and individuals throughout the wheat chain to demonstrate the value of wheat research, and NAWG, U.S. Wheat Associates and affiliated state organizations from both groups provided a letter of support for the project application.

Wheat research is a crucial but often under-funded aspect of our country’s – and the world’s – food security. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated 20 percent of calories consumed by humans come from wheat.

Still, with traditional breeding, one new variety adapted to a specific geographic area and wheat class can take more than a decade to develop and get into the hands of wheat producers.

And, unlike that in other major crops including corn and soybeans, wheat research has been disproportionately dependent on public funds for basic research and breeding. This is changing, however, as more private companies announce new investments and partnerships with public university programs to work toward both conventional and, eventually, biotech wheat varieties.

“It is so vital for wheat breeding to continue to become more advanced to solve the problems farmers like myself have on our operations so we can continue to produce a stable and affordable food supply,” said NAWG President Jerry McReynolds, a wheat producer from Woodston, Kan.

“We face drought, heat, pests and other challenges that can be helped by good research in our public universities and, increasingly, by private companies. We’re hopeful this project will be able to build on the knowledge we already have and find new answers to our most pressing challenges.”

For more about NAWG’s research work, please visit www.wheatworld.org/issues/research.

For more from NIFA, please click here. For more from the University of California at Davis, please click here.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

Following is a statement from U.S. Wheat Associates President Alan Tracy and National Association of Wheat Growers Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson:

“The U.S. wheat industry welcomes the successful conclusion of negotiation on the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement (FTA). We applaud the Obama Administration for working hard to address the difficult challenges in this deal, and we look forward to its swift submission to and ratification by Congress.

“South Korea is a top ten market for U.S. wheat producers, importing more than 40 million bushels each of the last five years. Once implemented, the FTA will help protect this important market by eliminating the small duty U.S. wheat faces there now.

“Without bilateral and regional agreements such as the U.S.-Korea FTA, U.S. wheat producers face a competitive disadvantage in other key countries, particularly since other wheat exporters are moving ahead at a brisk pace to sign their own bilateral agreements in several key U.S. markets. For example, U.S. Wheat Associates estimates that failure to ratify the U.S.-Colombia FTA could lead to an annual loss of more than $100 million for the U.S. wheat industry at current export prices. This is in part because a ratified FTA between Canada and Colombia will allow Canadian wheat to enter Colombia duty free in early 2011. Influential Colombian millers confirm that if they must pay duties on U.S. wheat, but not on Canadian wheat, U.S. market share will likely decline.

“The results of a comprehensive new study* by U.S. Wheat Associates and 11 other commodity groups show that active trade agreements directly increase U.S. agricultural exports, farm gate prices and job growth. Yet the United States risks falling behind as its export competitors aggressively press ahead.

“We are pleased with the effort on the U.S.-Korea FTA, and we hope its forward movement signals the United States is willing to work as hard, with the same urgency, to finalize pending Colombia and Panama FTAs, negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership and seek a beneficial conclusion to World Trade Organization Doha Round negotiations.”

###

Contact:
Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler (at) wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800
Steve Mercer, U.S. Wheat, smercer (at) uswheat.org, 703-650-0251

*To obtain a copy of the entire study, please contact U.S. Wheat Associates at info (at) uswheat.org.

NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson joined leaders of other major agricultural organizations Tuesday in calling for Congress to quickly pass meaningful estate tax reform that addresses the needs of farm families.

Leaders from groups representing producers of wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton, beef, pork and milk, as well as the heads of the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union, spoke to reporters at the National Press Club in Washington and, by phone and Internet video, around the country.

They described the devastating business challenges that await family farm operations if the tax, which doesn’t affect individuals who die in 2010, is allowed to return in 2011, hitting estates of more than $1 million with a tax of up to 55 percent.

Peterson told reporters that if not addressed by Congress in the lame duck session, future estate tax liabilities would not only drain family businesses of funds that might otherwise be reinvested, but could also force families to sell off their business assets, including the very land used to grow the nation’s wheat crop.

“Farmers hold their equity in the land; their whole mentality is with the land,” she said. “So, when families have to sell land to pay a tax, it literally tears away their roots.”

Peterson also told reporters that the uncertain tax liability, combined with the current state of our economy, makes it difficult for family-owned wheat operations to make sound business decisions for the next generation of farmers.

“Multigenerational families are the foundation of agricultural communities, including my own home county in Kansas,” she said. “It makes no sense to penalize the families that run 96 percent of our nation’s farms with an onerous and unpredictable tax.”

“The future of America’s wheat producers that our grower-members work so hard to secure will be in jeopardy if Congress does not pass estate tax reform.”

NAWG is a nonprofit team of 21 state wheat grower organizations working to benefit the wheat industry at state and national levels. The NAWG Board of Directors has standing policy that supports raising the estate tax exemption to no less than $5 million per person and reducing the top rate to no more than 35 percent, priorities similar to those of many other groups speaking Tuesday.

NAWG also supports policy to index the exemption to inflation; provide for spousal transfers; and include a stepped-up basis to adjust the value of property for inflation at death.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

Once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities are ready to be harvested on Capitol Hill Thursday and Friday.

The Urban Wheat Field project is on display and open free to the public for educational tours and pictures with the Capitol building in the background until 7 p.m. Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

The event is sponsored by the Wheat Foods Council, a sister organization of the National Association of Wheat Growers, and supported by wheat producers from around the country who flew in to guide visitors through the steps in the wheat chain including wheat production, milling flour and baking fresh bread.

It opened Thursday morning, with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson cutting the ribbon alongside NAWG President Jerry McReynolds, a producer from Kansas, and Wheat Foods Council Co-Chairman David Moore, a producer from Texas.

“We appreciate you all for being out here today, and we appreciate the wheat growers for the efforts that they’re making here with this second event,” Peterson said before the Field officially opened, referencing the first Urban Wheat Field, held in New York City in 2008. “It is important for all of us in agriculture to educate consumers about what we do and how food gets from the field to the grocery store shelves.”

The display includes a quarter-acre of live, growing wheat, a full-sized combine, multiple demonstration flour mills, a mobile baking laboratory and areas for trade and nutrition education. The event is staffed by the more than 60 wheat growers who came in for the festivities, and experts in the areas of milling, baking and nutrition.

NAWG sponsored the well-attended reception held Thursday morning for Members of Congress, their staff members and industry friends, and NAWG officers are serving as grower-spokespeople throughout the week.

“All of us need an education on the source of our food supply from farm to fork, and that’s why we’re here today, to help do that,” McReynolds said at the reception.

Photos from the event are available online at http://www.wheatworld.org/newsroom/photo-gallery/ or through NAWG’s Twitter feed, www.twitter.com/wheatworld. Videos are at www.youtube.com/wheatworld.

Details for 2010 Urban Wheat Field

• Location: 3rd Street and Independence Ave. SW, adjacent to the National Museum of the American Indian (map at http://www.wheatworld.org/wp-content/uploads/Come-to-Urban-Wheat-Field.pdf)
• Open to the public: Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wheat producers from around the country are traveling to Washington, D.C., this week for the second Urban Wheat Field and to reach out to Members of Congress and Congressional staff who may rarely hear from our nation’s wheat farmers.

The Urban Wheat Field project is sponsored by the Wheat Foods Council, a NAWG sister association, and will be on display free to the public throughout Thursday and Friday.

It will bring a quarter-acre of live, growing wheat just steps from the U.S. Capitol, along with a full-sized combine, multiple demonstration flour mills and a mobile baking laboratory. The event will be staffed by 60 wheat growers coming for it as well as experts in the areas of milling, baking and nutrition.

To kick off the festivities, NAWG is sponsoring a grand opening reception for Congressional staff, VIPs and the media, scheduled for 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday morning. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson is scheduled to join industry leaders and make remarks at a ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Growers and staff from NAWG-affiliated state wheat grower organizations will be canvassing Capitol Hill Wednesday and during breaks from work at the Field on Thursday and Friday to introduce themselves to staffers and Members and extend an invitation to the event. They will be joined in their outreach activities by participants from the milling and baking industries.

NAWG, U.S. Wheat Associates, many state wheat associations and commissions and representatives of the milling and baking industries have been working for a number of months to assist Wheat Foods in preparations for the unique outreach program.

“We are excited about this opportunity to bring the wheat chain together and reach out to the Capitol Hill community,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson. “The Urban Wheat Field project is both amazing to see and truly educational, and we’re proud to have it happening in our home city.”

Details for 2010 Urban Wheat Field

• Location: 3rd Street and Independence Ave. SW, adjacent to the National Museum of the American Indian (map at http://www.wheatworld.org/wp-content/uploads/Come-to-Urban-Wheat-Field.pdf)
• Grand opening event, House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson scheduled: Sept. 23 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. – *Note:* media should e-mail Melissa Kessler (mkessler (at) wheatworld.org) if planning to attend
• Open to the public: Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

###

Contact : Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

Eric J. Steiner will join the National Association of Wheat Growers as director of government affairs for farm policy on Monday, Aug. 30.

In his new role, Steiner will lead the organization’s efforts on farm policy, crop insurance, transportation and trade issues. He will be the primary NAWG staff member working on the Association’s proposals for Title I programs and crop insurance in the next farm bill, and he will administer WheatPAC, the wheat industry’s political action committee.

“We are excited to have someone with deep Hill, USDA and law experience on our team,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson. “Eric brings many skills and experiences to our table, and I know our growers and officers are looking forward to working with him on major legislative priorities in the coming years.”

Steiner is a seasoned public official who has worked in both the legislative and executive branches since coming to Washington in 2002.

From 2003 until 2007, Steiner was a professional staff member at the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, where he worked on nutrition, food aid, trade, agricultural research and rural development policy.

He later moved to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), where he served as associate administrator and later as chief of staff, supervising 1,300 employees and managing a $60 billion budget.

While at the Senate and FNS, he also attended George Mason University School of Law. Since 2009, he has put his legal education into practice in the office of the general counsel at the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

“I am excited to represent wheat growers’ concerns for the present and ideas for the future, and I look forward to working with the wider agricultural community and other partners to build upon NAWG’s effectiveness with Congress and the Administration,” Steiner said.

Steiner grew up on a small family farm near Berne, Ind., and served as a state officer for the Indiana FFA between high school and college. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Purdue University before coming to Washington.

Steiner resides with his wife in Alexandria, Va., and is active in his church and community. He is also a marathon runner and an aspiring triathlete.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

A statement from National Association of Wheat Growers Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson and U.S. Wheat Associates President Alan Tracy:

“The Canadian parliament has ratified a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with Colombia that will, when implemented, allow Canadian wheat to enter that country duty free.

“The agreement gives a major wheat-producing competitor an immediate price advantage in a market where U.S. wheat exports had earned a dominant market share. It means that U.S. wheat producers could lose sales worth $70 million today to Canada at a time when they can least afford it. In fact, U.S. farm families now face losing a substantial portion of agricultural exports to Colombia worth nearly $1.7 billion, including $330 million in wheat exports, in 2008. Even more disturbing is the fact that our farmers should never have faced this dilemma.

“That is because while the United States government has failed to ratify a bilateral FTA it negotiated with Colombia in 2006 that would allow most American agricultural exports to enter Colombia duty free, Canada has moved ahead with its own trade agenda.

“For four years, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and many other agricultural organizations have strongly advocated for this agreement. In that time, USW brought influential Colombian millers to the United States who told government officials that if they had to pay duties on U.S. wheat and not on Canadian wheat, U.S. sales and market share would fall dramatically. USW also released a report on the impact of FTAs that showed U.S. wheat exports would be 20 million bushels greater and the farm price would be 10 cents per bushel higher under a ratified U.S.-Colombia FTA. The outcome of this situation should come as no surprise.

“As an industry dependent on exports for half its sales, export opportunities and free trade are essential. We were encouraged to hear President Obama’s plans to give trade a more prominent role in his administration’s economic recovery agenda and his goal to double exports in five years. We were particularly pleased that the President recognized that U.S. inertia on trade only allows other nations to fill the void while we lose the chance to create jobs on our shores. We urged the administration to commit to this initiative by submitting the U.S.-Colombia FTA, and pending agreements with South Korea and Panama, to Congress for consideration.

“Recently, we have seen some positive steps on trade. President Obama has now pledged to send the Korea-U.S. FTA to Congress by the November G-20 meeting in Seoul. Last week, the House Agriculture Committee passed H.R. 4645, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act. If signed into law, it would clarify how U.S. farmers and agricultural businesses conduct sales to Cuba and remove long-standing travel restrictions, which together have significantly constrained wheat growers’ market share there.

“Such steps are encouraging, but do not carry us far enough. Today, 126 trade agreements are being negotiated that exclude the United States, yet each involves current U.S. trading partners. If the likely fallout from the Canada-Colombia FTA is any indication, such agreements represent a grave threat to our economic recovery.

“We must change the situation and give American farm families and our rural economy a fighting chance. We urge the Administration and Congress to resolve any remaining issues with our Colombia and Panama FTAs and move the agreements forward to approval as soon as possible.”

###

Contact:
Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800
Steve Mercer, USW, smercer@uswheat.org, 703-650-0251

NAWG applauded the House Agriculture Committee’s passage on Wednesday of a bill that would significantly ease agricultural trade and travel restrictions with Cuba.

H.R. 4645, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, was introduced earlier in the year by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Congressman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). If signed into law, it would clarify how U.S. farmers and agricultural businesses conduct sales to Cuba and remove long-standing travel restrictions, which together have significantly constrained wheat growers’ market share there.

Cuba is the largest importer of wheat and wheat products in the Caribbean, with 11.4 million mouths to feed and no domestic wheat production. Still, because of U.S.-mandated payment and travel restrictions, American wheat made up less than 25 percent of Cuban wheat imports last year, versus more than 80 percent in other Caribbean nations.

For wheat growers, the House Agriculture Committee’s approval of H.R. 4645 is another successful step toward remedying the challenges that have long hindered trade in what would otherwise be a logical market.

“We are long overdue to make common-sense changes to our policy concerning Cuba, which has done nothing but hamstring agriculture’s competitiveness in this neighboring market and hurt our agricultural economy,” said NAWG President Jerry McReynolds, a Kansas wheat producer who also testified to his experiences at a House Agriculture hearing held earlier this year.

“Especially at this time of high wheat stocks and low harvest prices in states like mine, this is a major competitiveness issue that deserves a solution. We thank our elected representatives for standing by us and passing this legislation.”

NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates, the industry’s market development organization, have long supported incremental changes to U.S. policy toward Cuba, and NAWG leaders have worked extensively to gather support for H.R. 4645, which now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. Companion legislation has also been introduced for consideration in the Senate.

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, 202-547-7800

Jane DeMarchi will join the National Association of Wheat Growers as director of government affairs for research and technology as of July 20.

Filling a newly-created position on the NAWG staff, DeMarchi will focus time on research-related policy issues, including the appropriations and administrative grant-making processes; tracking and consolidating wheat research work already being done within the industry; and coordinating industry efforts related to the commercialization of biotech wheat.

“The new research and technology position is critical to NAWG’s work in encouraging investment and innovation in our industry’s future,” said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson. “I have every confidence that Jane has the appropriate experience and passion to lead NAWG’s efforts to coordinate existing and emerging wheat research ventures.”

DeMarchi has worked for the North American Millers’ Association since 2004, where she is currently director of government relations, responsible for advocating on a wide range of issues pertaining to food and grain quality, safety and research.

She will come to NAWG with well-established roots in the wheat research community having served on the executive committee of the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI) and the boards of the Wheat Quality Council and the National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research (NC-FAR). During her time at NAMA, DeMarchi worked closely with the National Wheat Improvement Committee and NAWG to secure federal funding for wheat research.

DeMarchi will also spend some time working on food safety and food aid issues for NAWG. She is an active member of the Agricultural Food Aid Coalition, which supports the use of U.S. commodities in USDA and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) food aid programs.

“I am eager to fill this newly created role bringing stakeholders and researchers together to solve critical issues for wheat growers and the entire wheat value chain,” DeMarchi said.

Prior to joining NAMA, DeMarchi worked in the fields of economic development and trade promotion for the Ohio Department of Development and the U.S. Department of Commerce in Ohio, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Born and raised in Ohio, she received her bachelor’s degree in Asian studies from Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. She lives with her husband and two children in Maryland.

Contact:  Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

National Association of Wheat Growers Second Vice President Erik Younggren testified Thursday to key House Members on wheat growers’ experiences with 2008 Farm Bill programs and the process the Association will go through to set 2012 Farm Bill priorities.

Younggren, a wheat producer from Hallock, Minn., joined growers from organizations representing other major commodities at a hearing held by the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.

In his statement, Younggren offered details about wheat growers’ generally favorable experiences with long-standing programs like crop insurance and direct payment, plus thoughts on newer programs ACRE and SURE. He also offered initial data from a survey of NAWG members on existing and future farm policy and described the questions facing the NAWG Board of Directors as they look to the next farm bill process.

“As we look ahead to 2012, the policy development process is not unlike decisions facing farmers about what to do with aging equipment,” he told Members of the Subcommittee. “Compare our current farm policy with a 14-year-old combine that has accumulated about 2,800 hours of use. We’re familiar with and appreciate the general predictability of the overall system, despite the glitches that come with age and known limitations…”

“The question facing growers now with respect to farm policy is this: should our energies be directed toward further tweaking and improving the current structure of farm policy considering the ‘age’ and known challenges associated with it? Or is there a newer model – a next generation safety net – available that could better achieve our risk management goals in a simpler, more cost-effective manner?”

Thursday’s testimony from Younggren was the first formal testimony NAWG leadership has given on the 2012 Farm Bill, though wheat growers from NAWG-affiliated state wheat growing organizations testified earlier at field hearings in South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming and Idaho.

NAWG is a federation of 21 state wheat grower associations that works to represent the needs and interests of wheat producers before Congress and federal agencies. Based in Washington, D.C., NAWG is grower-governed and grower-funded, and works in areas as diverse as federal farm policy, trade, environmental regulation, research and climate change.

Younggren’s written testimony is available in full at www.wheatworld.org/farmbill under “Statements and Testimony”.

###

Contact: Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

The executive summary of a study commissioned by the National Association of Wheat Growers to examine the implications of various climate change or clean energy proposals is now available online at www.wheatworld.org/climatechange.

The study, undertaken by Informa Economics with support from American Farmland Trust, takes a broad look at possible cap-and-trade policies, examining drivers that could increase benefits and minimize costs.

The executive summary released Thursday concludes that, if structured properly, cap-and-trade has the potential to provide some benefits to farmers. However, there are also plausible policy design outcomes that could be very harmful, and a lack of engagement could leave agriculture in a weaker position if and when a final bill comes to fruition.

The report identifies policy issues that can represent risks or opportunities to the agricultural sector. A few key policy points include:

• Carbon allowances distributed to the fertilizer industry are critical in keeping the cost impacts down. It is important that these allowances are maintained, and language is inserted into the legislation to ensure that their benefit is passed on to farmers.
• Legislation should maximize the number of carbon offsetting opportunities.
• Legislation should ensure continued enrollment in offset programs is available for as long as is justifiable.
• Agriculture’s involvement is critical in establishing methodologies used to calculate sequestration rates for various carbon offsetting activities.

“This information highlights that we need to pay careful attention to issues of cost containment and potential benefits,” said NAWG Environment and Renewable Resources (ERR) Committee Chairman Eric Hasselstrom, a wheat producer from Winchester, Idaho. “For myself and other members of our Board, I know this process has been a learning experience and the study that resulted is a tool we will be able to evaluate legislative text as it becomes available.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to work with American Farmland Trust to get this study done,” said NAWG President Jerry McReynolds, a producer from Woodston, Kan. “We look forward to continuing to formulate policy priorities as Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency take action related to greenhouse gases.”

Many of the executive summary’s conclusions were also included in a PowerPoint presentation provided to the NAWG ERR Committee at the 2010 Commodity Classic, held in March. That presentation is also available at www.wheatworld.org/climatechange.

The NAWG Board of Directors has directed staff to engage in climate change legislation negotiations to achieve an outcome that is in the best interest of our grower-members. On Sept. 4, 2009, the NAWG Board of Directors approved a resolution regarding greenhouse gas regulation requiring a net economic benefit from greenhouse legislation or regulation for a measure to gain NAWG’s support.

###

Contact: Dana Peterson, NAWG, dpeterson@wheatworld.org

Agricultural producers concerned about rail rates and service but unable to travel to Washington, D.C., this spring can access all the information they need to voice their opinions from their homes or farms at www.wheatworld.org/railday2010.

The National Association of Wheat Growers is encouraging producers across the country to participate in virtual Rail Day 2010 activities by calling or writing their Members of Congress.

This year’s Rail Day will happen in Washington on Wednesday, with representatives from industries as varied as agriculture to electricity converging to meet with Members and show a united front on efforts to address the needs of captive shippers.

Two NAWG officers will be in town to participate in meetings. NAWG strongly supports passage of currently pending rail legislation including S. 2889, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009, which passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee in December 2009 and can move to enactment in 2010.

Key points NAWG and other rail reform advocates will be stressing include:

• Wheat producers rely on an effective railroad system to stay in business. For many, rail shipment is the only cost-effective transportation mode available.
• Producers recognize the need for railroads to attract investment. Producers also need and deserve reasonable rail rates and service, necessitating a strong, reformed Surface Transportation Board (STB) to oversee the sector in a balanced manner.
• The Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009 (S. 2889) represents a balanced compromise that enhances competition and addresses both the needs of the shipping community and the need for railroads to attract needed investment.
• This legislation will bring much-needed balance back to the STB, and create a more level playing field for both railroads and shippers.

Recognizing the window of opportunity to put this issue to rest this year is narrowing, NAWG is urging Members to cosponsor S. 2889 and relay the importance of passage to Senate leadership.

More about NAWG’s rail work is available at www.wheatworld.org/transportation or www.wheatworld.org/railday2010.

###

Wheat growers and other agricultural producers are in Washington this week to again emphasize to Administration and Hill leaders how vital it is to finalize pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.

The wheat industry’s top trade priority remains the Colombia agreement, which is key to maintaining more than $90 million in wheat exports to Colombia every year. U.S. wheat faces competition in Colombia from Argentina, which enjoys advantages from the Mercosur trade agreement allowing for duty-free access, and Canada, which is poised to soon approve its own free trade agreement.

Producers-members of organizations representing wheat, corn, beef and pork, along with the American Farm Bureau Federation, spoke to reporters at the National Press Club at noon.

Speaking at the press conference on behalf of the U.S. wheat industry was Dale Schuler, a former NAWG president and current chairman of the NAWG/U.S. Wheat Joint International Trade Policy Committee.

“The simple fact is that the U.S. is losing market share in Colombia,” Schuler told the assembled media. “We hear from our Colombian buyers that our share of that market could fall as low as 30 percent if Canada approves its free trade agreement before we finalize ours. We can’t let that happen.”

U.S. Wheat Associates estimates that, at current export prices, failure to ratify the U.S.-Colombia FTA could lead to an annual loss of more than $92 million for the U.S. wheat industry.

On the other hand, analysis by the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) suggests that if the Colombia FTA were in effect now, U.S. wheat exports would be 20 million bushels greater and the farm price would be 10 cents per bushel higher.

###

For Earth Day 2010, NAWG decided to get the views of a few “first conservationists” – farmers – on tape. In three parts, NAWG Second Vice President Erik Younggren, a wheat grower from Hallock, Minn., and Secretary-Treasurer Bing Von Bergen, a wheat grower from Moccasin, Mont., talk about what they do to conserve the land, how farming practices have changed over the years and what they’d like urban dwellers to know about farming and environmentalism.

Part One: Conservation on Your Farms

Part Two: What’s Changed Over the Years?

Part Three: What You’d Like Urban Dwellers to Know

NAWG is also celebrating Earth Day with America’s Heartland, the public television show about American agriculture that reaches a million viewers per showing. A special Heartland Earth Day webisode is available here.

###

The following is a statement from the National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates:

“The U.S. wheat industry is very pleased that the U.S. and Brazilian governments have been able to identify a process for negotiating a settlement in the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute between our two countries. Brazil recently won the right to impose countermeasures against U.S. trade and planned to increase U.S. wheat tariffs to 30 percent from 10 percent today as part of its response. Yesterday’s agreement ensures that U.S. producers will remain competitive in one of the world’s largest wheat markets.

“The demonstrated willingness of the Brazil and U.S. governments to begin in good faith to negotiate a settlement is very encouraging. In particular we commend the efforts of Under Secretary Jim Miller, Ambassador Miriam Sapiro and Ambassador Isi Siddiqui in achieving this outcome, and we look forward to working with them and Members of Congress as discussions on this issue continue.”

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, 202-547-7800, mkessler@wheatworld.org

Steve Mercer, U.S. Wheat, 703-650-0251, smercer@uswheat.org

U.S. wheat producers and the industries that support them stand to gain up to $100 million in sales each year if trade and travel restrictions with Cuba are eased, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Jerry McReynolds told Members of the House Agriculture Committee at a hearing Thursday.

U.S. wheat growers – who consistently produce some of the highest quality wheat in the world – have a distinct advantage in their proximity to the island nation, which cannot produce its own wheat or maintain large purchased stocks.

However, this advantage is negated by ongoing trade restrictions that require cash payment through a third-party bank before shipment leaves U.S. ports and travel restrictions that make it hard for the island country to raise that cash and learn about the U.S. agricultural sales process.

“At a time when our economy needs every possible boost, and when President Obama has made a popular pledge to double U.S. exports, I would contend there is no better time than to re-examine why exactly we are being outcompeted in a market just 90 miles off our shore,” McReynolds, a wheat grower from Kansas, told the Members.

McReynolds, who has traveled to Cuba on an agricultural educational mission and seen first-hand the country’s need for imported agricultural goods, also voiced strong support for H.R. 4645, the Travel Restriction Reform and Export Enhancement Act, introduced recently by Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). NAWG and other supporters of the legislation believe the bill would be a catalyst of opportunity for significant new wheat sales to Cuba and a real economic boost in the U.S. heartland.

Cuba is the largest importer of wheat and wheat products in the Caribbean. Over the past three years, Cuba’s population of 11.4 million consumed on average 800,000 metric tons of wheat per year, and the nation’s grain consumption is increasing with population and income growth.

The wheat industry contends that the U.S. should have the lion’s share of the growing Cuban wheat market as it does in the rest of the Caribbean, where its market share averages about 85 percent. Instead, Cuba has turned to other suppliers and now purchases only about 38 percent of its needs from U.S. wheat growers. That gap represents about $100 million and can only be closed by lifting the restrictions to create a more normal trading relationship with Cuba.

For more on the Cuba trade issue, including McReynolds’ complete written testimony, please visit www.wheatworld.org/trade.

###

From Commodity Classic (Anaheim, Calif.) – Kansas wheat producer Jerry McReynolds was elected president of the National Association of Wheat Growers at the organization’s Board of Directors meeting Saturday.

McReynolds is from Woodston, Kan., where he produces primarily wheat and sorghum. He also operates a commercial cow herd, including backgrounding and finishing.

Before becoming a NAWG officer, he served as chairman of NAWG’s environmental policy committee and on NAWG’s domestic policy, nominating and budget committees, as well as on the NAWG/U.S. Wheat Associates Joint Biotechnology Committee.

McReynolds has also held several leadership positions in Kansas, with the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, the Kansas Farm Bureau and many other public service boards and committees looking at local conservation and extension issues. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University.

Other members of the 2010 NAWG officer corps elected at Saturday’s meeting include:

• Wayne Hurst, Burley, Idaho, first vice president;
• Erik Younggren, Hallock, Minn., second vice president;
• Bing Von Bergen, Moccasin, Mont., secretary-treasurer; and
• Karl Scronce, Klamath Falls, Ore., immediate past president.

NAWG officers typically “run the chairs” for five years after being selected as secretary-treasurer, though they all must be interviewed and recommended by the NAWG Nominating Committee and approved by the NAWG Board of Directors on an annual basis.

The NAWG Board meeting was held at the end of the 2010 Commodity Classic, held in Anaheim, Calif. For more about wheat activities during the 2010 event, please visit http://www.wheatworld.org/newsroom/news-from-2010-commodity-classic/.

Bios and photos for all NAWG officers are at http://www.wheatworld.org/about-us/contact-us/.

###

From Commodity Classic (Anaheim, Calif.) – Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and grower-leaders of the Commodity Classic sponsoring organizations highlighted the 2010 Classic general session held Friday before thousands of attendees.

Vilsack talked about expanding trade through commodity promotion programs, feeding the world through biotechnology and the importance of agriculture and rural communities to national security. He reminded the growers in the audience that most citizens don’t have first-hand experience with being deprived of food, and that farmers now feed 150 people each, versus only 20 people each in decades past.

Commodity Classic is the annual convention and trade show of the U.S. wheat, corn, soybean and sorghum industries, and is also host to NAWG’s annual meeting. Sponsoring organizations include NAWG, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association and the National Sorghum Producers.

As part of the general session show, NAWG President Karl Scronce of Klamath Falls, Ore., joined moderator Mark Mayfield on stage to discuss wheat priorities, focusing on the importance of a robust trade agenda and research and technology work. He also participated in a roundtable discussion with the other association presidents about sustainability in agriculture and how to communicate better with the urban populace.

Earlier in the morning, Vilsack met privately with association grower-leaders and senior staff. The conversation covered a wide range of issues including trade, the dynamics of rural development, nutrition programs, biotechnology and connecting farmers with consumers.

###

From Commodity Classic (Anaheim, Calif.) – The Wheat Industry booth at the 2010 Commodity Classic trade show offers a full view of wheat grower organizations, featuring the National Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Wheat Associates and the Wheat Foods Council.

The booth also highlights an important wheat product often over looked when discussing a crop that provides 20 percent of the world’s food calories – pasta.

Along with breads and cakes, pasta is among the most often consumed and most loved wheat products. Both nutritious and delicious, the product dates back to the fourth century BC, though American pasta production ramped up only after World War II, when pasta imports from Italy were banned.

The Wheat Industry booth at Commodity Classic opened Thursday with 500 packages of spaghetti and penne accenting the booth display, each package ready to go home with a booth visitor for future enjoyment.

The mountains of pasta were generously donated by the National Pasta Association’s member-company American Italian Pasta Company.

“Pasta is a fantastic and versatile wheat product, made from the hardest of wheats, durum,” said Lynn Holly, interim director of the Wheat Foods Council. “We were thrilled to work with the Pasta Association members to have their product here at the Classic show.”

The 2010 Classic booth is shared by NAWG, which manages federal policy on behalf of wheat growers and is a sponsoring organization of Commodity Classic; U.S. Wheat Associates, which promotes exports of U.S. wheat in more than 100 countries around the world; and the Wheat Foods Council, which works to educate nutritionists and the consuming public about the importance of wheat foods to a healthy diet. Though the three groups have separate boards, staffs and funding sources, they all represent wheat producers’ interests and work together frequently on communications projects.

Recipes and much more about pasta and other wheat food products are available online at www.wheatfoods.org.

###

From Commodity Classic (Anaheim, Calif.) – Trade is the top wheat industry priority on the agenda at Commodity Classic, with representatives from NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates taking the convention as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of trade to policy makers, their fellow growers and the media.

The pending free trade agreements – and particularly the U.S./Colombia FTA – are crucial to the continued growth of wheat exports and the wheat industry.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that Colombia alone purchased $1.67 billion in U.S. agricultural products in 2008. These sales would be all but lost if the U.S. does not ratify the U.S./Colombia FTA soon. The U.S. wheat industry estimates that imports by loyal Colombian customers have been valued at an average of $165 million per year, but most of those sales will be lost to Canada if it ratifies its own trade agreement with Colombia in the next few months.

“While the U.S. and Colombian millers have long-standing ties and strong customer loyalty, trade diversion will inevitably occur when Canadian wheat enters Colombia at $40 per metric ton less than U.S. wheat as a result of their bilateral agreement,” said USW Chair Janice Mattson. “This is just one example of how a robust trade agenda is critical to U.S. economic growth, to global economic recovery, and to meeting the President’s goal of generating two million new jobs in the next five years.”

The industry was pleased to see the release of the President’s Global Trade Strategy on Monday and looks forward to collaborating with the Administration to help meet its explicitly stated goal of doubling U.S. exports in the next five years.

According to the President’s strategy, work is underway to resolve pending issues on the Colombia, Korea, and Panama FTAs. The U.S. wheat industry supports the immediate ratification of all pending trade agreements and believes a robust trade agenda would lift economic opportunity for the entire U.S. wheat supply chain from which roughly half of annual production is exported in a typical year.

“We know the climate in Washington right now is tough, but we’re adamant that these agreements get their day before our legislators,” said NAWG President Karl Scronce, a producer from Klamath Falls, Ore. “They will help create and save jobs, which is what everyone needs to focus on right now.”

“Our industry has reason to be proud of the long-standing ties we have built with our customers around the globe,” Mattson said. “Our trade agreements can ease market access barriers and help us build on those ties to create more competitive opportunities.”

Industry leaders were also pleased to see the President’s new trade initiatives in the Asia Pacific region and his goal of seeking a balanced Doha agreement. As Mattson notes, “a balanced global trade agreement should give us significant new market access, eliminate monopoly export state trading, and protect the critical safety net for farmers and ranchers. Long-term it is our best hope for leveling the trade playing field.”

“With trade barriers cleared, U.S. wheat producers can compete more effectively,” Scronce said. “We look forward to working with the President to help clear the road to more open trade that will help increase the job opportunities and income our economy needs so much.”

###

From Commodity Classic (Anaheim, Calif.) – National Association of Wheat Growers policy committees meeting Wednesday at Commodity Classic focused their discussions on farm bill programs and timelines for development of 2012 Farm Bill concepts.

Though the 2008 Farm Bill was passed just a year and a half ago and many programs are still in the initial stages of implementation, NAWG and other farm groups have heard the message from Capitol Hill that it’s time to start evaluating successes and opportunities before the next re-write of federal farm policy, which will assuredly face funding hurdles and an ever-growing list of competing priorities and needs.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) told growers at the NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates winter meetings in January that they should begin to consider what they want to see out of the 2012 legislation, even as the 2008 Farm Bill continues to be implemented. In later comments, he suggested that the farm bill process could be considered as soon as 2011, particularly if reconciliation instructions require the existing bill to be opened up for budget cuts.

The NAWG Domestic and Trade Policy Committee and NAWG Environment and Renewable Resources Committee both discussed specific farm bill programs within their committees’ charge at their meetings Wednesday. Both groups will finalize timelines for policy development and coordinate a plan of action before leaving Classic at the end of the week.

“The last farm bill was a tough legislative fight, and we know that the next bill, whenever it happens, will be even more complex,” said NAWG President Karl Scronce, a producer from Klamath Falls, Ore. “We want to start this process now to advocate for programs that work for growers and policy that is responsible and can be broadly supported.”

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, 202-385-2585, mkessler@wheatworld.org

Following is a joint statement from U.S. Wheat Associates Chair Janice Mattson, a wheat grower from Chester, Mont., and National Association of Wheat Growers President Karl Scronce, a wheat grower from Klamath Falls, Ore.:

As leaders of an industry dependent on exports for half its sales, we were thrilled to hear that President Obama plans to give trade a more prominent role in his administration’s economic recovery agenda.

In his State of the Union address, Mr. Obama said that if America sits on the sidelines while other nations sign trade deals, we would lose the chance to create jobs on our shores. We couldn’t agree more, and we believe that an ideal way to kick-start this trade initiative is to finalize the pending U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement.

Wheat growers from across the country were in Washington, D.C., this week encouraging members of Congress to support this agreement, which is the industry’s top trade priority and key to maintaining more than $90 million in wheat exports to Colombia every year. The Colombia agreement and other pending trade agreements with South Korea and Panama will quickly bring more money home to farmers and small, rural businesses. It will also enhance America’s already strong agricultural exports, estimated at nearly $97 billion in fiscal 2009.

We encourage the Administration to send these agreements to the Hill, and Congress to approve them as soon as possible. We also encourage the Senate to find solutions to the disagreements holding up key trade nominees, without which our country cannot negotiate new agreements in good faith.

We stand ready to work with the Obama Administration and in Congress to demonstrate the value of these agreements and the urgency to get the job done.

###

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) was presented Monday with the Wheat Leader of the Year Award, the wheat industry’s highest public service award.

As Chairman, Peterson’s work touches nearly every aspect of agricultural policy. In the past year, he has worked intensely on climate change, food safety and derivative legislation to ensure bills before the House take into account the unique nature of agriculture and the needs of agricultural producers. He has also spearheaded a bill to enhance agricultural trade with Cuba, which is an important priority of the wheat industry. Peterson was previously selected for the Award in 2007 for his efforts to finalize the 2008 Farm Bill, implementation of which is ongoing.

“Chairman Peterson never fails to go to bat for agriculture when push really comes to shove,” said Karl Scronce, NAWG president and a wheat producer from Klamath Falls, Ore. “We are proud to name him our Wheat Leader twice in just three years because he really does embody the agriculture voice on the Hill – and that’s a voice that’s desperately needed.”

He was given the award by Scronce at a joint meeting of the National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates Boards of Directors.

“We are proud to give this award to our own representative, and proud that our state has produced one of agriculture’s most notable champions,” said Erik Younggren, NAWG secretary-treasurer and a wheat producer from Hallock, Minn.

At the meeting, Peterson addressed growers about his efforts to help his fellow Members better understand agriculture when passing food safety legislation and looked ahead to challenges related to the 2012 Farm Bill. Peterson said he plans to start with hearings as early as March or April of this year.

“We need to be looking at how to make this work better, how to have systems that we can explain to our urban colleagues that make sense to them,” he said. “That’s part of what I want to do over the next year.”

The Wheat Leader of the Year Award is given annually by NAWG to one Member of Congress based on his or her demonstrated commitment to the well-being and goals of the wheat industry.

Previous Wheat Leaders include Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) (2008 and 2002); Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.) (2006); Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.) (2005); Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) (2004); Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) (2003); Rep. Larry Combest (R-Texas) (2001); Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Wash.) (2000); and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) (1999).

Representatives from NAWG member-states will distribute other public service awards given by NAWG on behalf of the wheat industry as they visit Hill offices in the coming days.

The Wheat Advocate Award is given annually to Members of Congress who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm.

Those receiving the 2009 Wheat Advocate Award include:

• Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
• Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.)
• Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)
• Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.)
• Rep. Walt Minnick (D-Idaho)
• Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
• Rep. Zack Space (D-Ohio)
• Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)
• Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.)

The Friend of Wheat Award is also given annually by NAWG for superior action in support of the goals and policies of the wheat industry. This award is given to Congressional and administrative staff members who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm.

The 2009 Friend of Wheat Awards were awarded to:

• Aleta Botts, House Agriculture Committee
• Aaron Popelka, Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)
• Melissa Porter, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee
• John Drake, Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee
• Catharine Ransom, Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.)
• Fitz Elder, Minority Clerk, Senate Appropriations Committee, Agriculture Subcommittee
• Galen Fountain, Senate Appropriations Committee, Agriculture Subcommittee

Recipients of the NAWG awards are approved by the NAWG Board of Directors and the recipient’s state wheat association, when applicable.

###

Dana Peterson, a longtime policy staffer at Kansas Wheat, will be the next chief executive officer of the National Association of Wheat Growers.

Peterson accepted the position this week after an extensive search process undertaken by a committee including NAWG’s officer corps and three leaders from NAWG’s affiliated state associations. The final staffing decision was recommended by the executive Board made up of NAWG’s officers and producers representing NAWG’s member-states.

“We are absolutely delighted to be bringing one of our dynamic state staffers to the national office,” said Karl Scronce, NAWG president and acting chief executive. “Dana is great to work with and showed confidence and poise throughout the interview process. She has ideas and enthusiasm that we need in Washington to help NAWG grow and the wheat industry thrive in a very competitive policy and production environment.”

As a policy and membership specialist at Kansas Wheat since 2001, Peterson has been intimately involved in key issues on the national and state levels for nearly a decade. Her experience includes participation in the last two farm bill debates; the push to increase research funding and give wheat producers access to biotechnology; and the industry’s look at new uses and expanded markets for wheat and wheat byproducts, including cellulosic ethanol.

During her time at Kansas Wheat, Peterson also spent significant time managing federal and state grants for producer risk management education and participating in the budgeting process for a recent $4 million award from the Kansas Bioscience Authority.

“I am thrilled to be coming to NAWG after a fantastic run at Kansas Wheat, where I learned more than I could have imagined about wheat farming and wheat farmers,” Peterson said. “I am cognizant of the realities of the wheat industry and looking forward to getting in the weeds, literally and figuratively, to tackle the issues facing our crop. Wheat is a big part of my life, and I am dedicated to seeing this industry succeed.”

Kansas is frequently the top-producing wheat state and is known as the country’s breadbasket in popular imagination and among Members of Congress. Kansas Wheat, which operates under a cooperative agreement between the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Wheat Commission, is one of NAWG’s larger affiliated state associations by budget and staffing.

“Dana has been an excellent asset for Kansas Wheat over the past nine years. We will miss her leadership and passion for wheat grower’s advocacy here at the state level, but are very excited to gain her leadership at the national level,” said Justin Gilpin, chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat.

Peterson is a double graduate of Kansas State University, having obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics there. She grew up on a farm first homesteaded by her family in 1871, where two of her four brothers are now the seventh-generation producing wheat, grain sorghum and cattle.

More biographical information and a headshot of Peterson are available at http://www.wheatworld.org/about-us/contact-us/dana-peterson/.

Peterson will be available for media interviews on Monday, Jan. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Members of the media interested in interviewing Peterson – during this time period or some other – should also contact NAWG Communications Director Melissa Kessler.

###

NAWG grower-leadership applauds Thursday morning’s approval of the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009 by the Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

The Committee approved the bill, S. 2889, by a voice vote. The bill would reauthorize the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which regulates the nation’s rail system, and make a number of needed reforms that will improve competitive conditions and transparency in the rail industry and provide improved mechanisms for challenging rail rates.

The bill was introduced Wednesday by Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) after months of work by key Members, Committee staff and coalition partners like NAWG. It was originally cosponsored by four other Members working toward rail policy that balances the needs of shippers and railroads, Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Texas), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and John Thune (R-S.D.).

“We’ve been working on rail competition legislation for many years, and this is an issue that is vital to our members,” said NAWG President Karl Scronce, a wheat producer from Klamath Falls, Ore. “We appreciate all the work done by Chairman Rockefeller and his staff to date and look forward to helping to push this one to the finish line.”

NAWG helped spearhead a letter supporting the bill’s introduction sent Wednesday by 16 agriculture organizations to the cosponsors.

“As industries that are dependent on a well-functioning rail system that is both efficient and competitive, we fully support the introduction of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2009,” the groups said.

“Nearly 30 years have passed since passage of the Staggers Act, and our nation needs new rail transportation policy to reflect the reality of the marketplace in the 21st century for both railroads and the shipping communities. We applaud your work and that of your staff members in developing a fair and reasonable compromise on a bipartisan basis that balances the needs of the agriculture shipping community with the needs of the railroads.”

Many wheat growers continue to face significant issues with both rail rates and service, and NAWG staff works with Members of Congress, rail companies and coalition partners to seek relief and resolution to these issues and others related to rail captivity and capacity.

The full letter and more information about NAWG’s work in the area of rail policy are available at www.wheatworld.org/transportation.

###

The 2009 Wheat Industry Leaders of Tomorrow (WILOT) training program will begin Sunday in St. Louis.

Sponsored and produced annually by Monsanto in partnership with the NAWG Foundation, this program is targeted at producers who want to become more involved in wheat grower associations.

Sessions will provide in-depth information and training on leadership styles and communication; media interaction; and the wheat industry’s involvement with major farm policy issues. The program, which runs until Friday afternoon, will also include field trips to a Whole Foods store and Monsanto.

Friendships made between growers during program training are another important element of WILOT, since many participants go on to work together in state and national wheat organizations.

The 2009 WILOT class includes:

• Brian Eggebrecht, Malta, Mont.;
• Clark Kauffman, Filer, Idaho;
• Ryan McCormick, Kremlin, Mont.;
• Ron Perry, Wendell, N.C.;
• Hope Pjesky, Goltry, Okla.;
• Tyson Raymond, Helix, Ore.;
• Brad Thykeson, Portland, N.D.;
• Randy Traxler, Otis, Colo.;
• Russell Walker, Throckmorton, Texas;
• Karl Scronce, NAWG; and
• Melissa George Kessler, NAWG

A statement from NAWG Chief Executive Officer Daren Coppock and National Wheat Improvement Committee Chairman Dr. Jim Peterson on the debut of USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), launched Thursday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.:

“We were pleased to see the official launch of the new NIFA today in Washington. Like other members of the agricultural community, we are hopeful that its inception will spur important new investments in agricultural research.

“There is plenty of hard work that lies ahead. In too few years, there will be billions more people to feed on this planet, and our production is threatened every day by weather and emerging disease and insect pests.

“Leadership and money are important parts of these battles. USDA and NIFA have excellent leaders in Under Secretary Raj Shah and Dr. Roger Beachy, the new NIFA director. We were grateful to see a significant boost in funding for competitive grants through the FY2010 appropriations process and especially pleased that the funds did not come at the expense of other important research efforts. However, we know that funding for both core research and competitive grant programs still falls far short compared to the great challenges we now face.

“Aggressive and coordinated research is vital to the success of our industry and to all those enterprises throughout the economy that depend on our products.

“We have appreciated USDA’s recent effort to reach out to us and other agricultural interests over the past few months, and we look forward to renewed cooperation and coordination between the producer community and the Department.”

###

Contact:

Melissa George Kessler, NAWG, 202-547-7800

Dr. Jim Peterson, NWIC, 541-737-4278

National Association of Wheat Growers Chief Executive Officer Daren Coppock announced his resignation Friday. He will become president and chief executive officer of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) as of Jan. 1, 2010.

Coppock’s tenure at NAWG began in July of 2001 when he relocated to the Washington, D.C., area from his home state of Oregon.

During his eight years at NAWG, the Association has scored a number of policy achievements including making significant progress toward the introduction of biotech wheat; successfully defending the direct payment in the 2008 Farm Bill negotiations; and advancing discussions to ease rail transportation concerns. Coppock has also overseen an extensive renovation of the building the NAWG Foundation owns on Capitol Hill, which houses NAWG and four outside tenants.

“Our success has been very much a team effort,” Coppock said. “Combining the D.C.-based talent with energetic and able people on our board, officer team and in our state affiliate organizations makes the wheat industry a serious presence in Washington. And, much of our progress has also come from stronger alliances with related organizations, both domestically and in other countries, which are critical to the industry’s continued success.”

NAWG and ARA have agreed to a transition arrangement in which Coppock will remain full time at NAWG through the end of October and work half-time at each organization until Dec. 31.

“I am sad to lose Daren,” said NAWG President Karl Scronce. “His on-the-farm experience, having grown up on an Oregon wheat farm, has been one of his valuable assets to NAWG. He has always been one of us. We wish him well, and we are thankful he will continue to remain in ag policy at ARA.”

NAWG will immediately initiate a search for a new chief executive officer. More information about that process will be available soon at www.wheatworld.org.

###

Visitors to www.wheatworld.org, the online home of the National Association of Wheat Growers, will notice a new and refreshed look, debuted Thursday.

The new site is intended to provide all the policy information offered on the previous site, but with significant upgrades in usability. Added features will allow NAWG constituents to easily follow NAWG information feeds, access special offerings like photos and videos and search for information throughout the site.

NAWG Chief Executive Officer Daren Coppock said the redesign was undertaken to provide a better tool for users and NAWG stakeholders.

“We wanted a site that wouldn’t compromise our commitment to offering high-quality policy information, but would allow us to offer it in new ways,” he said. “We believe this project will allow NAWG’s Web presence to grow with the organization.”

Sections of the site include:

• “About Us,” including information about the Association, its strategy and its leaders;
• “Newsroom,” where news, press releases and opinion-editorials will be housed;
• “Issues,” with detailed information on policy topics ranging from biotechnology to transportation;
• “Meetings and Events,” to provide visitors all the latest information about NAWG activities; and
• “Wheat Info,” for NAWG’s many visitors who want to learn more about wheat and those who produce it.

The site was developed by Bittersweet Creative Group, headquartered in Washington, D.C.

###

Biotechnology has the potential to help reverse the loss of wheat acres in the United States and help ensure there will be adequate supplies to feed a hungry world. That is the conclusion of a new wheat industry analysis released Thursday.

The eight-page paper outlines the competitiveness problem facing global wheat production and the wheat industry itself, which is increasingly vulnerable to short-term supply shocks and a long-term cycle of decline. The paper explains why this matters for the entire food chain – wheat growers, wheat users at home and abroad, and consumers in the industrialized and developing worlds.

Organizations collaborating on the paper included the National Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Wheat Associates, the North American Millers’ Association, the Independent Bakers Association and the Wheat Foods Council.

The analysis emphasizes that there is no silver bullet to the competitiveness problem. However, it concludes that the rapid adoption of biotechnology traits in other crops produced around the world and grower testimonials in support of these traits lend credence to the idea that biotechnology can make a significant contribution.

The authors also devote significant space to their commitment to choice for consumers who wish to procure non-GM wheat and wheat products and for producers who choose to meet this demand.

Globally, more than two billion acres of biotech crops have been safely grown, though there is no commercial production of genetically modified wheat anywhere in the world.

Wheat acres have been declining in the U.S. for three decades, and yield growth and net returns per acre for wheat have consistently lagged behind corn and soybeans over the past decade.

The industry first sought to formally address this problem in a 2006 paper entitled “Addressing the Competitiveness Crisis in Wheat” and at a series of Wheat Summit meetings that followed. Many industry organizations are now supporting a goal of the National Association of Wheat Growers to increase national average wheat yields 20 percent from 2008 to 2018 through work on both biotechnology and non-biotechnology efforts.

The full paper is available online at www.wheatworld.org/issues/biotech.

###

Statement from NAWG Chief Executive Officer Daren Coppock:

“Along with the rest of the agricultural industry and the world, NAWG leaders and members mourn the loss of Dr. Norman Borlaug on Saturday. While Dr. Borlaug was a savior for many who stood on the precipice of hunger, he was and is an inspiration for many of us who believe we can address one the world’s greatest ills with agriculture – those of us who agree with his sentiment that without bread, there will be no peace. His leadership will be greatly missed.”

A statement from Karl Scronce, NAWG president and a wheat producer from Klamath Falls, Ore.:

“The NAWG Board of Directors met this morning via conference call and voted 26 to two to approve a new resolution regarding greenhouse gas regulation. The Board also voted 24 to zero to remove existing resolutions relating to greenhouse gas regulation and an agriculture cap-and-trade program.

“The new resolution reads:

“’NAWG is opposed to greenhouse gas legislation or regulation that has a negative impact on production agriculture. NAWG will strive for a net economic benefit to farmers, agriculture and food production. We believe neither greenhouse gas regulation nor legislation should take effect until the major carbon emitting countries of the world have agreed to regulate their own greenhouse gases in a like manner to ours. NAWG urges USDA to do a detailed economic analysis of any legislation or regulation before it becomes law.  Furthermore, NAWG will oppose EPA regulation and will work to overturn the Supreme Court ruling.’

NAWG staff and grower-leaders plan to continue to work on this issue to achieve an outcome that the Board feels is in the best interest of our grower-members.

###

Wheat industry statement on Monsanto’s July 14 announcement regarding wheat research:

“The U.S. wheat industry welcomes the announcement today by Monsanto that it will restart its investment in research on development of biotechnology traits in wheat.

“The research challenges facing wheat are well known, as is the importance of this crop to world food supplies. This announcement comes at a time when basic research into agronomic improvements to wheat is critically needed.

“Over the past months and years, we have repeatedly voiced our support for biotechnology and outlined appropriate conditions for commercialization. We have also pressed trait providers to examine this issue carefully.

“The industry is pleased that Monsanto and other private technology providers, as well as publicly-funded institutions such as the Kansas Innovation Center for Advanced Plant Design and CSIRO in Australia, have recently announced new wheat research investments, and we urge other organizations to follow suit.”

For more, visit www.wheatworld.org/issues/biotech or contact NAWG Director of Communications Melissa George Kessler at 202-547-7800.

###

A statement from Karl Scronce, NAWG president and a wheat producer from Klamath Falls, Ore.:

“NAWG policy supports climate change legislation allowing agricultural greenhouse gas offsets to be utilized as an unlimited source of greenhouse gas emissions offsets, and we have signed onto nine industry principles for pending legislation. H.R. 2454 with changes as negotiated by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson will contain language effectively adhering to the former and satisfying nearly all of the latter. In fact, the changes Chairman Peterson negotiated also address additional concerns about regional flexibility, biomass production and indirect land use calculations.

“Therefore, NAWG supports the passage of H.R. 2454 with the Peterson amendment.

“We acknowledge the inevitability of greenhouse gas regulation – whether that comes through legislation produced by Congress or rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency under authority given by the Supreme Court.

“Members of NAWG’s staff and leadership have worked for a number of years to ensure that agriculture has a place in any climate change legislation and that producers are able to reap potential benefits rather than just accept coming costs.

“This is not perfect legislation, but legislation rarely is. We are deeply grateful for Chairman Peterson’s involvement in this process and appreciate the continued willingness of House Leadership to address the concerns of the agriculture community. We look forward to working with Senators in a similar manner.”

###

NAWG and 16 other agricultural organizations released a statement Monday supporting efforts to achieve a comprehensive rail reform bill in the 111th Congress. The full statement is below.

__________________________

Statement regarding an Agreement by Senators Kohl (D-WI) and Rockefeller (D-WV) to Move Forward on Comprehensive Rail Legislative Efforts

The undersigned organizations represent a cross-section of agricultural interests that are dependent on an efficient and competitive rail transportation network for the effective movement of agricultural goods to market. As such, our organizations have been active for many years in pressing for legislation that would improve the competitive conditions in the rail industry and bring about meaningful relief for rail shippers.

We believe meaningful reform and relief can be best accomplished through passage of comprehensive rail legislation focused on reforming the Surface Transportation Board (STB), improving competitive conditions in the industry, and providing meaningful access to rate and service relief mechanisms.

We recognize and appreciate the multiple efforts ongoing to improve competitive conditions in the rail industry, including the efforts of Senator Kohl and his colleagues to strengthen the application of antitrust laws to the railroad industry and the efforts of Senator Rockefeller and his colleagues to craft comprehensive legislation that would provide meaningful reform to the STB and address concerns of rail shippers.

We are pleased that efforts to achieve a comprehensive bill are moving forward and U.S. Agriculture stands ready to work with Senators Rockefeller, Kohl and others toward the goal of comprehensive legislation that is critical to the agricultural community.

Agricultural Retailers Association

American Cotton Shippers Association

American Soybean Association

National Association of Wheat Growers

National Barley Growers Association

National Chicken Council

National Corn Growers Association

National Cotton Council

National Farmers Union

National Grain and Feed Association

National Oilseed Processors Association

National Sorghum Producers

North American Millers’ Association

The Fertilizer Institute

USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council

USA Rice Federation

U.S. Beet Sugar Association

Washington, D.C.  – Organizations representing the wheat industry in the United States, Canada and Australia announced Thursday they will work toward the goal of synchronized commercialization of biotech traits in the wheat crop.

Noting that “none of us hold a veto over the actions of others,” they agreed it was in the best interest of all three producer communities to introduce biotechnology in a coordinated fashion to minimize market disruption.

The announcement came in a statement of joint principles on the issue of biotechnology in wheat, which has been a sensitive subject in some parts of the world, including major export markets in Europe and Asia. There is currently no commercial production of genetically modified wheat anywhere in the world.

The statement highlighted the importance of wheat to the food supply and declining acres in all three countries due in part to competition from crops that have the advantages of biotech traits. The statement also noted the slow growth trend of wheat yields compared to other crops and the lack of public and private investment in wheat research worldwide.

Noting that biotechnology is not the only answer to a host of agronomic questions facing wheat production, the groups agreed it could be a “significant component” to tackling major issues facing the industry.

U.S. organizations signing onto the statement include the National Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Wheat Associates and the North American Millers’ Association. Canadian signatories include Grain Growers of Canada, Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association and Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission. Australian signatories include Grains Council of Australia, Grain Growers Association and Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia (Inc.).

The full statement is at www.wheatworld.org/issues/biotechnology

###

From Commodity Classic – A statement from David Cleavinger, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers and a wheat producer from Wildorado, Texas; Bob Dickey, president of the National Corn Growers Association and a corn producer from Laurel, Neb.; Toby Bostwick, chairman of the Board of the National Sorghum Producers and a sorghum producer from Melrose, N.M.; and Johnny Dodson, president of the American Soybean Association and a soybean producer from Halls, Tenn.

“As the leaders of participant organizations at the 2009 Commodity Classic, which represent almost 90 percent of our nation’s crop area planted, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the importance of the farm safety net as written in the 2008 Farm Bill.

“The small investment in agricultural programs by the federal government provides an excellent return for the American people. The 2008 Farm Bill also includes many other reforms that will assist farmers in becoming more financially sound.

“Production agriculture is a volatile business, and a workable farm safety net is vital to the security of our industry. The continued production of an abundant, affordable and safe food and feed supply for Americans and all those we export to around the world will be affected if this safety net is changed. The purpose of a five-year farm bill is to provide stability to producers, agricultural operations and the food system. The 2008 Bill should not be reopened before it expires in 2012.

“Our organizations look forward to continued work with the Obama Administration and Congress to ensure farm program monies are spent wisely.”

###