NAWG Issues Statement in Response to Flooding in the Midwest
As historical flooding hits the Midwest, NAWG extends its support and consideration to those farmers and ranchers who are facing the devastating aftermath. Additionally, NAWG issued a statement highlighting the importance of crop insurance and urging Congress and the Administration to continue to strengthen the program.
According to Nebraska Farm Bureau’s initial estimates, the state has encountered $400 million in grain/crop losses and $500 million in livestock. 1 in 4 jobs for the state of Nebraska depend on agriculture as it is its main economic driver.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau has established a relief fund to help when natural disasters hit. If interested in donating, visit their site here: https://www.nefb.org/get-involved/disaster-assistance.
PRESS RELEASE: Wheat Farmers Welcome New Export Opportunity from Trump Administration Agreement with Brazil
On March 19, 2019, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) welcomed the announcement by President Trump and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in which Brazil has agreed to implement a duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) for wheat, a longstanding obligation under Brazil’s World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments. This agreement opens an annual opportunity for U.S. wheat farmers to compete on a level playing field for 750,000 metric tons (about 28 million bushels) of wheat under the TRQ. Read our joint release here: http://bit.ly/2TOo9yi.
NAWG Speaks at 2019 MI Wheat Program Annual Meeting
On March 20, 2019, NAWG CEO Chandler Goule and Vice President Dave Milligan attended the 2019 Michigan Wheat Program’s annual meeting which hosted more than 300 growers. During the meeting, Goule and Milligan spoke on national issues impacting wheat and NAWG’s priorities for 2019.
NAWG Participates in Field to Market Meeting
On March 18-19, 2019, NAWG’s Environmental Policy Advisor Keira Franz and Government Relations Representative Craig Berning attended a Field to Market Verification Committee meeting. Shortly after, Franz participated in a Cross-Sector Dialogue on Pest Management which included growers, conservation and food retail groups.
NAWG Joins Ag Coalition Letter to Administration on China and Tariffs
On March 29, 2019, fifty-nine U.S. farm groups sent a letter to President Trump urging him to lift the U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods. NAWG was one of the groups who signed on to letter which stated that China’s “retaliatory tariffs have had a severe negative impact on market access in many agricultural sectors, and failing to lift these tariffs could negate any positive gains resulting from a new trade arrangement with China. American products are rapidly losing their earned market share to our competitors.”
NWIC Takes to Capitol Hill to Discuss Research Priorities for Wheat
On March 25-26, 2019, more than 20 researchers and farmers from across the country will visit Capitol Hill to talk about research priorities for wheat. During the annual National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) fly-in, the group will also discuss with staff why robust and stable federal, state, and private investment can help ensure the future of the industry.
Ag Groups Team Up to Launch #TradeSupportsMyFarm Social Media Contest for National Ag Day
On March 12, 2019, Farmers for Free Trade, American Farm Bureau Federation, Corn Refiners Association, US Apple Association, KCoe Isom, Illinois Farm Bureau, Texas Farm Bureau and the National Association of Wheat Growers announced a social media contest to celebrate National Ag Day. The contest seeks to reward farmers and families who can best highlight the significance of how trade supports their farm, ranch or ag business. The contest began on March 12, 2019 and all entries must be received by March 26, 2019. Winners for first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) places will be awarded.
NWF Accepting Entries for 2019 National Wheat Yield Contest
The National Wheat Foundation (NWF) is currently accepting grower enrollment for the 2019 National Wheat Yield Contest! The Contest is divided into two primary competition categories: winter wheat and spring wheat, and two subcategories: dryland and irrigated. The Foundation is accepting entries for Winter and Spring Wheat. The deadline for Winter Wheat entries is May 15th with an early registration deadline of April 1st. The Spring wheat entry deadline is August 1st with an early registration deadline of June 15th.
Source: National Association of Wheat Growers