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The CEO’s Report is intended to provide a very quick overview of the CEO’s activities from the prior week. It is not intended to provide detail about individual meetings or events, just a summary of where we are spending time and resources on behalf of our growers. If you have questions or would like more information on any topic, please contact the OWGL office.

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Week of February 9, 2026
We celebrated Oregon Wheat Day at the State Capitol this week, marking our official 100-year designation and discussing key issues for the League during the short session. The League board met prior to Wheat Day, approving auditor engagement, a budget revision, and policy updates, as well as discussing emerging industry issues and national wheat advocacy actions. With the Commission research review and meeting scheduled next week, we distributed meeting packets. We also announced the 2026 Oregon Wheat Foundation scholarship awardees, with a total of $24,000 going out to high school seniors this year. Among other activities, I met with research community and participated on a call to discuss Hard Red Winter sampling.

Week of February 2, 2026
The Foundation board met this week, passing their annual budget and approving allocations of scholarships, a five-year extension of the 57 acre lease at CBARC to OSU for research purposes, and the golf scramble fundraiser for May 6 ^th at Wildhorse. On Monday, the state legislative session kicked off, with nearly 300 bills introduced, and activity from the League in coalitions letters and advocacy. Delivery of the revenue forecast this week also helped narrow the picture for necessary budget adjustments in the short session, which will be an area for discussion during Wheat Day next week. League board packets were emailed for the upcoming board meeting and Wheat Day, following the meeting of the League Executive Committee this week. In other activities, I presented to the Wallowa County Grain Growers at their annual meeting, joined a crop quality sampling review meeting with U.S. Wheat Associates and their research partner, issued a statement on the Food for Peace funding award, conducted a staff evaluation, and sought resolution on SDRP payment concerns.

Week of January 26, 2026
Most of this week involved federal advocacy for wheat producers during the Oregon Wheat annual Mission to DC, which was held in conjunction with the NAWG/USW winter meeting. Matched into that visit were some well-timed meetings for the Food Aid Working Group and the third convening for the NAWG strategic planning session. With the upcoming short legislative session, we are preparing for the convening of the state legislature. As well, we had several Oregon wheat deadlines including research proposals and the Foundation scholarship program.

Week of January 19, 2026
The annual PNW Wheat Quality Council meeting took place in Corvallis this week. In addition to providing feedback on the end-use quality of lines being considered for release, the meeting is an opportunity to connect with our quality labs and researchers on upcoming changes. Commissioner Brewer and I traveled to Corvallis for plant pathology meetings with Oregon State University. In other activities, I joined the second NAWG strategic planning meeting, finalized the Oregon Wheat Foundation board meeting packet and coordinated the remaining items before the League’s mission to DC.

Week of January 12, 2026
The final set of legislative days prior to next month’s short session, occurred this week, with DAi in the building for the League. Among other actions, the League formally signed a letter opposing cuts to the FFA program and League President Thad Eakin and I met with Senator Nash to discuss the status of noxious weeds on state lands bordering wheat producers. I attended the regular ODA ag partners, NAWG Domestic Trade and Policy Committee, and Pacific Northwest Waterways Association meetings, and joined the McFarland Productions podcast to talk about 100 years of Oregon wheat. On the administrative end, the audit agreement for the Commission is now fully executed. With the upcoming Foundation board meeting, I began preparing the FY 26/27 budget and met with CBARC staff regarding options for renewal of Foundation’s property lease in Adams to OSU.

Week of January 5, 2026
With the beginning of a new year, the week involved reporting and required administrative items, but also brought the welcome addition to our League team of Mindy Williamson as the new Administrative Assistant. The League signed on to a joint letter supporting a policy change in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 for the Lower Columbia River navigation channel. Following USDA’s announcement at the end of the year of the payment rates for the one-time Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payment ($39.95/acre on planted wheat), the League issued an overview statement. I posted the first stripe rust report from Dr. Chen which predicts a severe epidemic level due to the relatively warm weather so far. For the Commission, we are working on the Grower Workshop and I continued meetings with researchers submitting proposals for our upcoming funding cycle. The League Executive Committee held their monthly meeting, acting on appointments to the Cereal Advisory Committee and authorizing response to the “Expanding Access to Risk Protection” rulemaking.

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Week of December 15 /December 22, 2025
With the holidays, we worked diligently to get the 100-year Oregon Wheat Limited Edition Pendleton blanket orders processed and shipped: there are only a few remaining from the initial order! League staff met with USDA NRCS Oregon to discuss upcoming program changes that will impact wheat producers. I conducted a review of research funding pre-proposals submitted to the Oregon Wheat Commission, meeting with researchers to discuss newly submitted projects before we move forward to the full proposal stage. In addition to proposals submitted, I explored options for a potential program to address gaps in resources for career development for researchers and an opportunity to align to a segment of our new strategic plan. I participated in a USDA ARS meeting with a retiring ag economist to explore opportunities for the Pendleton station, joined the monthly ag execs meeting, and met with a registrant on crop protection tools. Most of the rest of the week was spent completing a variety of annual and quarterly administrative items, conducting interviews and preparing onboarding materials for the League Administrative position.

Week of December 8, 2025
I kicked off the week with a brief trip to Minnesota to participate in the initial NAWG strategic planning session. Upon return, I joined conversations with a delegation from Japan to discuss the importance of avoiding soybeans in wheat. In addition, the final team for the year- the Taiwan Frozen Dough technical team- was through Portland and I joined them for a presentation of their study results. I responded to media inquiries, mostly related to the Farmer Bridge Assistance announcement, and met with legislative staff regarding wheat markets, support for the Pendleton station and agency issues. I joined the Keep Oregon Green board meeting, conducted initial interviews for candidates for the Administrative Assistant position, signed the League on to a letter of support for OSU statewides and met with researchers on pre-proposal submissions. Finally, the 100-year Oregon Wheat Limited Edition Pendleton blankets arrived, so I began processing them out to the various locations for delivery, shipping and distribution.

Week of December 1, 2025
I joined the Pendleton Station Liaison meeting which included a presentation of USDA-ARS research, election of officers and review of the bylaws. U.S. Wheat Associates convened state administrators for a discussion on market development funding, and I met with USW regarding concepts for the America First Trade Promotion Program. As we work to resolve some payment issues for producers, I followed up with USDA RMA. Beginning preparations for Wheat Day at the state capitol, I met with our lobby team. I convened the North Central Regional Solutions Advisory Committee and attended portions of the Board of Ag meeting in Hood River which included an overview of the budget picture, market development status, and public comment for rulemaking. The remainder of the week addressed administrative items, including meeting with the firm proposed to conduct the Commission audit.

Week of November 24, 2025
With the League and Commission offices closed for the holiday at the end of the week, I wish all our members a very happy Thanksgiving. As we wrap up from convention, this week mainly involved administrative activities. In addition, I attended the NWGG annual meeting session in Grass Valley and met with USDA-ARS personnel related to staffing on the Pendleton station. The League provided a letter of support for a wheat producer to serve on the USDA-FSA Oregon State committee. I prepared materials for Commissioners participating in cereal pathology interviews for the position based in Corvallis and had a call with the Wheat Marketing Center to seek information on Commission funded programs. I also participated in the NAWG state staff meeting, with discussion on the upcoming NAWG strategic planning session and policy updates.

Week of November 17, 2025
We spent the week in Sun Valley, ID for the Idaho-Oregon Grain and Oilseeds convention, which included meetings of Oregon Wheat leadership, transitioning of the League executive officer team and celebrations of our 2025 Oregon Wheat award winners. Significant in joint actions was adoption of the updated strategic plan. The Commission also approved commitment of a portion of unallocated research funds to the wheat breeding program and authorized travel for the Japan and Taiwan anniversary events for U.S. Wheat Associates. Convention overlapped with the final set of interim committee days for 2025. In addition to the policy briefings, the Ways and Means Committees invited select agencies to for a discussion on potential cuts to come during the 2026 Session. The League also signed on to a campaign finance reform rulemaking response letter and a letter to the Joint Subcommittee on Natural Resources providing feedback on natural resource agency budget reduction proposals. Finally, we worked on 100-year celebration activities. Mark your calendars for the next two upcoming: February 11, 2026 in Salem for Wheat Day at the Capitol and June 10, 2026 in Moro following the Sherman Station Field Day.

Week of November 10, 2025
With the federal government reopening, we were able to get updates on program status for several farm program areas and should hear directly from partners at convention next week. With upcoming meetings, I finalized the strategic plan and Board/Commission packets. The League and Commission teams made final arrangements for convention activities taking place next week. I traveled to both ends of the state, ending the week in Salem for the ag execs meeting with a couple of legislators. Next week is legislative committee days and we have reviewed agency budget reduction proposals. In other activities, the PNW Commission executives met, I discussed a funding proposal with OSU’s wheat breeder for presentation to the Commission and reviewed the draft LUBGWMA rules.

Week of November 3, 2025
Attended the US Wheat Associates / National Association of Wheat Growers fall conference in Austin, TX and joined the state executives for a meeting with the new NAWG CEO. League staff spent much of the week preparing for convention. In other activities, I executed a contract extension with our communications firm, responded to media inquiries and presented to the Pendleton Rotary in Pendleton at the beginning of the week.

Week of October 27, 2025
Oregon Wheat Foundation Scholarships are now open for 2026! With the site updated, we look forward to seeing completed applications from high school seniors by the deadline of February 1, 2026. This week I joined the Wheat Marketing Center board meeting which included a tour of the lab with the new c-cell equipment funded in part the Oregon Wheat Commission. I attended the Oregonians for Food and Shelter board meeting and annual conference in Salem. With the variety of federal concerns, I joined a virtual NAWG state staff meeting in advance of our in-person meetings next week. Finally, as we approach convention, we have been working on final logistical items for Oregon day activities.

Week of October 20, 2025
The Oregon Wheat Commission met with our PNW counterparts in Portland for discussion on market, research and grower service coordination. As we continue market development work, I joined the Korea Noodle team for their final presentation of results, following a week-long course at the Wheat Marketing Center. The team analyzed options to increase use of U.S. wheat in instant noodle applications. Among other meetings, I attended a Transportation Working Group meeting for discussion on rail issues, a NAWG Domestic Trade and Policy Committee meeting, and an execs meeting with the Governor’s resiliency team. I also participated in the Commodity Commissions Roundup, completing ethics training.

Week of October 13, 2025
This week I was pleased to welcome Devyn Meilleur as the new League Program Director. I met with individuals visiting from Sumitomo Corporation and Chiba Flour Mill to provide an update on Oregon and PNW wheat production. The Commission released its pre-proposal notice for FY 26/27 and I submitted support letters for two USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture proposals that involve Oregon wheat researchers. I completed required lobby training, met with the Governor’s Regional Solutions Director and responded to media inquiries. As we conclude crop quality reporting, I reviewed the draft soft white wheat report and joined the USW soft white wheat class call to discuss upcoming crop quality seminars. On the operational side, the League nominating committee met to recommend a slate of officers at the annual meeting.

Week of October 6, 2025
Commissioner Tuckness and I joined representatives from Washington and Idaho for a PNW market development visit to the Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore. While there, we also participated in a portion of the International Association of Operative Millers conference in Manila. Visits included engagements with milling executives, discussions with the trade and bakery and flour mill tours. I also had an opportunity to meet with USW-Tokyo staff the prior week. Most other activities involved administrative items and addressing issues related to the federal government shutdown.

Week of September 15, 2025
The entirety of the Oregon Wheat leadership convened this week with a joint strategic planning meeting and individual meetings of the Commission, League Board, Oregon Wheat PAC and Foundation. With approval of funds for the pathology program, I executed the agreement to support Dr. Hagerty’s extended work in disease notes for the year and formally executed the annual contract with NAWG for the League. I met with the USDA FSA Oregon State Executive Director for an introductory overview of her agency vision. On the trade side, I presented to the SE Asia Contracting for Wheat Value team during their visit to Portland and met with an individual working in Africa, referring them to appropriate connections with U.S. Wheat Associates. In other activities, I participated in the Oregonians for Food and Shelter board meeting, Pacific NW Waterways Association meeting, completed quarterly administrative items, and transmitted a support letter for Eric Orem to continue with another term on the Oregon Board of Ag. Finally, I conducted second interviews for the League Program Director position, with a final hire confirmed to join us in mid-October

Week of September 8, 2025
Representing the Oregon Wheat Foundation, I joined Farmers Ending Hunger at the Pendleton Roundup for ‘Buck Hunger’ and attended several additional events related to Roundup, including the Eastern Oregon Women’s Coalition Governors luncheon and the OSU College of Ag Sciences social. Roundup week also provided an opportunity to get out to the Pendleton Research Station for a meeting with USDA-ARS scientists. Earlier in the week, I met with the Director for the Oregon National Guard State Partnership Program while in Portland regarding their programs in Vietnam and Bangladesh. On the operational end, I finalized materials for the upcoming League, Commission and Foundation meetings and conducted interviews for the League Project Manager position. This was the final week for crop quality reporting, continuing to reflect a consistently high-quality year overall.

Week of September 1, 2025
Secretary of State Tobias Read conducted the ceremony and official embossment for HCR12 (100 Years Oregon Wheat) this week. We were joined by past and current League presidents for the ceremony in Salem. Earlier in the week, the House voted to advance an amended transportation package, with the Senate ultimately requiring a two-week postponement before they vote. With fall seeding around the corner, I received communication regarding the status of the fertilizer market as suppliers remain strained. I submitted the League letter in support of the Defend our Dams legislation. With the first-round position soft close, I began scheduling initial interviews for the League Program Director.

Week of August 25, 2025
The League submitted comments on USDA’s proposed reorganization plan this week, following a meeting hosted by Congressman Bentz (OR-02) and state Representatives Bobby Levy and Todd Nash for Morrow county wheat and livestock producers. I also prepared draft comments on the “Defending our Dams” Act which is up for a hearing next week. On the trade side, I met with the USW trade policy team and joined the USW crop progress call for an update on the final segments of harvest. Operationally, I completed items on the League admin staff transition, worked on items for the November grain convention, met with a communications group on upcoming trainings for our boards and circulated the League audit which is another clean one! I joined the NAWG state execs meeting with discussion on challenges encountered with getting equipment across the border, priority requests coming up for Farm Bill 2.0, the September fly-in and the status of the NAWG CEO search. The week also included review of a draft report on RMA Quality discounts and activities related to the convening of the state special session focused on transportation funding.

Week of August 18, 2025
The Commission hosted a Korea Contracting for Wheat Value team this week for a farm tour and elevator visit in Wasco County. Purchasing and quality division representatives from four Korean flour mills participated as part of this team. I joined the state crop conditions call, PGI annual meeting, and other regular weekly meetings. The League signed onto a coalition letter on campaign finance reform rulemaking. I discussed the status of Emergency Commodity Assistance Program payments and timing for balance of fund allocations with agency partners. Rounding out the week, I conducted a staff evaluation, reviewed the draft audit, responded to reporter inquiries, completed reporting for NRCS grants to the League and prepared for the upcoming board meetings.

Week of August 11, 2025
A busy season of hosting customers continued this week, with the Commission coordinating activities for representatives of Nisshin and their affiliated companies as part of an annual crop survey tour. The Commission also supported the final activities for the SE Asia team before their return. The League issued the job announcement seeking a Program Director in the Pendleton office, with a first-round closing for application consideration of September 5, 2025. The Commission held a special meeting, approving a change in variety trial locations to add sites in the Helix area and Milton-Freewater. I also communicated on research needs for the Pendleton station and continued work in advance of our September meeting, which will include additional research items.

Week of August 4, 2025
The Commission hosted a SE Asia trade team with individuals from Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam. Their visit included a farm tour at HT Rea Farms, engagements with growers, and a tour of NW Grain Growers operations. With harvest still underway through much of the state, we have had a great deal of communication out to customers on crop status. On the research side, I reviewed the variety trial data with Dr. Graebner as results post to OSU’s site and discussed breeding program results with Dr. Krause. Among regular meetings, I attended an ag lobby meeting, crop conditions update a webinar on federal trade issues. Finally, the operational side included successful completion of the on-site portion of the League audit.

Week of July 28, 2025
Hosted a Philippine trade team with executives from General Milling Corporation, Morning Star Milling Corporation, Monde Nissin Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation and Philippine Association of Flour Millers (PAFMIL). Prepared materials related to the impact of the USDA reorganization and options to best support the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center Research Leader in Pendleton. Attended the NAWG state staff meeting and provided comment on the proposed changes to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices specific to the 595 Pest Management Conservation Systems. Prepared for the League audit next week.

Week of July 21, 2025
With harvest underway, I took a few days off to be out in the field. While in the office, this week included events around the state. The Commission hosted the Korea Crop Survey team, with purchasing managers for six major Korean flour millers joining for a farm tour at Eakin Ranches, an elevator tour with NWGG in The Dalles and lunch with representatives from the state, researchers and river advocacy organizations. At the end of the week, I moderated the ag panel for the Eastern Oregon economic summit in Pendleton. In addition, I met with our local elevator partners on crop quality sampling procedures, participated in the weekly crop conditions call, attended a regional resilience forum and coordinated elements for upcoming trade teams.

Week of July 14, 2025
Commissioners Tyler Hansell, Dana Tuckness and I joined the U.S. Wheat Associates summer board meeting in Boise this week. In addition to engagement in committee meetings, I presented the Food Aid working group learning journey to the Board. The state Commission wheat executives formally gathered in advance for a discussion on the status of national organizations, research funding, market development and organization items. While in Boise, I also met with the Idaho Grain Producers Association, along with League Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Corn, to plan for the 2025 convention. I attended the Oregonians for Food and Shelter Board meeting for an update on state rulemaking, upcoming ballot measures and federal activities. Finally, I discussed research program status on plant pathology and variety trial changes.

Week of July 7, 2025
With trade season well upon us, I presented an update for a group of mid-level management managers of Japan Flour Millers Association member companies and executives visiting Oregon this week. I attended a USW/NAWG trade policy meeting for discussion on tariffs, Indonesia’s wheat purchase MOU announcement, ag appropriations, supplemental market access funds, and the ongoing importance of the WTO.As we work on our 100-year celebration, I met with the Pendleton woolen Mills team to review the test weave for our commemorative blanket and executed the final agreement to proceed in production for 2026. I attended the crop conditions call, NAWG Executive leader search roundtable, wildfire meeting and a USDA Oregon Technical Advisory Committee meeting, among others. Notably this week, USDA announced the opening of applications through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program.

Week of June 30, 2025
This week completed our fiscal year, so included many administrative tasks and reporting requirements. On the federal side, the House and Senate narrowly passed HR 1, which includes several provisions affecting agriculture. I joined the quarterly Sanitary/Phytosanitary update with U.S. Wheat Associates, highlighting successes in wheat import protocol agreements with Indonesia. I also joined the weekly USW crop conditions meeting and meetings with regional offices to prepare for incoming trade teams through August. We secured breakout speakers and Oregon day speakers for the upcoming convention in November and worked through items related to crop quality surveying as harvest moves forward in multiple counties.

Week of June 23, 2025
The League Executive Committee met to discuss state legislative items prior to sine die this week, review status of national issues and move forward with a support letter to Shaver Transportation on a grant project. As we settled more details on incoming trade teams, we worked on securing additional logistics. I attended a U.S. Wheat Associates crop update hosted by the Tokyo office for the Japanese market, responded to media inquiries, and joined the monthly state ag execs meeting, which included Representative Bentz. The League continues to support and endorse legislation to move the international food aid program Food for Peace to USDA, signing on to a coalition letter to the Senate Ag Appropriations Chair and Ranking Member. I joined a meeting with NAWG’s CEO search firm, the regular crop update call and the annual ORULE meeting. With the pending close of the fiscal year for all Oregon Wheat entities on June 30, this week included numerous end of FY operational items.

Week of June 16, 2025
We hosted the China Contracting for Wheat Value team this week for a visit to The Dalles NWGG elevator and a tour of Emerson Dell Farms. I prepared revisions to the Commission’s materials regarding steps to avoid buckwheat and other contaminants in wheat, which has been an important issue for certain markets. I joined the Pendleton Station Research Liaison Committee which met briefly for an affirmative vote on the use of funding for a generator purchase. On the state legislative side, as we come closer to sine die, tension builds and we saw key items with the transportation package and ag labor standards board, among others.

Week of June 9, 2025
The Commission supported a Korea Baking technical team, hosting participants for a farm tour in the North Valley. I also joined their final presentation as the team assessed products for the ability to use U.S. wheat classes as a replacement to other origins. I participated in the Pendleton station field day, followed by the League board meeting in Ione. Among other regular meetings, I joined the Inland Ports Navigation Group for an update on river system activities, a state wheat administrators meeting which included federal updates, the USW crop conditions call and a meeting with the Wheat Marketing Center to discuss crop quality sampling. The Food Aid Working Group met to discuss recent program cancellations, implications from Congressional hearings and actions, and plans for future advocacy. We continued the last push for state legislative actions before sine die at the end of the month. The League signed an additional coalition letter in response to the MAHA commission and joined the Modern Ag Alliance. Finally, the week included a large amount of end of fiscal year items and a significant milestone in the submission of paperwork for the Oregon Wheat Foundation redesignation, thanks to our accountant.

Week of June 2, 2025
We are getting out in the field, with an impressive showing of wheat producers for crop tours and field days. This week, I attended the Sherman County crop tour and North Willamette Valley field tour to provide an update on Commission and League activities. I met with our crop quality partners to prepare for the 2025 season and prepared final materials for the upcoming League Board meeting. The League signed on to a coalition letter regarding the Food for Peace program. With the pending closure of the fiscal year, a lot of activity occurred on the administrative end, including execution of additional regular contracts and our updated partnership with SAIF.

Week of May 26, 2025
Attending the South and Southeast Asia Buyers conference took up the entirety of this week as we met with representatives from companies throughout SE Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam Thailand and more. I moderated a wheat class panel for one of the sessions, with Commissioner Hansell presented at another. On the state legislative side, the League joined a coalition letter in response to the HB 2548 -7 amendment (ag labor standards board) and we saw the Speaker and Senate President declare Sine Die is imminent. On the operational end, I signed the agreement for the League’s audit and we continued to process final Commission contracts.

Week of May 19, 2025
This week kicked off the North Asia Buyers conference, bringing together company representatives from Japan, Korea and Taiwan for interactive discussions on wheat markets and opportunities to best utilize USW. I presented on a panel for the crop conditions update on soft white wheat. For the state legislature, this week marked another significant deadline in which all bills had to advance out of Committee or be considered ‘dead’ for the Session (with the exception of those in Joint Committees, Finance & Revenue, and the Rules Committees). Federally, with release of the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s Report, we communicated with our partners on coordinated responses.

Week of May 12, 2025
The Commission met to address regular business, re-elect officers, approve the FY 25-26 budget, approve resources for work with the OSU breeding program, and adopt the new mission/vision (requires League concurrence), in addition to other items. I met with a Vietnamese group in Portland for the Celebrate Trade event this week. The League joined NAWG and other organizations to encourage producer engagement in the letter-writing campaign in response to the Make America Healthy Again Commission. I also joined the Oregonians for Food and Shelter board meeting and communicated on the NAWG Crop Quality Discount taskforce.

Week of May 5, 2025
I joined a technical team who was at the Wheat Marketing Center this week for the Santiago Cake/ Cookie/ Cracker Course. They presented final results, reviewing options for use of soft white or in a blend for primary product uses. I also joined the USW crop conditions call and worked on various trade team arrangements as those settle more fully for the early summer visitors. On the state legislative end, this week marked the 2 ^nd Chamber post work session deadline. The League added to a coalition support letter for the Port of Portland related to T6 and dredging. I finalized materials for the Commission meeting and budget hearing. The Foundation hosted its annual Golf Scramble fundraiser, filling to capacity: I appreciate our sponsors and teams for their support!

Week of April 28, 2025
With the first team of the season arriving, I presented crop conditions and a state update to the Japanese Flour Millers Association this week. As trade continues to be at the center of discussions, I participated as a panelist in the Oregon Business and Industry Trade Summit. I attended the quarterly U.S. Wheat Sanitary / Phytosanitary committee meeting, USW Food Aid Working Group meeting, and ag execs meeting with the Governor’s Natural Resource Policy Advisor. I joined the NAWG state staff meeting which featured a discussion with Bayer Crop Science, a D.C. policy update, and a conversation on crop insurance quality discounts. With in Pendleton, I met with NRCS to discuss the League’s agreement and the status of funding for programs overall. As the state legislative session continues, the League joined the ag coalition letter in support OSU statewide funding, as well as submitting independent testimony for wheat. Finally, we welcomed back Cassandra Franklin to the office as she returned in the League Administrative Assistant/ Membership Coordinator role.

Week of April 21, 2025
I participated in the second NAWG ‘Forum for the Future’ as wheat states discuss the upcoming leadership transition and vision for NAWG. I also attended the State wheat executives meeting for an update on the guiding principles, discussion on federal funding issues and the status of leadership changes. As we approach trade season, I worked on coordination of items for upcoming trade and technical teams. The League hosted the April Wheat Talk, featuring a mid-session update from Dalton Advocacy. I participated in an ag roundtable with Senator Wyden, with discussion centered primarily on trade impacts. We will welcome Cassandra Franklin back part-time to the League next week, returning in the Administrative Assistant/Membership Coordinator position.

Week of April 14, 2025
A significant week with wheat day designations and refinements of federal approaches. Crossing the last hurdle, HCR12- the 100-year Oregon Wheat Day designation- passed unanimously through the Senate this week. On Thursday, USTR released their defined actions in response to the Section 301 investigation into Chinese maritime, logistics and ship building sectors, with revisions that improve the situation for wheat shipments. The Oregon Wheat Commission met for initial budget reviews and discussions on proposals from the Wheat Marketing Center and Plains Grains Institute. It was followed by an initial strategic planning session with the League and Commission.

Week of April 7, 2025
The state legislature hit a major deadline this week, with passage of the first chamber deadline wherein bills had to move out of their originating committee to either a floor vote or to a non-expiring committee. The League Executive Committee met to approve funding for work with Pacific Northwest Waterways Association on the river system, review 2025 convention plans, and provide a support letter for Commission appointments. I joined our NAWG board designees for the initial ‘NAWG Forum for the Future’ meeting to discuss state priorities with the upcoming changes in NAWG leadership. On the operational side, I finalized materials for the upcoming Commission meeting and joint strategic planning session, executed a new IT agreement and participated in regular weekly meetings.

Week of March 31, 2025
I joined the USW Food Aid Working Group visit to Kenya. While Kenya has not been a market for Oregon, it is the entry point to serve the regional food aid needs. The visit was intended to better understand system capacities and the specifics of aid distribution, assess efficiencies in processes and further discussions with policy teams to identify means to accomplish the intent of food aid. I joined the Joint International Trade Policy Committee meeting for an update on tariff actions and the regular state lobby meetings. On the administrative side, I scheduled interviews for the League Administrative Assistant position and prepared Commission meeting materials to go out next week.


Week of March 24, 2025
Hearings took place this week on the proposed actions targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The League joined other ag groups, carriers, shippers, ports, and industry in expressing alarm over the unintended consequences of proposed remedies. If the proposals went into effect, it would have profoundly negative effects on Oregon wheat and US wheat exports. I communicated with relevant congressional staff and joined multiple calls to discuss, including a Joint International Trade and Policy Committee meeting. Following discussions at our monthly NAWG state staff meeting, I reached out to the Oregon FSA office for the status of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program payments. Producers are encouraged to contact their county office (phone, email or in person) if they have not received an application in the mail. I also met with NRCS Oregon staff to discuss the status on overall NRCS programs and funding. The League joined an FY26 appropriations letter requesting funding for Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole. I joined the NAWG and National Wheat Foundation officers during their visit to Portland. On the state end, with last week’s deadline, a couple of problematic bills are dead, and as we come closer to the first chamber deadline of April 9 wherein bills must be voted out of committee of die, the pace remains intense. The League joined a coalition letter of support for OSU statewide funding, as well as a coalition letter on areas for support and areas of concern with the Oregon Department of Agriculture budget. We encourage our members to join the April Wheat Talk for the mid-session update with our lobbyist. In other items, I met with river system partners, responded to a media inquiry and addressed administrative items. The League Admin Assistant opening is now live at owgl.org/careers as we wish Natalia well in her move!

Week of March 17, 2025
The League signed on a coalition letter in advance of a hearing next week to outline concerns on the impacts from policies proposed by USTR targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. If enacted, the damage to our wheat exports would be severe, with permanent harm. The comments called for quick resolution, as the proposal has already impacted purchasing behaviors. Friday represented a key deadline in the state legislature: the date by which a bill needed to be scheduled on a committee agenda for a work session or it would die. As such, we begin to see some of our target areas narrow. Also this week, USDA announced they would begin accepting applications for the economic assistance to farmers that Congress passed in December 2024 for which the League had advocated for inclusion. In other activities, I attended the Pendleton and Sherman Station Liaison Committee meetings virtually to discuss contributions for the no-till drill purchase for the variety trial program and the Sherman Station Manager role. On the operation side, I conducted interviews for the League position, worked on budget development for the Commission’s April meeting, worked on a new agreement with our IT provider, and responded to media inquiries.

Week of March 10, 2025
We concluded the Southeast Asia board team with visits in Thailand to leading product manufacturers and the UFM baking school for the opening of their extended shelf-life product course. On the state legislative side, I testified in Salem in support of our 100-year wheat bill and attended the hearing in opposition to the ag labor standard board bill. The League signed on to several additional coalition letters and I presented at the Oregon Department of Ag Board meeting on the League’s state legislative priorities. I joined the central Oregon growers meeting in Madras, Oregonians for Food and Shelter board meeting, and U.S. Wheat transportation working group meeting. In other activities, I met with colleagues on issues impacting upcoming budget requests, met with our chairs and the strategic planner to prepare for our April session, responded to media inquiries, held the monthly League Executive Committee meeting, reviewed candidates on the League position and finalized edits for the April Oregon Wheat Magazine.

Week of March 3, 2025
Commissioner Brewer and I spent this week in Manila and Singapore with the Southeast Asia U.S. Wheat Associates Board team. As a growing market region, it was beneficial to discuss activities underway to expands opportunities for U.S. wheat exports. We continue next week in visits to Thailand. The state legislative end accelerated activities, and I sent out an action alert on HB 2548 (Ag Labor standards board) as well as the League signing on to an opposition coalition letter for HB 3362 (tire tax).

Week of February 24, 2025
I travelled to Salem to testify in support of HCR 12 (100 Years Oregon Wheat) which moved out of committee and heads to the House floor. As we continue activities for the state legislative session, we issued an action alert and joined several coalition letters and testimonies on bills. With over 3,300 bills introduced, the League has a lot of activity ahead of it on the state level. This week we ‘graduated’ a new set of growers through the Commission’s annual Growers Workshop, which is designed to provide a better understanding of wheat after it leaves the farm: from shipping to grading to product development. I joined the South Valley wheat growers meeting, then conducted a brief orientation for Commissioner Crocker. In other activities, I attended regular meetings including Commodity Commission Oversight, NAWG state staff, and various ag lobby meetings.

Week of February 17, 2025
The Commission met, receiving a presentation on the LifeCycle Analysis, preliminary results of a market study, and updates on trade teams. Among other business, the Commission approved upcoming travel, approved allowance for purchase of a no-till drill by the variety trial program, and authorized funds for the North and South/Southeast Asia buyers conferences. The Commission also conducted its research review, recommending the inclusion of projects in FY26 budget preparation. I attended the Union/Baker annual wheat growers meeting, then joined a town hall for Representative Bentz. With completion of scholarship reviews, I notified all recipients and sent a press release out to area news outlets. I responded to various media inquiries and joined an ag meeting with OR Attorney General and OSU’s Federal Lobbyist. With the Capitol closure affecting Wheat day events last week, I dropped off our Oregon Wheat cookies in Salem for distribution to offices.

Week of February 10, 2025
Inclement weather closed the Capitol on Thursday and Friday, affecting our Wheat Day activities and requiring shifts to meetings and events. The League Board met virtually, addressing administrative items, reviewing state legislative activities, and providing direction on federal legislative issues. I coordinated a meeting with the PNW Commission and Association executives, as well as NAWG policy staff, to discuss the outsized impact on our research stations and rural USDA offices from federal employee terminations, given the timing of hirings. In an effort to protect Title II Food for Peace, the League endorsed legislation to move the program to USDA. The League also signed on to two letters related to federal pesticide labeling. I attended the Wallowa County wheat growers meeting in Enterprise and met with the Pendleton designers in Portland to work on final stages for the 100 year wheat blanket. We completed packets for the upcoming Commission research review and meeting, which will be held February 17-18 in Corvallis.

Week of February 3, 2025
The Foundation Board of Directors met this week with board elections, adoption of the FY 25/26 budget and a review of programs. The Foundation scholarship program application window closed, with all eligible applications under review. We are preparing for Wheat Day at the Capitol next week and had an active week in the Capitol, including joining our coalition in opposition testimony to SB 747 fertilizer reporting and testifying in support of SB 768 Cereal Grains Endowment Match. On the federal side, I continued to communicate with legislative staff on the impacts of the federal funding freeze to producers with current and active contracts. I presented the League and Commission updates at the Umatilla County annual meeting, responded to media inquiries, prepared materials for upcoming League and Commission meetings, and attended various ag lobby meetings and a meeting with ODA staff. With the Commission deadline for full research proposals this week, our compilation is underway as we prepare for the February Commission research review.

Week of January 27, 2025
This week, I attended the PNW Wheat Quality Council meeting, which brings together industry professionals for a technical review designed to improve the quality of wheat. With the legislative session underway, the League signed a coalition letter in support of HJR 11 which seeks to strengthen Oregon’s initiative petition process, signed in support of HB 3119 to delay implementation on beginning the phase out of diesel-powered vehicles, and sent an action alert to members on SB 747, a fertilizer reporting bill. I attended the Oregonians for Food and Shelter Board meeting, NAWG state staff meeting, the North Willamette Valley annual wheat growers meeting and virtually joined the Sherman Station liaison committee meeting. We met with new staff for Congresswoman Bonamici to review League priorities and engaged with producers and offices to obtain clarity on federal Executive Orders. By the end of the week, we were fully moved out of the old Commission office at Albers Mill as we have moved into the new location at the World Trade Center.

Week of January 20, 2025
The 2025 session officially began, with committee meetings underway and additional bills posted. I reviewed the League Bill tracker with our lobbyist to establish initial support, oppose and monitor positions. The League joined in coalition support of HB 2166, a bill to examine and report on the Economic Competitiveness of Oregon Agriculture and I attended the Dunn/Carney Ag Summit, which included a lunch keynote from Representative Drazan. Ahead of our February reviews, I visited the OSU Corvallis campus to meet with researchers and administrators. I worked with USW on market items and conducted Hill visit follow-up with individual office requests, including transmission of a letter on FSA State Executive Director characteristics and the need for timeliness of appointment.

Week of January 13, 2025
I joined members of our Commission and League leadership in Washington, DC this week for the NAWG/USW winter meeting and Mission to DC. In addition to the traditional Hill visits with our congressional delegation, I participated in agency visits for discussion on market issues impacting the PNW. The USW/NAWG board meetings included committee work, board elections, updates on ag trade policy, a review of the status of GM wheat and implications of SECURE rule changes, along with a panel of Embassy staff for the top three US Wheat markets. We joined the Wheat 101 Reception, which included the chairs and ranking members for House and Senate ag committees. On the state end, the 2025 Oregon Legislature officially convened, with swearing in of new legislators, the Governor’s “State of the State” address, and the first bills. We are moving forward League proactive legislative concepts. With upcoming full research proposal deadlines and program changes, I met with our variety trial program and wheat and barley program leads. The League completed Cereal Advisory Committee appointments, with Bob Zielinski agreeing to serve another term on the committee.

Week of January 6, 2025
The League Executive Committee met to prepare for the upcoming visit to DC, appoint representatives to the Cereal Advisory Committee, and discuss strategy in advance of the 2025 state legislative session with DAi. Members of the League Executive Committee also met with Representative Christine Drazan in Canby. I communicated concerns to OSU on the need for restoration of resources and positions specific to Oregon Wheat and worked with USW to make final arrangements for the RVA equipment purchase for the lab in Santiago. I completed renewal paperwork for both the Oregon Wheat and Foundation logos, attended a retirement event for Kathleen Cathey and met on solar issues. The Commission held a joint open house with US Wheat Associates in our new location. We officially welcomed Collin Crocker to the Oregon Wheat Commission this week following his appointment by ODA to producer position #5.

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