News from the Global Wheat Industry
Speaking of Wheat
“The MOU signing marks a major milestone for the Indonesian milling industry and U.S. wheat producers. Sales made over this five-year period will provide an opportunity to showcase the reliability and functionality of U.S. wheat. USW plans to work with our partners in Indonesia to leverage this commitment into long-term growth of U.S. wheat supply to this Southeast Asian market through additional technical support and assistance with capacity building.” – Joe Sowers, USW regional vice president for South and Southeast Asia.
Peterson Named Administrator of North Dakota Wheat Commission
Jim Peterson has been appointed Administrator of the North Dakota Wheat Commission (NDWC), replacing Neal Fisher, who retired after 27 years serving in that role. Peterson has been with the North Dakota Wheat Commission since 1991, most recently as Policy and Marketing Director. “We feel Jim is certainly qualified to fill this role, based on his years of experience with the critical work of the North Dakota Wheat Commission on behalf of North Dakota wheat producers,” said NWDC Chairman Mark Birdsall. Birdsall also applauded Fisher, saying he “will certainly be missed in the wheat industry, not just in North Dakota, but within the U.S. and internationally. He has a great reputation and track record of accomplishments on behalf of our state’s wheat producers. We appreciate all that Neal has contributed to our success, and wish him the best in his retirement.”
National Wheat Foundation Appoints Anne Osborne as Executive Director
Anne Osborne has been named Executive Director of the National Wheat Foundation (NWF), where she has served as Project Manager since January 2021, playing a key role in the expansion and success of NWF’s core programs. Under Osborne’s leadership, the National Wheat Yield Contest (NWYC) – has grown significantly. The contest now includes over 30 industry partners and receives more than 500 entries annually across five categories. “Anne has consistently shown strategic leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to collaboration in her role with the Foundation,” said Pat Clements, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). “She is exceptionally well-suited to guide the organization into the future.”
Lower Snake River Dam Initiative Scrapped
The current administration has halted efforts to breach four Lower Snake River dams in Eastern Washington—Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite. The decision reverses a 2023 Biden-era agreement that had aimed to explore dam removal for salmon recovery. The dam’s play a critical role in transporting U.S. grain and oilseeds, generating renewable energy, and supporting irrigation. Removing the dams would have harmed U.S. agricultural exports, rural economies, and food and energy security.
United for Bread in Chile
Professionals from various food sectors, including U.S. Wheat Associates, participated in an initiative called “United for Bread,” which aimed to highlight the value of bread within Chilean culture and food, as well as to promote the benefits of the products that accompany it. This event was held during Chile’s First Collaborative Congress of the Food Industry June 11 and 12, 2025 and sought to foster partnerships between the various stakeholders in the food chain, in conjunction with a public-private partnership. Read more here.
Wheat Plants Influence Soil Microbes and Health
In an advance for agriculture, a new study reveals how wheat plants actively influence the microbial communities living on and inside their roots—and how these root microbiomes change over time depending on conditions such as drought and irrigation. These insights could guide future efforts to manage crops more effectively under varying environmental conditions. The American Phytological Society reported on the study, adding that Identifying microbes naturally suited to drought conditions may one day help improve wheat productivity and resilience in water-limited regions. Read more here.
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