Taiwan Bios

US Speakers and Attendees

AMANDA HOEY

CEO
Oregon Wheat Commission
Amanda Hoey is the Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon Wheat Commission and the Oregon Wheat Growers League. She represents Oregon's wheat industry in local, state, national and international arenas to strengthen the wheat industry in the state. Amanda previously served as the Executive Director for a bi-state regional economic development entity. She is an alumnus of the American Leadership Forum and was a Marshall Memorial Fellow through the German Marshall Fund. Amanda has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Whitman College.

AUGUSTO BASSANINI

President and CEO
United Grain Corporation
Augusto Bassanini is President and CEO of United Grain Corporation, where he leads the company’s growth as a trusted, values‑based global grain exporter connecting producers and suppliers with customers worldwide. An Italian‑born, fourth‑generation agribusiness professional, Augusto joined UGC in 1999 and has held senior roles in risk management, trading, and grain marketing, helping expand the company’s global footprint. He holds a degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and brings 30 years of experience in grain merchandising, risk management, logistics, and talent development. Augusto actively supports U.S. agribusiness through board service with several local and national industry organizations

BRIAN LIEDL

Vice President of Overseas Operations
US Wheat Associates
Brian Liedl is the Vice President of Overseas Operations for US Wheat Associates. He has over two decades of experience in wheat trading and logistics where he began his career as a Licensed Broker and Wheat Market Analyst at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. In 2011, he joined United Grain Corporation (UGC) as a Wheat Merchant and relocated to Vancouver, WA. Brian traded all classes of wheat in the Pacific Northwest and worked directly with global buyers. In 2020, he was named Director of Merchandising, managing all trading at UGC. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in Minnesota.

BRIAN SORENSON

Executive Director
Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council
Brian Sorenson joined the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council (MWRPC) and the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers (MAWG) as Executive Director in April of 2024. Prior to joining MN Wheat, Brian worked for the Northern Crops Institute as Program Manager, Director and Technical Director. Brian also served as Wheat Quality Specialist with NDSU Extension Service. Brian has worked in the grain and feed milling industries for over 18 years as Vice President of Operations for Dakota Specialty Milling in Fargo, North Dakota and Processing Scientist with Purina Mills in St. Louis, Missouri. Brian earned an M.S. Degree in Cereal Chemistry from North Dakota State University in 1989 and a B.S. Degree in Chemistry from Mayville State University in 1986. Brian and his wife Catherine have three adult children and two grandchildren.

CASEY CHUMRAU

CEO
Washington Grain Commission
Casey Chumrau is the Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Grain Commission (WGC) with a mission to enhance long-term profitability and competitiveness. She worked for USW as Market Analyst and as Marketing Manager, South America, based in Santiago, Chile. Casey returned to the United States as Executive Director of the Idaho Wheat Commission before starting her current position in 2022. She has a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Oregon and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana.

CATHERINE MILLER

Director of Programs
US Wheat Associates
Catherine Miller is the Program & Planning Coordinator at U.S. Wheat Associates, having joined the organization in 2018. In this role, she is responsible for coordinating team‑based activities and customer training programs in the United States and overseas. She also plays a key role in planning and managing U.S. Wheat Associates Board of Directors teams traveling to international markets, as well as supporting overseas and U.S.-based conferences and programs. Prior to joining U.S. Wheat Associates, Catherine held an internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and Economics from Auburn University.

CINDY MCKAMEY

Distrcit 5 Director
Montana Wheat and Barley Committee
Cindy McKamey hails from Cascade, MT. She grew up on a grain operation near Harlowton, MT. She and her husband ran a custom harvesting business launched in 2003 and eight years ago took over Cindy’s folks’ place. Cindy loves being involved in her community; she is active teaching youth, working with the local food bank, serving the Children’s Museum of Northeast Montana and working as a Cascade school elections judge. She is particularly proud of helping prepare for and put on the Montana FFA Alumni Leadership Camp for more than 20 years.

CLARK HAMILTON

Past-Chairman
US Wheat Associates – Board of Directors
Clark Hamilton is a wheat producer from Idaho and operates Hamilton Triple C Farms with his two sons. He has served in multiple leadership roles within U.S. Wheat Associates, including as Chairman of the U.S. Wheat Associates Board of Directors, and has been an active member of the USW officer team. He has also served as Chair of the Hard White Wheat Committee, contributing to policy and program oversight for U.S. wheat exports. Clark has represented Idaho wheat and barley growers for many years through his service with the Idaho Grain Producers Association, including one year as president, and has held leadership roles in his local cooperative and community organizations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science, with a minor in biology, from Utah State University.

CLAUDIA CARTER

Executive Director
California Wheat Commission
Claudia Carter is Executive Director of the California Wheat Commission, where she oversees the California Wheat Quality Lab and manages the California Grain Foundation. Her work connects breeders, millers, and flour users across the wheat supply chain, including tortilla, pasta, and bread makers. Since 2017, she has led whole‑grain education initiatives and secured USDA and California Department of Food and Agriculture Farm‑to‑School grants to support student nutrition and community engagement. Claudia holds a B.S. in Food Science, an M.S. in Cereal Science, and is pursuing a PhD in Exercise Science and Nutrition at North Dakota State University.

DAVID BREWER

Vice Chairman
Oregon Wheat Commission
David Brewer and his wife, Margaret, operate Emerson Dell Farm. David is the fifth generation operating the family farm in the rolling hills of North Central Oregon. The family has traditionally been early adopters of conservation practices and were one of the first to transition to direct seeding in Oregon. Today the Brewers have diversified their no-till cropping system with the addition of winter canola, winter pea, spring cereals and a grass finished direct market beef program. They utilize GPS technology for efficient and accurate placement of crop inputs across the farm. David represents Oregon on the Pacific Northwest Canola Association Board as well as serving on the Oregon Wheat Commission.

GARY MILLERSHASKI

Vice Chairman
US Wheat Associates – Board of Directors
Gary Millershaski served on the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers from 2007 to 2017. He became a Kansas Wheat Commissioner in 2016. He became interested in joining KAWG after he received a scholarship from the organization while a member of KARL Class VIII. Gary enjoys having the ability to network with other wheat producers at national conventions and uses their vast wealth of knowledge of the wheat industry to stay up-to-date as a farmer. On his farm, he grows predominately wheat, but also raises dryland corn, milo and has a cow/calf operation. Gary, and his wife Jana, have two boys, who have come back to the farm.

JIM PELLMAN

Chairman
US Wheat Associates – Board of Directors
Jim Pellman, who farms in McClusky, North Dakota, is Chairman of the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Board of Directors for 2025-26. He was elected to the USW officer team in 2023. Jim and his wife, Candace, have two children and grow wheat, barley, canola, corn, and soybeans on the farm they started in 1990 near McClusky, N.D. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University, Jim worked as an ag lender and county supervisor with Farmers Home Administration and then several years as a community banker. Jim has also served the North Dakota Wheat Commission for more than a decade as Sheridan County representative. "

JIM PETERSON

Executive Director
North Dakota Wheat Commission
Jim Peterson is Executive Director of the North Dakota Wheat Commission, where he leads producer‑funded programs focused on international market development, research, domestic promotion, and trade and transportation policy. He works closely with industry partners to strengthen the competitiveness and premium quality reputation of North Dakota wheat in U.S. and global markets. Peterson serves as Co‑Chair of the Wheat Transportation Working Group for U.S. Wheat Associates and is a board member of the Wheat Quality Council. He joined the Commission in 1991 and was appointed Executive Director in 2025. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University.

JUSTIN PLACE

Commissioner
Idaho Wheat Commission
Justin Place is an Idaho grain farmer and owner‑operator of Place Farms, where he grows wheat, barley, alfalfa, and mustard under irrigation. He has held multiple leadership roles in the grain industry, including President of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, and has served on the IGPA Board of Directors and Executive Board as well as the National Barley Growers Association board. Justin studied farm business management at Idaho State University and represents Idaho wheat farming families in District 4.

KENT KUPFNER

Executive Director
Montana Wheat and Barley Committee
After graduating college, Kent’s agricultural career began in the Texas Panhandle, where he worked for Cargill as a merchandiser. His career quickly progressed and led him to the Golden State where he continued his work with Cargill. He eventually migrated to Foster Farms while in California and returned to Montana 1997. Upon returning to Big Sky Country, Kent worked with General Mills as a wheat trader and eventually as the Regional Manager of Columbia Grain. He also spent time overseeing a new crush plant at Montana Specialty Mills, while also managing the procurement and sales of oil and meal. Kent now serves as the Executive Director of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee.

MIKE CARSTENSEN

Secretary/Treasurer
US Wheat Associates – Board of Directors
Mike Carstensen is a Washington wheat producer and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the U.S. Wheat Associates Board of Directors. He holds an undergraduate degree in business management and accounting and an MBA with an emphasis in economics, and previously worked for Farm Credit Services before returning full‑time to his family’s multi‑generation farm in 1985. A third‑generation farmer, he manages a dryland operation near Almira, Washington, producing soft white and club wheat using sustainable practices, and has held leadership roles with the Washington Grain Commission and several regional grain organizations.

MIKE SPIER

President
US Wheat Associates
Mike Spier began his career in the wheat industry in 1992 with United Grain Corporation in Portland, Oregon, where he worked in accounting and later as a grain merchandiser trading wheat domestically and internationally. He joined U.S. Wheat Associates in 1997 and went on to hold leadership positions across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, including roles in Cairo and Manila, before being promoted to Regional Vice President for South Asia and based in Singapore.
In 2015, Mike joined Columbia Grain International, where he established and led the company’s Singapore office and later headed international wheat marketing from Portland. He rejoined USW in 2019 as Vice President of Overseas Operations and assumed the role of President and CEO in July 2025. Over his career, Mike has extensive experience in international wheat trading, market development, logistics, and risk management, and has traveled to more than 50 countries supporting U.S. wheat export market development."

NICOLE BERG

Commissioner
Washingotn Grain Commission
Nicole Berg is a Paterson-area wheat grower representing five counties that make up the south-central region of the state. Nicole returned to the family farm near the town of Paterson in 1997. She received her degree in agriculture communications from Washington State University. Nicole serves on the board for the Washington Association of Conservation Districts, the Red Cross, and Community First Bank. She is a past president of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and the National Association of Wheat Growers.

RALPH LOOS

Director of Communications
US Wheat Associates
Ralph Loos joined U.S. Wheat Associates in August 2022 and was promoted in 2025 to Director – Communications, Multimedia and Global Outreach, reflecting his expanded role and impact within USW. He brings nearly 14 years of agricultural communications experience prior to joining USW, along with more than three years with the organization, and has significantly enhanced how USW shares its story through high‑quality video and digital storytelling focused on overseas activities, producer experiences, and partnerships with international customers. Raised on his family’s Illinois farm, Ralph previously held communications leadership roles with the U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Sheep Industry Association, and the U.S. Meat Export Federation, and continues to elevate the global visibility of U.S. wheat.

RYAN OLSON

Director of Trade Policy
US Wheat Associates
Ryan Olson joined U.S. Wheat Associates in August 2025 as Director of Trade Policy. In this role, he supports U.S. wheat exports by addressing trade policy, transportation, sustainability, production technology, and food aid issues that impact global market access. Prior to joining USW, Ryan served as Industry Affairs Manager at the U.S. Soybean Export Council and as Director of Operations at the North American Export Grain Association, overseeing policy initiatives and industry programs. He holds a master’s degree in international commerce and policy from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from James Madison University.

STEVE WIRSCHING

Vice President and West Coast Office Director
US Wheat Associates
Steve Wirsching, Vice President and Director of the West Coast Office of U.S. Wheat Associates, manages market development and customer relations. His career spans three decades, including roles in Santiago, Chile, and Mexico City. He was promoted to VP in 2011.Steve holds degrees in agribusiness and agricultural economics from the University of Idaho, and previously worked for Farm Credit Services. His responsibilities include building customer relations, supporting market development programs, and coordinating with state wheat commissions and the U.S. grain trade.

TYLER HANSELL

Chair
Oregon Wheat Commission
Tyler Hansell is a fifth-generation farmer who lives with his wife Sally and their children in Hermiston, OR. He and his brothers farm both irrigated and dryland areas in northeastern Oregon. In addition to wheat, they grow several crops in rotation including alfalfa, garbanzo beans, barley, grass seed, lima beans, and corn. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University. Tyler was appointed to the Oregon Wheat Commission (OWC) in 2021 and currently serves as OWC Vice-Chair.

WAYNE HURST

Commissioner
Idaho Wheat Commission
Wayne is a fourth‑generation farmer from Cassia County, Idaho, operating a diversified row‑crop farm that has been in his family for nearly a century. He and his wife farm wheat, sugar beets, dry beans, and alfalfa. Wayne has held several leadership roles in the wheat industry, including President of the Idaho Grain Producers Association and the National Association of Wheat Growers, and Chairman of the National Wheat Foundation. He has also served on the Railroad‑Shipper Transportation Advisory Council executive committee. Wayne studied agriculture at Idaho State University.

WEI-LIN CHOU

Asian Products and Nutrition Technologist
US Wheat Associates
Wei-lin Chou has been with USW as a technical specialist in the Taipei, Taiwan, office since June 2020. Wei-lin earned a bachelor's and master's degree in agriculture chemistry from National Taiwan University. Working in the Laboratory of Chemistry and Application of Biomaterials, his thesis focused on improving rice bread quality by adjusting the heat, moisture and enzyme treatments. Wei-lin also worked in the Laboratory of Pesticides and Environmental Toxicants, extracting toxicants and organic compounds from polluted water for analysis. Chou brings experience as an assistant researcher for the China Grain Products Research and Development Institute and in technical sales for Thailand-based company Starpro Starch Co.

YI-I HUANG

Country Director
US Wheat Associates
Yi-I Huang was hired as Country Director for Taiwan, in August 2023. Yi-I joined USW after a fourteen-year career of grain merchandizing at Mitsui & Company, in both Taipei and Tokyo . Mitsui is the parent company of United Grain Corporation, a major supplier of wheat to several Asian markets. In addition to his professional experience, Yi-I is fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Japanese, and English. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Agriculture from National Taiwan University in Taipei, and he participated in an international exchange program at Keio University of Tokyo, Japan.

CHING-CHING “FIONA” LEE

Program Coordinator/Accountant
US Wheat Associates
Ching-ching “Fiona” Lee joined USW/Taipei in 2016 as the executive secretary/accountant and was later promoted to her current role of Administrative Assistant/Accountant. She began her career as a corporate merger and acquisition consultant in Taiwan KPMG Accounting Firm for more than seven years then turned into a deputy chief of M&A team at Uni-President Enterprises Corp. Before joining USW, Fiona served as a legal assistant at Lexcel Law Firm. Fiona has a bachelor’s degree of journalism and earned her MBA degree from George Washington University.

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