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.
BRITANY MARCHANT
Executive Director Idaho Wheat Commission Britany Marchant is the Executive Director for the Idaho Wheat Commission. She has enjoyed a career in agriculture communications, public relations, and public policy. Britany has served on several state and national committees related to agriculture, transportation, and the environment. She received a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Boise State University.
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.
MARK JOSSUND
Chairman
Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council
Mark Jossund is the fourth generation of his family to farm in northwest Minnesota. He and his wife alongside their sons, farm 3,000 acres of corn, wheat and soybeans in rotation. Jossund also serves on the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, and was a past board member of the Northern Crops Institute.
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.
GEORGE GLASS
United States Ambassador to Japan
Ambassador Glass was confirmed by the Senate as U.S. Ambassador to Japan on April 8, 2025. He previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Portugal from 2017 to 2021. A prominent American businessman, he has extensive experience in finance, investment banking, and technology, including serving as Founder, President, and Vice Chairman of Pacific Crest Securities and most recently as an advisor to Reltio. He has also served as a trustee of the University of Oregon and Oregon Health & Science University. Ambassador Glass holds a B.S. from the University of Oregon and has received numerous honors, including the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, the Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service, and knighthoods from the Government of Portugal.
TOSHIYA MAEZURU
Chairman
Japan Flour Millers Association (JFMA)
Mr. Maezuru joined Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd. (now NIPPN CORPORATION) in 1983 and has built a distinguished career in production, technology, and corporate leadership. Over the years, he has served in a number of senior roles, including General Manager of the Fukuoka Mill and Director overseeing Production & Technology, Research & Development, Quality Assurance, and Environmental Issues. He was appointed Representative Director, President and COO in 2020, and later became President and CEO. He has also played a leading role in industry organizations, serving multiple terms as Director and most recenetly as Chairman of the Japan Flour Millers Association.
NORIKAZU SUZUKI
Minister
MAFF
Mr.Suzuki joined Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2005 and was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012. Since then, he has been re‑elected four times, most recently in 2024. He has held several senior government roles, including Parliamentary Vice‑Minister for Foreign Affairs, State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and State Minister for Reconstruction. In October 2025, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
KENJI TAKIHARA
Director/President/Chairman
Nisshin Seifun Group/Nisshin Flour Milling Inc.
Mr. Takihara is a graduate of Waseda University’s School of Political Science and Economics and has spent his career with the Nisshin Seifun Group. Since joining the company in 1988, he has held a range of senior leadership roles across corporate planning and operations, including Director, Managing Executive Officer, and Senior Managing Director. He currently serves as Director and Chairman of Nisshin Flour Milling Inc. and Director and President of Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.
KAZUNORI “RICK” NAKANO
Country Director
US Wheat Associates
Kazunori “Rick” Nakano, country director, brings more than 27 years of grain trading and management experience with Japan’s Marubeni Corporation to USW. He has held senior leadership roles across Japan and the United States, including vice president at Columbia Grain, assistant general manager at Marubeni America Corp., deputy COO of Marubeni’s Gavilon Agricultural Investment division, and most recently corporate officer and general manager of Marubeni’s Pacific Grain Terminal in Tokyo.
MAKIKO OCHI
Program Assistant/Accountant
US Wheat Associates
Makiko Ochi joined USW in 2018 as the program assistant/accountant. Ochi studied at Sacred Heart School in Tokyo in grade school and graduated from Hitotsubashi University Faculty of Law. Prior to joining USW, she worked as a financial systems developer for Daiwa Institute of Research, one of Japan’s largest securities firms since 2007 and holds several national certifications specializing in IT.