The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) board of directors discussed how to continue strengthening demand for U.S. wheat and delivering value for producers during the USW/NAWG 2026 Fall Joint Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The joint meeting with the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) allowed both organizations to come together to discuss issues facing farmers and make plans to move the industry forward.

“Even in a tight crop year, presence and service matter most,” said USW President and CEO Mike Spier. “This meeting gave our farmer leaders an opportunity to examine how USW activities are helping to hold demand in key markets and build new markets for the future.”

During his report, Spier highlighted the organization’s expanding global outreach, noting the organization conducted more than 315 activities in 65 countries in 2025/2026. That is more than double the activities conducted in 2018, helping reinforce the messages that U.S. wheat farmers continue to deliver value, reliability and quality advantages to world markets.

Directors also received updates on global supply and demand trends, the value of export investment to farmers, the status of USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) funding, rail transportation and food assistance programs. The board also previewed a new supply chain video focused on transporting wheat on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and heard an update from the North Asia Board Team.

Mitch Skalicky, USW Regional Vice President for Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and Venezuela, traveled to Albuquerque to join the board for the fall meeting. Skalicky provided an overview of market opportunities and challenges across the region, highlighting Mexico’s position as a top U.S. wheat customer for 10 consecutive marketing years and reviewing market development activities conducted throughout the region. He was joined by Luis Cervera of IL Cereales, who shared the organization’s “Wheat Everyday” initiative aimed at promoting wheat consumption and strengthening science-based communication about wheat and cereal foods throughout Latin America.

The USW board of directors also took time to recognize Steve Wirsching, USW vice president and director of the West Coast Office director, who will retire at the end of December following a 34-year career.

“From Portland to Santiago to Mexico City and back to Portland, Steve brought professionalism, technical expertise and a genuine commitment to wheat producers,” Spier said. “He strengthened customer relationships, supported our overseas offices and helped customers around the world trust U.S. wheat. Please join us in congratulating Steve and thanking him for years of dedication and service.”

As the meeting concluded, the USW board of directors looked ahead to 2027 with a focus on sustaining market share, expanding demand opportunities and adapting to evolving customer needs through collaboration among growers, state wheat commissions, partner organizations like NAWG.