Over decades, Stacy Meade worked closely with four different presidents of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and organized more than 100 USW Board Meetings in dozens of states. From advance planning to agenda building to the registration table to the meeting’s closing gavel, she made sure everything went smoothly – even when odds were everything wouldn’t.

Meade managed to laugh through it all – while also making those around her laugh.

Meade, USW’s executive assistant to the President and meeting planner, retired at the end of 2025 after 36 years with USW. She was recognized Jan. 29 at the USW Winter Board Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The USW Board of Directors gave Meade a standing ovation, as did everyone else attending the meeting.

“Stacy’s work coordinating USW board meetings and supporting our organization has left a lasting impact on USW and the broader wheat industry,” said USW President and CEO Mike Spier. “We were proud to present her an award for her outstanding service and unwavering dedication to USW. Her kindness and humor made every workday better and we wish her the best in her retirement.”

Highlighting Stacy Meade’s Contributions to USW 

At the meeting, a video highlighted Meade’s time at USW, including photos of her with USW colleagues, board members and farmers. It also featured words from former USW presidents Vince Peterson and Alan Tracy.

“Stacy was there when I arrived 28 years ago and, worked for me in various capacities. She has become an institution, and I never had a more loyal and kinder employee,” Tracy said.

Then, speaking directly to Meade on the video, Tracy added, “I’m proud of you. I appreciate everything you’ve done for USW and for the wheat farmers of the United States.”

Peterson also shared his appreciation for the work Meade handled during his time as president – and even the time before he served as president.

“I’m one of the few who was there at the beginning of Stacy’s time, and I was able to see her grow over the years and really become an important part of the organization,” Peterson said. “All those board meetings, all those hotels and all those things that can and do go wrong – Stacy was the right person to handle everything and do it in a way that you would never know anything had gone sideways. That’s a true professional and a truly dedicated employee.”

Meade was touched by words of her former USW colleagues. After being recognized by the board, she spoke a few words, thanking those in attendance and all the people she worked with for nearly four decades.

“I was truly lucky to spend so much of my work life at a place like USW and to be able to meet and spend time with so many good people,” Meade said. “I have a lot of memories and I was able to meet so many people and see so many places. It truly was a dream job for me.”