U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) will convene its Summer Board of Directors Meeting June 22-25 in Fargo, North Dakota, bringing together wheat growers, industry leaders and USW staff to discuss market conditions, export opportunities and challenges facing the U.S. wheat industry. The gathering will feature committee meetings, market analysis presentations and discussions focused on trends in wheat demand and USW’s strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. wheat.
A significant leadership transition will also take place in Fargo, as USW Chairman and North Dakota farmer Jim Pellman concludes his term and passes the gavel to Kansas farmer and USW Vice Chairman Gary Millershaski.
Pellman Oversaw Positive Developments
Pellman’s time as chairman has coincided with a period of volatility and uncertainty in the global wheat market – but also notable successes. U.S. producers are navigating a tight supply situation as widespread drought conditions plagued the central and southern plains. At the same time, U.S. wheat exports surged by nearly 15% to 23.7 million metric tons in the marketing year that ended May 31, marking the highest level in five years.
Pellman’s year-long tenure also included notable highlights with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of USW’s office in Taiwan and the 70th anniversary of its office in Japan.
“As chairman, I spent a lot of time with customers of U.S. wheat over the past year and will always value those experiences,” Pellman said. “My term has given me a much better view of the importance of U.S. Wheat Associates’ work. As a wheat farmer, I have benefited from the work. As Chairman of the organization that does the work, I’ve gained a much better understanding of the role relationships and technical expertise play in international markets. We have the highest quality wheat in the world, and we also have the most trusted and respected people.”
Industry Experts to Address Key Issues
The June 25 Board of Directors meeting will include presentations from several industry experts who will examine both historical and emerging trends affecting the worldwide wheat market.
Mike Krueger, a market consultant with Lida Communications who has provided key information to USW over the years, will deliver a presentation titled “Key Wheat Market Events: Reflections From a 50-Year Career.” Drawing on decades of experience, Krueger is expected to provide historical context for current market developments and discuss lessons learned from major events that have shaped the wheat industry.
Other speakers featured during the Board of Directors meeting:
- Research and innovation will also take center stage during a presentation by Dr. Elias Elias, a durum wheat breeder at North Dakota State University. He will present “Durum Wheat Breeding, from Syria to NDSU.” The presentation will highlight advances in durum wheat breeding and the importance of developing varieties that meet the needs of both producers and end-users.
- USW Vice President of Overseas Operations Brian Liedl will discuss the impact of the organization’s international marketing efforts in a presentation titled “Return on Investment: Where USW Programs Deliver Value for Producers.” The session is expected to examine how export promotion activities contribute to demand growth and create opportunities for U.S. wheat farmers.
- Global market expansion will be another major topic. Chad Weigand, USW Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, will present “Growth Potential in Sub-Saharan Africa,” exploring opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for wheat consumption.
- Meanwhile, USW Market Analyst Luke Muller will provide a detailed outlook on supply-and-demand fundamentals during his presentation, “Balancing Bushels: Supply & Demand Breakdown.”
Committee Meetings
As growers and industry leaders join USW in Fargo, discussions are expected to be centered on balancing near-term production concerns with long-term opportunities for growth. While weather-related challenges continue to limit U.S. wheat supplies, export numbers this past year demonstrates enduring demand for U.S. wheat in many international markets.
A series of USW committee meetings scheduled for June 24 will focus on continued investment in market development, customer relationships and USW’s plans to maintain momentum in challenging times.
Groups that will meet are the Budget Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, Transportation Working Group, Food Aid Working Group and the Wheat Quality Committee.
Panel Discussion on Wheat Research
A panel discussion titled, “Funding and Collaboration for Future Wheat Research Success,” will wrap up the June 24 session. The panel will be made up of Dr. Andrew Green and Dr. Andrew Friskop, both of NDSU, and Aaron Harries of the Kansas Wheat Commission.