Partnerships formed between the U.S. wheat industry and customers in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan decades ago were revisited during U.S. Wheat Associates’ (USW) 2025 North Asian Marketing Conference (NAMC). Aptly themed, “Legacy of Success,” the conference was held May 21-23 in Da Nang, Vietnam. It preceded USW’s South and Southeast Asia Marketing Conference, held May 26-28 at the same site.

Dependable Customers

More than 100 millers and wheat buyers from the three countries participated in this year’s NAMC. U.S. wheat farmers, state wheat association executives, exporters, and a host of milling, wheat foods and transportation experts joined.

“It’s a chance for us to get together in one place and trade information about the markets, the U.S. wheat crop, the economics of trade, transportation and all of the things that make up our business,” said USW President Vince Peterson. “It’s also a chance to cement relationships. Some of these relationships we’ve had for a very long time in these markets. This conference has been a tremendously valuable tool for that purpose.”

U.S. Farmers Share Perspective

USW Chairman Clark Hamilton presented an “Outlook for U.S. Wheat Farmers,” during the conference. He shared with attendees a perspective on global trade – from a producer’s point of view.

“I’ve been on board team trip visits to quite a few of the mills represented here, and several of the customers here have been on trade team visits to my family’s farm,” Hamilton, who grows wheat in Ririe, Idaho, said after his presentation. “So, there is familiarity, and that comes from building relationships over the years. The U.S. Wheat Associates staff does a great job with this conference, and our customers are quick to express their appreciation for bringing everyone together.”

Learn more about the 2025 conference and hear from some of the participants in the short video below.