Farming success depends on teamwork, according to the head of a major wheat growers organization who says collaboration is more crucial than ever as producers face mounting economic pressures.
Sam Kieffer, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, writes in his latest column that farmers are grappling with rising input expenses driven by inflation and tariffs, unpredictable international markets, regulatory challenges, and an unstable agricultural economy. He emphasizes that working together remains essential to the organization’s mission.
Recent months have seen the wheat growers group team up with other agricultural organizations to petition the International Trade Commission to eliminate countervailing duties on phosphates imported from Russia and Morocco. The association also provided its own economic research and wheat-focused testimony to the commission, citing fertilizer expenses as a major burden that affects farmer profits and global competitiveness.
High-level government engagement has been another priority, with the organization taking part in West Wing discussions at the White House. These meetings included representatives from corn and soybean groups, Farm Bureau, and PepsiCo, all focused on farm economic conditions and supportive agricultural policies.
The wheat growers have also partnered with the North American Millers’ Association, USA Rice, maritime industry representatives, and others to advocate for robust congressional funding of Food for Peace programs. These alliances demonstrate shared recognition that exporting American-grown crops supports farmers, strengthens supply networks, and enhances global food security, which Kieffer describes as national security.
Research advocacy continues through partnerships with the National Wheat Improvement Committee and the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, pushing for strong funding of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. These investments support wheat development, disease and pest resistance, and grain quality improvements that directly impact grower competitiveness.
The organization has also maintained extensive dialogue with private agricultural companies including Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, UPL, PepsiCo, Farm Credit, Ardent Mills, FMC, Bunge, and John Deere. These conversations address issues that may not require legislative fixes. One productive discussion with Nutrien executives about farm economics and phosphate duty impacts led to the company’s public statement supporting the removal of countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers.
Despite wheat not being used for biofuel production, the association backs efforts by corn, soy, and refining groups to expand renewable fuel opportunities, following the principle that industry-wide growth benefits all sectors.
Grassroots engagement remains equally important, with ongoing visits to state association gatherings and events to hear directly from farmers about their concerns and provide Washington updates. These interactions help shape messaging around farmer-established priorities and keep advocacy efforts targeted effectively.
The organization also creates opportunities for grower input on policy outcomes, recently bringing Minnesota and North Dakota farmers to engage directly with EPA officials on regional issues. They’re also working to place grower leaders before media and influential audiences to advance wheat policy and increase awareness of modern wheat production.
Kieffer concludes that agriculture has always relied on relationships among farmers, throughout supply chains, and with policymakers. Strong partnerships lead to better results, whether in policy advocacy, research advancement, or marketplace challenges. Collaboration isn’t just strategy but necessity, and unified farm group efforts ultimately benefit all farmers.
