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The CEO’s Report is intended to provide a very quick overview of the CEO’s activities from the prior week. It is not intended to provide detail about individual meetings or events, just a summary of where we are spending time and resources on behalf of our growers. If you have questions or would like more information on any topic, please contact the OWGL office.

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Week of January 13, 2025
I joined members of our Commission and League leadership in Washington, DC this week for the NAWG/USW winter meeting and Mission to DC. In addition to the traditional Hill visits with our congressional delegation, I participated in agency visits for discussion on market issues impacting the PNW. The USW/NAWG board meetings included committee work, board elections, updates on ag trade policy, a review of the status of GM wheat and implications of SECURE rule changes, along with a panel of Embassy staff for the top three US Wheat markets. We joined the Wheat 101 Reception, which included the chairs and ranking members for House and Senate ag committees. On the state end, the 2025 Oregon Legislature officially convened, with swearing in of new legislators, the Governor’s “State of the State” address, and the first bills. We are moving forward League proactive legislative concepts. With upcoming full research proposal deadlines and program changes, I met with our variety trial program and wheat and barley program leads. The League completed Cereal Advisory Committee appointments, with Bob Zielinski agreeing to serve another term on the committee.

Week of January 6, 2025
The League Executive Committee met to prepare for the upcoming visit to DC, appoint representatives to the Cereal Advisory Committee, and discuss strategy in advance of the 2025 state legislative session with DAi. Members of the League Executive Committee also met with Representative Christine Drazan in Canby. I communicated concerns to OSU on the need for restoration of resources and positions specific to Oregon Wheat and worked with USW to make final arrangements for the RVA equipment purchase for the lab in Santiago. I completed renewal paperwork for both the Oregon Wheat and Foundation logos, attended a retirement event for Kathleen Cathey and met on solar issues. The Commission held a joint open house with US Wheat Associates in our new location. We officially welcomed Collin Crocker to the Oregon Wheat Commission this week following his appointment by ODA to producer position #5.

Week of December 23, 2024
The end of the year included days for office closures to celebrate the holidays. For the in-office time, the week had a significant focus on administrative work, particularly on the financial end and paperwork to close out the year. In addition, with the closing of our Oregon wheat Commission research pre-proposal period, I spent time reviewing individual proposals and discussing modifications before we issued the invitation for full proposals. As we look forward into 2025, I wish all our wheat producers a happy and prosperous new year!

Week of December 16, 2024
We worked throughout the week advocating for the inclusion of economic assistance resources for farmers as part of any continuing resolution package and appreciate the efforts of the membership to share the realities on their farms. I met with Pendleton research station leads regarding station leadership continuity and joined a meeting with the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association to discuss the Columbia River Treaty and the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The League signed on with the Regional Alliance for Transparency Coalition to back against the proposed Notice of Intent for a new NEPA analysis on Columbia River Systems Operations. I remotely attended the Keep Oregon Green board meeting, Oregon Board of Ag meeting, Eastern Oregon Solar Siting Rulemaking, ag lobby, AgPAC educational services and a meeting with OSU. The League Executive Committee met, reviewing language relevant to the 2025 session and upcoming 100-year celebration for Oregon Wheat.

Week of December 9, 2024
Debate continued as Congress considered economic assistance for producers. I appreciate the responsiveness of our wheat producers to the League action alert we posted and sent out this week. The Commission Research Pre-Proposal deadline was Friday, so I conducted initial review of the responses which included continuation projects and new projects to regional issues, as well. The final interim legislative committee hearings prior to the 2025 session were held this week, in addition to a special session solely focused on allocating resources to cover expenses from the 2024 wildfire season. For the League, we further prepared for proactive bill proposals to be considered in the 2025 session.

Week of December 2, 2024
Advocacy dominated the week as I spent most of the week in Washington DC for the Food Aid Fly-In. I met with 15 offices to further elevate the importance of food aid in Farm Bill discussions and to defend robust funding for Food for Peace Title II, the largest food aid program. Earlier in the week, I joined a Council on Foreign Relations Real Econ roundtable for a discussion on the value of trade relationships and impact to the state of Oregon. I also attended the NAWG monthly state staff meeting and Pendleton Station Liaison Committee meeting.

Week of November 25, 2024
The offices are closed for a portion of the week for the Thanksgiving holiday. It was a short week and much of the activity involved wrap-up from last week’s grain convention. In addition, I met with a new ag reporter, pursued funding decisions made at the Commission meeting and met with colleagues regarding state rulemaking. We finalized the December magazine and completed policy revisions from the League board meeting.

Week of November 18, 2024
The Tri-State Grain Convention week provided a full set of governing body meetings, educational seminars, networking and discussion on issues impacting the wheat industry. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our Oregon Wheat awardees and raise funds for the Oregon Wheat Foundation scholarship program. Following up from actions in the meetings, the League submitted comments to Bonneville Power Association and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Columbia/Snake River System.

Week of November 11, 2024
With a week to go before the Tri-State Convention, we are in full preparation mode to ensure we have a vibrant and successful event: I look forward to seeing our members in Coeur d’Alene! While most of my energy has been focused on those final preparations, I paired it with a week at the USW/NAWG fall board meeting. The fall meeting is essential for collaborative updates on joint trade and market topics, as well as passing the resolutions for the national association which guide advocacy work into the next year. At the end of the week, I returned to Portland for a meeting with a Japanese company that is seeking expansion into the US market and a base in Oregon.

Week of November 4, 2024
It was election week, so outcomes on the federal and state levels are tabulated- to the extent known this far- and are available for our members in the League legislative reports. This week involved several meetings: ranging from discussions on the status of club planting for the 2025 crop to the development of a new Falling Number rapid reader prototype. As we kick off County meeting season, I attended the Morrow County League member meeting, held in conjunction with the Morrow County Livestock Association. While much of the week involved preparations for the upcoming Tri-State Convention, I was able to join the Oregonians for Food and Shelter board meeting, National Barley Improvement Council meeting and attend a meeting hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonneville Power Administration regarding Columbia River System Operations. Finally, the Commission office is officially moved into the World Trade Center facility in Portland and we are already hosting our first trade teams in the new building!

Week of October 28, 2024
Commissioner Martin and I met with a representative from Samyang Corporation, which is an important customer for Oregon wheat in Korea. The visit was preceded by the Wheat Marketing Center Board meeting, which included a review of technical collaborations for international markets that have taken place over the last quarter. It also included dedication of the SRC Shaker equipment, which was funded by the PNW Wheat Commissions. I attended the NAWG state staff meeting, with discussion primarily focused on Farm Bill and the FARM Act. I attended a meeting for the Commission state executives to review the summary on the proposed ‘Guiding Principles’ that will be a base for our own state strategic planning in April. I opened the 2025 Oregon Wheat Foundation scholarship, with applications due by February 1, 2025. On the administrative end, we engaged in the final preparations for the Commission office move to the World Trade Center building, which will occur this weekend. Finally, with convention only a few weeks away, we are spending a lot of time on the final preparation and look forward to seeing our members November 19-21 in Coeur d’Alene.

Week of October 21, 2024
This week we were joined by representatives for Chiba Flour Mills from Japan at the Portland office for a discussion on the specifics of the 2024 wheat crop functionality. The Commission sent notice on opening the pre-proposals for FY25-26 research investment consideration. I attended the Mid-Columbia producers annual meeting, providing a brief update for Oregon Wheat. I met with the new Executive Director for Idaho Grain Producers Association, prepared for the upcoming Tri-State Convention, and attended meetings related to statewide ag lobby issues. We are in final preparation for the upcoming Commission office move to the World Trade Center.

Week of October 14, 2024
Commissioner Tuckness and I joined our counterparts in Idaho and Washington for a South America market development visit. We had an opportunity to visit customers in both Peru and Chile, as well as the US Wheat Associates lab in Santiago. The visit included discussions with mills on their use of PNW wheat, upcoming shipments and new expansion opportunities. I also worked with the Wheat Marketing Center for the final updates to the 2024 PNW soft white crop quality report, which is now available online.

Week of October 7, 2024
As we continue to pursue action on the Farm Bill, I joined a farm tour this week for with the Western Region Legislative Caucus in Bickleton, WA. With crop quality assessment complete, I joined the crop quality seminar review to discuss upcoming presentations to our international customers for soft white, club, and hard white wheat. I met with CBARC and USDA-ARS Pendleton leads to discuss the framing of our proposal for ‘Beyond the Bushel’ research work into the value of wheat production systems. I also participated in meetings for River Values Funder updates, the NAWG Environment and Research Committee for an initial review of expiring resolutions, and the League Nominating Committee. This week also included a great deal of administrative prep work for the Tri-State Grain Convention. With temporary leave for League administrative staff, the League regular office hours will temporarily change to 8-3:30 Monday-Thursday and 8-5 Friday until mid-January.

Week of September 30, 2024
I joined the State Wheat Commission Administrators in Denver to work through the next iteration of industry guiding principles that we will also use as a base for Oregon strategic planning. I attended the U.S. Wheat Sanitary/Phytosanitary quarterly update meeting and confirmed an industry sector response for the League in relation to a wildfire funding subgroup. The League Executive Committee met with Agralytica, a USDA-RMA contractor assessing crop insurance quality discounts. The Committee also authorized DC fly-in travel and approved a letter of support for a candidate for Commission Producer Position #5. With the technical expiration of the Farm Bill this week, I provided updates to our leadership on the implications.

Week of September 23, 2024
The week featured legislative committee days at the state capitol, as well as continued workgroup meetings related to wildfire, research and solar siting. The League convened a meeting for Valley wheat producers to discuss the closure of Temco-lrving Street's facility and alternate options for wheat delivery. The Commission hosted the Japan Biscuit Association, continuing market development activities. The League signed several coalition letters, including ones to respond to the EPA’s draft Insecticide Strategy and to the Oregon DEQ Climate Protection Program. I joined a meeting with International Food Information Council, a meeting with a soil health group, a NAWG update meeting and completed an annual required lobby training.

Week of September 16, 2024
The week featured a joint meeting of the Commission and League with Farm Bill update from NAWG, market highlights from USW and river system discussion with PNWA. The Commission met to approve a budget modification for Dr. Barosso’s project, appoint committee members, and approve travel requests, along with conducting the CEO evaluation. The League Board met to recommend revised 2025 policies, adopt the annual report, and conduct the CEO evaluation. The Foundation board also met this week with election of officers, modifications to fundraiser sponsor levels. The board also voted to resurrect the cake baking contest, as coordinated by Foundation board member Dr. Bill Jepsen. It will initially be open to Morrow, Gilliam, Wasco, Sherman and Umatilla counties for participation. The NAWG ERC met to review comments on the draft EPA Insecticide Strategy. I attended the Oregonians for Food and Shelter board meeting and a Groundwater committee meeting. On the operational side, I conducted a staff evaluation, completed the determination for League healthcare options, prepared scholarship letters to go out to schools and ESD’s next month, and completed final October magazine editing.

Week of September 9, 2024
With a narrowing window for action, I traveled to Washington DC with our leadership for a cross-commodity Farm Bill fly-in to discuss the need for passage of a meaningful Farm Bill this year. I attended the WSDOT Lower Snake River Transportation Impact Study Industry review meeting, prepared for the League and Commission meetings next week and participated in the Wheat Breeding Innovation Committee meeting and the ODA Commodity Commission Oversight meeting. This was the final weekly crop quality report, which reflects consistency against the prior week for the quality and performance of the 2024 crop.

Week of September 2, 2024
Following the announcement from Temco of their permanent closure, the League coordinated a meeting for Willamette Valley growers at the end of September to discuss alternative wheat delivery options. I met with the Department Head for OSU Crop and Soil Science to discuss budget impacts for programs and the status of research funds. I attended the Solar rulemaking Ag technical advisory committee meeting, OBI Tax and Fiscal policy meeting and the weekly USW Crop conditions call. We have the Oregon Day at convention fully scheduled, with Representative Mark Owens speaking at the annual meeting, the three main federal agencies joining for the board meeting and Dean Staci Simonich providing a keynote at the gala. I prepared the meeting packet for the Foundation board meeting, scheduled for 9/17, and prepared meeting materials for the League and Commission meetings on 9/16. In operation items, I conducted the onboarding orientation with Commissioner Brent Martin and addressed issues related to assessment enforcement.

Week of August 26, 2024
The Oregon Wheat Commission met this week to review the PNW statement related to the deregulation of HB4 wheat. Commissioner Dana Tuckness and I welcomed a Japanese mid-level manager visit to Portland as we further long-term work in market development activities. The League signed-on to a cross-commodity Farm Bill Safety Net letter that urges action on the Farm Bill and strengthening of the safety net. I attended the monthly NAWG state staff meeting and met with researchers regarding future ag economic value papers and varietal release protocols. I attended the Eastern Oregon Solar Siting Rulemaking Committee meetings and the state transportation road show. Finally, the Food Aid working group met to discuss anticipated food aid learning journeys in 2025, a December fly-in, the status of food aid tenders and impacts on development funds for food aid.

Week of August 19, 2024
As part of an educational tour of the Lower Snake River Dams tour for congressional staff and ag industry leaders, President Bingaman and I joined Washington Association of Wheat Growers for a visit to the Lower Granite Dam. There were several large announcements this week on issues the League has been pursuing, including the release of the final EPA herbicide strategy. I communicated with industry regarding the anticipated impacts due to the Canadian rail worker strike. I attended the regular ag lobby meeting and participated in the LCDC Eastern Oregon Solar Rulemaking Technical Advisory Committee for Ag/ Forestry Mitigation meeting. The League signed a letter of support as the Port of Portland seeks resources for continuation of container service at T6. I met with OSU’s state lobbyist to discuss opportunities in the 2025 session to support applied research. For crop quality, sampling is nearing completion for Oregon.

Week of August 12, 2024
It was a market-development heavy week with three groups in the state. We started the week hosting the Southeast Asia Contracting for Wheat Value team with individuals from mills from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. That was followed by the annual tour throughout the state with representative from Nisshin and Rogers Mills, meeting with country elevators on the status of the 2024 crop. It ended with a weekend tour for the Philippines trade team. Aside from team activities, I participated in a review session regarding the WSDOT Lower Snake River Transportation Impact Study. I met with the ag group and the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the League joined a letter on EPA’s draft insecticide strategy. Registration officially opened for the tri-state convention and we welcome you to join us in November!

Week of July 29, 2024
This week I crossed the state to see harvest from the Willamette Valley to the Treasure Valley. With Congress in recess until the second week of September, the League was able to secure Representative Salinas for a discussion and farm tour in Amity, highlighting the need for timely passage of the Farm Bill. I then headed to Nyssa for the Korea Crop Survey team farm tour with League County President Kevin Corn and Commissioner Tuckness. Stopping in Pendleton on the return, we worked through the on-site portion of the League audit before I headed over to Portland to continue with the Korea Crop Survey team. This week is also our first glance at crop quality, with the first report from Wheat Marketing Center published. Based on a limited number of samples, it reflects good test weight, low protein, low moisture and overall good quality characteristics for soft white. IP17, which qualified for the November ballot, received a Measure number and the League has joined the “No on Measure 118” coalition. The measure is essentially a gross receipts tax of 3% on businesses with gross Oregon sales over $25 million per year. In other activities, I participated in the stakeholder review for the candidates for the Department Head for OSU Crop and Soil Science, attended the NAWG state staff meeting, responded to media inquiries and worked on convention items.

Week of July 22, 2024
With harvest well underway, the first set of Oregon samples arrived this week for quality testing, with delivery to the Wheat Marketing Center for processing. I adjusted the sample set based on timing of sample collections and harvest progression. Early in the week I met with Dean Simonich and Alexis Eichler from the OSU Foundation to discuss the future of the pathology program. I met with the Department of Ag’s International Trade Manager to discuss market opportunities and League staff met with the new NRCS State Conservationist, as well as the new Columbia Basin team lead. We anticipate the agencies to join us at convention in November where members can hear from them directly.

Week of July 15, 2024
Happy harvesting! With harvest, I am out of the office for a few days each week, but it remains an active time of year. I met with the consultant conducting the WSDOT Lower Snake River Dams Transportation Study to review impacts for Oregon wheat producers and attended the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association monthly member meeting. I participated in the stakeholder panels for the remaining candidates for the OSU Department Head for Crop and Soil Sciences position. I also attended the Oregonians for Food and Shelter Board meeting with an update to IP17, legislative actions and EPA. The League signed a coalition letter related to the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. I discussed crop quality sample reporting procedures and attended the USW weekly crop update. Finally, NAWG held an Environment and Research Committee meeting to provide feedback on draft of comments to USDA on climate smart feedstocks for biofuels.

Week of July 8, 2024
The U.S. Wheat Associates summer meeting in Oklahoma this week provided valuable discussions on the cost-competitiveness of US wheat, challenges with food aid, studies to address transportation and a panel on the status of the farm bill. I also participated in our state administrators’ meeting in advance of the event, with a focus on strategic planning towards developing a set of guiding principles. Returning to Oregon, I got out in the harvest field with League Secretary-Treasurer Thad Eakin in Sherman County. Other activities included participating in the River Values funders meeting, coordinating with Idaho to review a detailed proposal for the 2025 Grain Convention and attending the OBI Tax and Fiscal policy meeting. The League signed on to a coalition letter related to the Endangered Species Act Pesticide Risk Assessment Reform. Finally, I agreed to the amended Lease for the Commission’s new location at the World Trade Center.

Week of July 1, 2024
With the holiday, a shorter week in the office. I participated in the US Wheat Sanitary/Phytosanitary quarterly meeting where we were joined by APHIS representatives. I met with PNW Waterways Association on river system approaches and collaboration with the three PNW states. The League Executive Committee convened, approving a letter of support for Shaver Transportation’s grant application to design a hybrid tug. I coordinated on a large wheat sample needed for an expanding market, with appreciation to Mid-Columbia Producers for the cooperation. Finally, I continued meetings related to pathology programs, worked on convention items and moved the magazine on to the publisher for August.

Week of June 24, 2024
Oregon officially kicked off harvest, which we celebrated while hosting a farm tour for the Korea Contracting for Wheat Value team. I presented on a panel at the Oregon Ag law conference and held a meeting for our OSU research partners in Portland to discuss continuity of core pathology work following Dr. Mundt’s retirement and before the new hire is on board. I participated in the stakeholder panel with candidates for the OSU Department Head for Crop and Soil Science. With the end of the fiscal year, the week involved a lot of administrative items. The Oregon Wheat PAC met for final distributions following the primary elections. I received the appointment from Governor Kotek as the convener for the North Central Regional Solutions Advisory Committee. Finally, as with all weeks: a few virtual regular meetings, plus attending the NAWG Board of Directors meeting.

Week of June 17, 2024
We welcomed Natalia Simpson to the League office this week as our new Administrative Assistant and Membership Coordinator. I attended the AGPAC Educational Services Tour, which featured a stop at C&L Farms with Past President Collin Crocker. I presented on a “Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Food Systems” panel at the Eastern Oregon Economic Summit, discussing the importance of wheat in a global context. Immediately prior, I hosted a representative from one of our larger Japanese flour milling companies for a briefing on our operations and the status of the 2024 crop progress. I joined our state Commission executives for a discussion with a Global Strategist from Rabobank for an overview of the U.S. Wheat Situation and Outlook. League leadership met with the Governor’s Natural Resource Policy Advisor to discuss water policy. In other activities, I attended the Pacific Northwest Waterways briefing on river system issues, the U.S. Wheat states meeting for crop condition updates and the NAWG Operations and Planning meeting.

Week of June 10, 2024
The League board met to pass the FY 24-25 budget, tour President Bingaman’s farm in Imbler, discuss policy positions related to the 2025 state legislative session and renew our contract with Dalton Advocacy. The Commission hosted a technical baking team from Korea for a tour at Dierickx Farms. Leadership for the League joined OSU Dean Staci Simonich for a dinner following the board meeting. I attended the Pendleton Field Day and Wasco County crop tour and joined the Groundwater Quality Coalition meeting. We are excited to welcome Natalia Simpson to the League office as our Administrative Assistant/Membership coordinator. The remainder of the week was spent preparing for incoming trade teams and dealing with end of fiscal year items.

Week of June 3, 2024
With the League board meeting scheduled next week, I completed the board packet. Main items are the budget, review of Farm Bill status and overview on state legislative items. I met with the Governor’s Natural Resource Policy Advisor to discuss their approach to water policy. The League hosted the June Wheat Talk featuring Agwest Farm Credit talking about interest rates and the effects of inflation on farm operations. I participated in the weekly call with the states on crop conditions and harvest progress as other states move forward and conditions for Oregon continue to look favorable. I met with Wheat Marketing Center to review Crop Quality sampling improvements in advance of the 2024 harvest season, and attended the NAWG Budget and Environment and Research Committee meetings. We completed round 1 candidate interviews for the League Administrative Assistant/Membership Coordinator position, with round two interviews scheduled next week.

Week of May 20-27, 2024
I joined the US Wheat World staff conference, a gathering that occurs every other year to cover topics of relevance to the industry. It was also an opportunity to honor retiring staff, including Jeff Coey (USW-Beijing/Hong Kong) and Roy Chung (USW-Singapore). The House Ag Committee marked up proposed Farm Bill language and the House Farm Bill was reported out of Committee by a vote of 33 to 21. I closed the first-round application window for the League Administrative Assistant position, with initial interviews to be conducted next week. The Commission’s lease is signed and complete for moving to the World Trade Center.

Week of May 13, 2024
Following the approval of the Commission budget at the May meeting, we are working through execution on contracts. I also worked on final elements for the Commission for the co-located space with U.S. Wheat Associates in Portland. I attended the Oregonians for Food and Shelter Board meeting for a discussion on pesticide issues/ regulations and the Keep Oregon Green Board meeting for a discussion on wildfire preparedness/ prevention. We continued work for upcoming incoming trade teams. We have had a strong response to the job opening, which will remain open until May 24 for the first-round consideration. Finally, we sent out the Farm Bill action alert in advance of activities next week.

Week of May 6, 2024
The Commission met this week, with approval of the FY 24-25 budget, election of new officers, audit acceptance, review of the variety app and approval of updated policies, among other items. The Oregon Wheat PAC also met to discuss contributions, with determination on initial allocations. This week also featured a USW-sponsored group from China analyzing options for increasing use of U.S. Wheat in products: from frozen dough to whole grain to pre-mix products. We hosted them for a tour at Behrman farms. I attended the monthly NAWG policy meeting, NAWG board meeting, and USW crop conditions meeting. I presented to the Salem Rotary, executed the auditor agreement for the League, and addressed facilities items.

Week of April 29, 2024
The chairs for the House and Senate ag committees released their individual farm bill proposals this week, giving us an opportunity to comb through the summaries. We are continuing team season in full force as I met with a delegation of Japanese Flour Millers Association Executives to discuss the 2024 crop. The group represented roughly 80% of the flour milling capacity in Japan. We enjoyed a beautiful day out raising funds for the Foundation at the 27^th annual golf scramble. With appreciation to Lucy and well-wishes as she moves on to her next adventures, we are working through the team transitions. I posted our job opening for the Administrative Assistant/Membership Coordinator role. I attended the OSU Columbia Basin Ag Research Center ribbon cutting and tour of the research plots. We conducted the final cereal grains candidate pathology interview this week and I attended the NAWG budget committee meeting. With the Commission meeting/ budget hearing next week, I finalized all materials for the meeting packets.

Week of April 22, 2024
Attended an FBI ag threats symposium to kick off the week. Engaged in an industry stakeholder panel for the the first two candidate interviews for the OSU cereal pathology position. Met with an Egyptian team hosted by US Wheat as they look at expanding purchases of spring wheat. Attended the NAWG monthly state staff call, which primarily focused on insights into the House Ag Committee’s planned markup of the Farm Bill. Conducted a board orientation with Josh Macnab in Sherman County. Met with Senator Merkley to discuss Farm Bill priorities, Columbia River System, trade and thank him for the introduction of the Oregon Bounty Research Act. I ended the week coordinating upcoming team visits and additional farm tours for May and June.

Week of April 15, 2024
Kicked off trade team season this week, with a Korean noodle technical team in Oregon. We ended the week for them with a farm tour to see North Valley League President TJ Bernards’ operations. Earlier in the week, I hosted my counterparts from the Idaho Wheat Commission and Washington Grain Commission in Portland for a planning session. I joined an Oregon state ag association executives roundtable which included representatives from DEQ to discuss rulemaking for the Climate Protection Program 2024. The League staff participated in a planning meeting for the upcoming 2024 tri-state convention, to be held in Coeur d’Alene. The League submitted comments to DLCD in relation to the eastern Oregon solar rulemaking process. We received the much-anticipated announcement of the $1 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding to provide for the purchase, shipment and distribution of U.S. wheat and other commodities for USAID international food assistance programming. Wheat makes up the largest portion of emergency food assistance managed by USAID’s Food for Peace office. We closed the sponsor and team registration for the May 1^st Oregon Wheat Foundation Golf Scramble fundraiser. With a total of 30 teams, we will see a lot of friends out golfing with the 27^th annual event! Thank you to our generous sponsors for this event.

Week of April 8, 2024
The Commission met this week to review the preliminary budget and assess procedures for crop quality sampling. The League and Commission joined in a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expressing appreciation for the work to complete lock maintenance on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. I visited the resilient dryland farming trials at the Pendleton station and responded to a wheat variety release proposal targeted to the Willamette Valley. In addition to regular weekly meetings, I joined the NAWG Operations and Planning meeting and a hard red winter crop sampling planning meeting. On the operational end, I began preparing the draft FY 24-25 League budget, worked on the Commission lease and transmitted the League support letter to Oregon Department of Agriculture for commissioner appointment consideration. With stripe rust identified in a susceptible variety at the plots in Pendleton, OSU sent a notice encouraging growers to scout their fields.

Week of April 1, 2024
The Executive Committee met this week, discussing 2025 convention plans, receiving an update on a regional issue, and recommending support letters for commission appointees. I conducted a new member board orientation, visiting Culver to see the expanding farm operations for Kyle and Jordan Bender. I completed the Commission meeting packet as the Commission will convene next week to meet with crop quality sampling cooperators and discuss a proposed FY 24-25 budget. I attended the USW quarterly Sanitary Phytosanitary meeting, which included an APHIS representative, and participated in the weekly US Wheat crop conditions call. I finalized the agenda for our upcoming May legislator tour as DAi begins outreach for attendees. It is modeled after an Idaho example and will be the first one hosted by the League. Other activities in the week were primarily operational in nature, including discussions on finalizing a lease proposal for the Commission.

Week of March 25, 2024
This week I joined the USDA Korea Ag Trade Mission. U.S. Wheat Associates’ Korea office arranged a beneficial schedule of visits to our primary customers, with stops at end product manufacturers. The South Valley Wheat growers annual meeting took place, with Jason Flowers attending along with our regional leadership. The Wheat Marketing Center met, with Commissioner Padget attending as the Commission representative. I worked on items for the upcoming April Commission meeting, including finalization of the draft budget.

Week of March 18, 2024
The week was dominated by participation in in the North and South/Southeast Asia Unified Export Strategy meetings. It is a continuation from the prior week, with this week’s efforts focusing to the review of strategies for the Korea, China and Taiwan offices. The Commission received ODA approval for the contract agreement with the OSU Foundation to establish the cereal grains pathology endowment and we are working through the final execution. I communicated with federal partners regarding international food aid, proposed Bills and League positions. I attended regular meetings, including the Ag Execs meeting and Ag Education Services meeting. At the conclusion of the week, I departed for the Korea Ag Trade Mission.

Week of March 11, 2024
I spent the week participating in the North and South/Southeast Asia Unified Export Strategy (UES) meetings. The UES is an extensive planning process that identifies opportunities for export growth, addresses threats, develops strategies for export potential and reports on metrics from prior years strategies. This week included review for the Japan and South/SE Asia UES. I also participated in a virtual meeting with U.S. Wheat on the crop quality sampling process. We secured a date for the inaugural Oregon Wheat legislative tour in May. While I was out at the UES meetings, the League hosted the March Wheat Talk featuring NRCS and Wallowa County held its annual member meeting, in coordination with the Wallowa County Grain Growers.

Week of March 4, 2024
The Oregon Legislature adjourned the 2024 short session on Thursday, two days earlier than expected. The League Executive Committee met to review financials, discuss the status of the state legislative session, consider a support request for the Klamath Water Users Association and discuss tri-state grain convention. I attended the joint Sherman/Wasco County League member meeting and met with U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Portland staff to discuss the general outline of anticipated trade and technical teams scheduled to be in Oregon this year. I began preparing for crop quality work for 2024, meeting with USW on policies and with Plains Grains Institute and Wheat Marketing Center on budget proposals. On the operations side, the Commission’s audit is moving quickly, with the on-site portion completed this week.

Week of February 26, 2024

A busy week as we divided responsibilities to cover coinciding events for the Commission and League.

The Commission hosted the annual growers workshop in Portland. I joined for the first portion of the day to provide an overview of the Commission and League, before departing for the National Association of Wheat Growers annual meeting in Houston- held in conjunction with Commodity Classic. In addition to NAWG Board activities which included passing annual resolutions and priorities for the association, the week included a celebration of outgoing NAWG President Brent Cheyne, honoring national wheat yield contest winners and engaging in panels on the Farm Bill and agency issues. On the state side, the legislature passed the second chamber work session deadline this week, turning another corner as we near the end of session. In addition, I met with US Wheat Associates staff regarding an update to the ‘state resource guide’ used in our work with the foreign offices and trade teams. I met with the U.S. DOT Volpe Center and USDA as they work on an update to their report on the Importance of Inland Waterways to U.S. Agriculture. On the administrative end, I executed the agreement for Commission auditing services and met with them virtually this week.

Week of February 19, 2024

County meeting season continued with the Union/Baker wheat producers meeting this week. The State Legislative Session turned the corner, marking the passage of the halfway point. Among other actions, the ‘canola bill’ (HB 4059 extending the 500-acre limit in the Willamette Valley) passed on party lines out of the House. I attended the Oregon Farm Services Agency State Committee meeting and presented the League’s Farm Bill priorities. The final 2024 Preferred Variety Brochure is published and posted on our website. I have signed an updated Letter of intent with OSU Foundation on the Cereal Grains Pathology Endowment, following a tremendous commitment from Dean Simonich for matching funds.

Week of February 12, 2024

Week of February 5, 2024

Week of January 29, 2024

The 2024 legislative session begins next week, and our lobby team has been hard at work. We have the initial bill tracker, listing priority issues for the League. Given the short session timeline, everything will move quickly. I attended the PNW Wheat Quality Council meeting, which included a review of experimental lines, evaluation of quality by domestic and international cooperators, overview of the updated Preferred Varieties brochure and discussion on upcoming issues for breeding programs. I prepared a letter to the record from the League for the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the Columbia-Snake River dams. With the Foundation Board meeting scheduled for next week, I finalized the budget and meeting packet. In addition to administrative business, topics include the Golf Scramble and the scholarship awards which had deadline for submission this week.

Week of January 22, 2024

We had a successful week in Washington D.C. for visits to the Hill to discuss Farm bill priorities and the importance of the Columbia Snake River system. Prior to meeting with our Oregon delegation, we had a briefing from Senate Ag Committee Chair Senator Stabenow and Ranking Member Senator Boozman, offering insight on the Farm Bill progress. The week also included a series of meetings with U.S. Wheat Associates and National Association of Wheat Growers. In addition to committee and board business, NAWG and USW held plenary sessions that featured discussion with USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Alexis Taylor and USTR Ambassador Doug McKalip. In other activities this week, the League joined a letter of support to reaffirm and clarify provisions in FIFRA related to pesticide labeling and packaging.

Week of January 15, 2024

The League Board met to discuss positions on issues in advance of the short session which begins February 5. The Executive Committee authorized submission of letters to OSU regarding the statewide programs and to EPA on treated seed regulations. I attended the monthly Pacific NW Waterways Association meeting, with discussion focused on the status of the Columbia-Snake River System. I attended a meeting with U.S. Wheat on their anticipated application to the Regional Ag Promotion Program (RAPP) Funds. Along with a group of stakeholders, I met with Dean Simonich as part of the Crop and Soil Science Department Search Committee. I worked with the University and OSU Foundation on a final updated endowment agreement/ statement of intent for the cereal grains pathology position which will go to the Commission in February. To the Oregon Board of Ag, I submitted a letter from League outlining our legislative priorities and crop conditions. The Commission met briefly this week as well, approving travel for the US-South Korea Agribusiness trade mission.

Week of January 8, 2024

January State Legislative days centered this week, with committee hearings framing the 2024 session which begins February 5. We welcomed Mia Pedersen to the Oregon Wheat Grower’s League as our new Director of Communications and she joined me for a meeting to review the status of the Columbia Snake River System operations, following the filing of the agreement between the U.S. Government and the Six Sovereigns. I joined a small group of ag CEOs for a meeting with Provost Feser in Corvallis to discuss funding allocation for the statewide programs. We also discussed the Cereal Grains Pathology Endowment as I work with OSU Foundation on the proposed agreement. I attended the Oregonians for Food/Shelter board meeting, NAWG monthly state staff call, and met with HAREC researchers on their pre-proposal research concepts. Finally, I was pleased to talk with growers during the annual Umatilla County Wheat Growers meeting in Pendleton where we also presented the 2023 Oregon Wheat awards to Chris Williams and Kathleen Cathey.

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