LANSING — As wheat emerges from fields across the state this spring, so does the new President of the National Association of Wheat Growers. In a first for the state of Michigan, Cass City wheat farmer Dave Milligan was elected president of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG).
As Milligan takes over the helm of the organization, there are a lot of issues important to wheat growers in which his leadership will be tapped. Milligan is no stranger to leadership positions. He has also served as the first and only chair of the Michigan Wheat Program since its inception in 2011, and was Michigan’s first representative on the NAWG board. Milligan has previously served as chairman of the Michigan Dry Bean Commission and American Dry Bean Board and has been involved in Farm Bureau’s commodity committees both on the state and national levels.
“I am looking forward to a very productive year, as we have an excellent board and staff in Washington, DC,” Milligan commented. “With a new Farm Bill in place and the MCA approved, my focus is on global trade as well as new technology and disease control through cutting-edge research.”
“Over the last nine years I’ve learned about NAWG from the ground up,” he said. “I’ve served on virtually all the NAWG Committees and have worked my way up through the officer chain, which has broadened the horizons for me personally, and also benefits the Michigan Wheat Program and growers in our state.”
“It’s very important to me that Michigan, which produces 11% of US wheat, is engaged in the national dialogue. Our issues are tightly linked and our agenda must be similarly unified,” he commented.
As NAWG vice president, Milligan succeeded Lavon, Texas, wheat farmer Ben Scholz as president of the national organization.
“We are excited for Dave Milligan to take over as NAWG’s next President. Dave is the first wheat farmer from Michigan to be elected to this post,” commented NAWG CEO and National Wheat Foundation Executive Director Chandler Goule.
Back in Michigan, ag leaders expressed their support.
“Of course, the entire board and I are proud of Dave’s leadership both in Michigan, and bringing Michigan’s voice to the top rung in NAWG’s leadership,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program. “We think this is a big feather in Michigan’s cap, given that growers only created a wheat check-off program in 2011. We’ve come a long way and, among many others, we have Dave Milligan to thank.”
“Michigan is proud to have Dave Milligan serve and represent wheat farmers across this country,” said Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Having been an active, strategic leader for the Michigan Wheat Program for more than a decade—and having served on numerous NAWG committees and in various leadership positions—Dave’s knowledge and experience will prove to be an invaluable asset for America’s wheat growers.”
“I have worked with Dave Milligan for several years through the Michigan Wheat Program’s research,” said Doug Buhler, Director of MSU AgBioResearch and Assistant Vice President of Research and Innovation, Michigan State University. “Not only is it good for Michigan growers to have Dave as the NAWG President, it is good for the University. Dave is a huge advocate for research and having him on the frontline fighting for more wheat research dollars is important to our research program and our researchers.”
“We all look forward to Dave’s next year as NAWG President,” added Pollok-Newsom. “He has done a great job looking out for our state and its needs and now it is time for him to focus on national issues and farmers needs in these tough times. I know if anyone can do it, Dave is the right one for the job.”
NAWG is the primary policy advocate in Washington, DC, for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national level. From their offices on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials and the public.
The Michigan Wheat Program is funded by nearly 8,000 farmers who grow wheat in 50 of Michigan’s 83 counties. The Michigan Wheat Program board seeks to promote the state’s wheat industry by funding and supporting the strategic priorities of wheat farmers working with input suppliers, seed producers, millers, end users and consumers. Research on wheat production practices and grower education has been a continued focus for the organization.
— Michigan Wheat Program
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