NDGGA reps. attend NAWG meeting

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota Grain Growers Association President John Weinand and First Vice President Jeff Mertz recently attended the Commodity Classic, America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show, March 2-4 in San Antonio. During the event the two men also represented North Dakota farmers at the annual meeting of the National Association of Wheat Growers.

Weinand, who serves on the NAWG’s Environmental and Renewable Resources Committee, says the upcoming Farm Bill was the main topic of discussion. “There are six different classes of wheat in the U.S. We need to represent the wheat grown in our state to ensure the Farm Bill takes into account our specific challenges,” he said. “North Dakota has been a top wheat-producing state, and we’re working to keep it that way.”

Mertz, who serves on the NAWG’s Domestic and Trade Policy Committee, says their participation in the meetings benefit all North Dakota producers. “We really advocate for all North Dakota agriculture, not only wheat and barley,” he said. “We work closely with all the other commodity groups to put on a unified front and get the Farm Bill passed.”

Weinand agreed that cooperation among all North Dakota commodity groups is essential. “Congress has already started meetings about the Farm Bill,” he said. “We’ve been working together, so when Congress is ready to start drafting legislation, we’ll be able to voice opinions for a plan that works best for all farmers.”

— North Dakota Grain Growers Association

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