As I sit down to write this final column, I can’t help but reflect on what a whirlwind this past year has been. Between the phone calls, emails, and texts (on top of farming), there were days when it felt like I was juggling 20 things at once. But when I look back, I realize how much I’ve learned, how many people I’ve met, and how proud I am to have represented Washington’s wheat growers.
This past year has taken me from the rolling hills of home all the way to Washington, D.C., and just about everywhere in between. Being in D.C. opened my eyes to how government really works … or sometimes doesn’t. I met people who truly care about agriculture and others who had no idea what it takes to get a crop from the field to the table, and I’d like to think I helped open a few eyes to what farmers are really going through, because when you’re standing in front of policymakers, looking them in the eye, and explaining how their decisions affect real families back home, it changes the tone of the conversation.
I also had the chance to spend time in Olympia, where, again, it was great to put faces to names. There’s something about sitting across the table from someone that can’t be replaced by an email or a phone call. Whether we agreed or disagreed, I appreciated the opportunity to talk through issues that matter to our growers. It reminded me that relationships are what move things forward.
Another highlight was traveling to Pasco to work through Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) program options. Those meetings weren’t just about policy, they were about finding real solutions that could make a difference on the ground. Seeing so many people show up for our Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) meetings was also encouraging. They were well attended and filled with great conversations. Those moments reminded me why I took on this role in the first place, to be a voice for the farmer and to make sure that perspective is always at the table.
Over the past year, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges. From tariffs that squeezed wheat prices to NRCS funding freezes that put conservation programs on hold, it’s been a reminder that farming is never just about the weather. We’ve seen commodity prices that make us feel like we’re still selling wheat for what our fathers did in the 1970s. But somehow, we keep going because farmers have always been optimistic, sometimes stubbornly so. Even in uncertain times, we find a way forward.
Earlier this year, I wrote about trying for certainty in an uncertain world. That message still rings true. Whether it’s the farm bill debates, labor shortages, or new regulations, uncertainty has become a constant companion in agriculture. The one thing I’ve learned is that showing up makes a difference. When farmers take the time to engage, whether by attending a WAWG meeting, writing a letter, or visiting a legislator, it matters. We may not win every battle, but we keep the conversation honest.
Being WAWG president has also reminded me how important it is to have a good team around you. From the board members who give their time and ideas, to the staff who make sure things run smoothly, it’s been a privilege to work alongside people who truly care about agriculture. When you have a great group, it makes the long days of travel, policy discussions, and advocacy not only bearable but enjoyable.
My biggest takeaway from this experience is that politics, for better or worse, is a game of chess. It only takes one person or one move to change the board. Sometimes that works in our favor, and sometimes it doesn’t. That’s why it’s so important that farmers stay engaged. If we’re not at the table, someone else will make the move for us.
As I wrap up this final column, I want to say thank you to all the growers who’ve taken the time to share their stories, concerns, and ideas. You’re the reason I’ve been proud to serve. It’s been an honor to represent our industry and to speak on behalf of people who put their trust in me to carry their message forward.
The challenges in agriculture aren’t going away anytime soon, but neither is the determination of the American farmer. So, as I sign off for the last time, I’ll leave you with this: stay optimistic, stay involved, and never underestimate the power of one voice to make a difference.
Because sometimes, that one voice — yours — is exactly what changes the game.
