Welcome wheaties! What's on tap for the 2025 Washington Grain Convention

2025 October 2025
By Trista Crossley
Editor

Washington grain growers will be cultivating solutions to yield success at the annual 2025 convention Nov. 17-19 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The convention offers growers the opportunity to hear state and national policy updates, listen to nationally known keynote speakers, participate in educational breakout sessions, socialize, and maybe do a little Christmas shopping at the Washington Wheat Foundation’s silent auction, which raises money to support the industry through various activities, including funding research equipment and scholarships. This year, the convention will be a one-state affair, focused solely on the Washington grain industry.

“We are looking forward to celebrating a successful harvest with our fellow Washington growers,” said Michelle Hennings, executive director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG). “Our staff has been busy putting together an exciting and informative line-up of speakers and breakout sessions that is sure to appeal to everyone. We’ve also moved the dinner and auction earlier in the schedule so our exhibitors can join us.”

Keynote speakers will include:

Ray Starling has been the chief of staff to a U.S. senator and cabinet secretary, worked at the White House, and been involved in crafting public policy for more than 15 years. He returned to North Carolina in 2019 to serve as general counsel to the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
Jolene Brown is a walking, talking champion for the people of agriculture. She shares her credibility, authenticity, humor, and wisdom with audiences worldwide through her writing, keynotes, and workshops. Every farm family has to deal with business transition; Brown helps families to navigate this change with wisdom, compassion, and straightforward advice.
Arlan Suderman is the chief commodities economist for StoneXGroup Inc., where he oversees the company’s commodity market intelligence efforts. Suderman provides unique market insight on global macroeconomic trends and their implications for the commodity markets.
Eric Snodgrass is the principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, where he develops predictive, analytical software to help producers manage weather risk.

The annual convention is also an opportunity to take care of some business. The WAWG board will participate in a strategic planning session on Monday, Nov. 17, and Washington growers are invited to attend the WAWG all-committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9:30 a.m. During the committee meeting, members will hear from U.S. Department of Agriculture state leaders and review and update WAWG’s resolutions. The resolutions help direct WAWG’s advocacy efforts for the coming year. Members that can’t attend the meeting are welcome to call the WAWG office at (509) 659-0610, and a staff member can submit comments on their behalf. A copy of the current resolutions can be downloaded at wawg.org/about-us/.

“I encourage growers to attend the all-committee meeting to make sure their concerns and suggestions are heard and incorporated into our resolutions,” Hennings said. “WAWG is a volunteer-led organization, and our advocacy and lobbying efforts are directed by our members’ input. We need to hear from them.”

Registration and a complete convention schedule is available on WAWG’s website at wawg.org/convention/registration. Early registration ends Oct. 24. Here’s a closer look at some of the breakout sessions scheduled for the 2025 convention:

Global Wheat Trade and Market. U.S. Wheat Associates staff will help the audience to digest and better understand the news headlines of global wheat market outlooks and challenges.

D.C. Talk. Staff from the National Association of Wheat Growers will deliver an “inside the beltway” perspective about what farmers can expect from lawmakers moving into 2026. They will provide an update on the status of the farm bill as well as other federal issues.

Wheat Market Outlook. Dr. Randy Fortenbery’s session will focus on current market situations for wheat and issues/opportunities for the remainder of the crop year and into 2026.

Update on the Northwest Herbicide Resistance Initiative. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research Weed Scientist Olivia Landau will be providing the update and annual report of the Northwest Herbicide Resistance Initiative as well as demonstrating the tracking map of the program.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Update. Learn about program updates from Washington State Conservationist Roylene Comes at Night and WAWG Conservation Coordinator Andrea Cox.

The Big Beautiful Bill: What Actually Changed? Justin Hunt from Leffel, Otis & Warwick, P.S., will discuss the tax-related benefits and challenges for farmers arising from the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill earlier this year.

Financial Matters in Down Times. Washington State University Extension’s Jon Paul Driver will be addressing how to assess your financial situation during the current downcycle.

Marketing Freshly Milled Flour Directly to Consumers. What does it take to sell wheat directly from your farm to consumers? This panel of wheat farmers is successfully doing just that, bringing their harvest straight to the people.

Thank you to our convention sponsors and exhibitors

Platinum

AgWest Farm Credit

Columbia Bank

Valley Wide Cooperative

Gold

The McGregor Company

Washington State Crop Improvement Association

Silver

Bank of Eastern Washington

Bayer/WestBred

Leffel, Otis & Warwick, P.S.