As you know, WAWG is a grassroots organization and our growers’ voices are critical when it comes to visiting with legislators. We will be going to Olympia for our annual Olympia Days Jan. 18-20, 2026. We try and meet with at least 50 legislators during our day and a half of visits. We like to have at least three to ... Read More »
By Andy Juris Klickitat County grower and Past President, Washington Association of Wheat Growers The hardship of the past Things were bad. So bad, that no one could remember a time when they weren’t. The price of wheat hit an all-time low, just 25 cents, barely half of what it cost to grow. Rain had failed for four straight years, ... Read More »
By Michelle Hennings Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers Happy Harvesting. This time of year reminds us that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance, and we appreciate the beauty of nature, the joy of hard work, and the power of gratitude! The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) has consistently advocated for a modernized farm bill. The current ... Read More »
By Michelle Hennings Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers Happy New Year! There’s been a lot of changes in the last couple months. Not only do we have a large number of new state lawmakers and a new governor, we are also dealing with a change in administration in Washington, D.C. The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) has ... Read More »
The Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG), in partnership with the Washington State Potato Commission, The McGregor Company, and Northwest RiverPartners, is hosting a tour for more than a dozen U.S. congressional staffers from Washington, D.C., as well as the region’s district offices, on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The objective of the tour is to have the federal staffers see for ... Read More »
From the National Association of Wheat Growers On July 25, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the Request for Information on Climate Smart Biofuel feedstocks. The comments focused on the environmental benefits of winter wheat and the need to recognize crop rotations and winter crops that function as cover ... Read More »
From the Capital Press Farmers need to tell their story, but sometimes it can be hard to find someone — lawmakers, city reporters or the public — who will listen. Retired Washington wheat farmer and longtime industry leader Randy Suess described his frustrations when asking some reporters to cover farm matters. Read the rest of the article here. Read More »
Washington Association of Wheat Growers (WAWG) and other Columbia-Snake River System advocates will be participating in a Mississippi River Tour June 24-28 to understand the challenges other river systems face and how they are investing in those systems to keep them in good working order now and for the future. Joining WAWG Executive Director Michelle Hennings are representatives from Port ... Read More »
Late last month, Washington Association of Wheat Growers President Anthony Smith joined Washington Grain Commission Chairman Ben Barstow in supporting the Port of Tacoma’s petition to eradicate an invasive snail. Cernuella virgata, also called the vineyard snail, was first detected at the Port in 2005. The snails feed on and contaminate field crops including wheat, barley, oats, peas, and canola, and ... Read More »
By Michelle Hennings Executive Director, Washington Association of Wheat Growers Boy, does time fly by. I can’t believe it’s already time for my executive director column. The past six months have been busy with travel, meetings, and working many issues. We’ve done farm bill fly-ins to Washington, D.C.; participated in multiple workgroups and a Food for Peace event; organized a ... Read More »
WAWG