By Scout Nelson
Kansas wheat leaders played a major role at the 2026 U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Summer Board Meeting held from June 22 to June 25 in Fargo, North Dakota. The annual event brought together wheat growers, industry representatives, and USW staff to discuss export opportunities, wheat research, transportation, food aid programs, and the future competitiveness of U.S. wheat.
A key highlight of the meeting was the appointment of Gary Millershaski as the new chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates. He succeeds North Dakota producer Jim Pellman and takes leadership of the organization at a significant time for the wheat industry.
Despite weather-related production challenges and uncertainty in global markets, U.S. wheat exports performed strongly during the 2025/26 marketing year. Export shipments increased by nearly 15 percent, reaching 23.7 million metric tons, or 870.8 million bushels. This marked the highest export volume recorded in the past five years.
As chairman, Millershaski will help guide efforts to expand export markets and strengthen relationships with wheat buyers in more than 100 countries worldwide. His leadership will support ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing demand for U.S. wheat and maintaining its position in the global marketplace.
The board meeting also focused on several important industry topics, including transportation systems, food aid programs, wheat quality, market development, and long-term strategic planning. These discussions were designed to ensure that U.S. wheat remains competitive and continues to meet the needs of international customers.
Kansas leadership was further highlighted during a panel discussion titled “Funding and Collaboration for Future Wheat Research Success.” Experts discussed the need for greater investment in wheat research and the value of partnerships among universities, state wheat commissions, and industry organizations.
The panel emphasized that collaboration could accelerate innovation and help farmers gain access to improved wheat varieties, advanced breeding techniques, and better crop management tools. The Musil Center for Sustainable Wheat Production was presented as an example of how partnerships can strengthen research capabilities and drive future advancements.
In addition, meeting attendees reviewed the return on investment from export promotion activities, opportunities for market growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, global supply-and-demand trends, wheat breeding developments, and end-use quality improvements.
The meeting reinforced the importance of research, innovation, and market development in supporting wheat farmers. With Gary Millershaski now serving as chairman, the organization will continue working to strengthen the future of U.S. wheat, with the next summer board meeting scheduled to take place in Kansas in 2027.
Photo Credit: us-wheat-associates
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat, Education