By Jamie Martin
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Keeff Felty recently testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Speaking during the “Perspectives from the Field” hearing, he emphasized the need for stronger support for American farmers amid rising costs and declining commodity prices.
“As I enter my 40th year in farming, the agricultural economy is facing a severe downturn the likes of which we haven’t seen since the early 1980s,” Felty stated. He expressed appreciation for recent economic and disaster relief efforts but stressed that long-term solutions are essential for farmers' financial stability.
Felty discussed last year’s multi-commodity fly-in to Washington, D.C., where agricultural groups pushed for a stronger farm safety net. He emphasized NAWG’s top priority—the protection of the crop insurance program.
Sharing his personal experience, he recalled how crop insurance helped his farm recover from a severe hailstorm, highlighting its role as a key defense against natural disasters.
Another major concern for wheat growers is the need to increase the wheat Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference price.
Felty noted that the reference price has remained unchanged since the 2018 Farm Bill, despite a 30% rise in production costs. The USDA projects that wheat farmers will face a loss of approximately $96 per acre in 2025.
“Increased input costs, high interest rates, and depressed commodity prices have created significant challenges for farmers in rural America,” Felty said. “These conditions underscore the need for a strong, robust, and meaningful farm bill.” He also pointed out that over half of US-grown wheat is exported, making trade policies crucial for the industry’s stability.
NAWG remains committed to working with lawmakers to ensure the next Farm Bill provides meaningful long-term support for wheat growers and rural communities.
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Categories: National