09/11/06 Summit looks at future of wheat in U.S.

Farm and Ranch September 11, 2006 The National Association of Wheat Growers and the North American Millers Association put together a summit In Kansas City last week about the future of wheat production in the U.S. Dale Schuler, president of NAWG, explains why. Schuler: "We have recognized that there is a great concern in the wheat industry about the economic future and viability of the production of wheat in this country. So part of our discussion was to discuss that problem, some of the challenges we face and also out of that some opportunities and the future direction we might go in advancing our discussions and working together to ensure there is a viable future in the wheat industry in this country." U.S. wheat acreage has dropped 30 percent since 1980. Guy Shoemaker, chairman of the North American Millers Association says one of the most important things about the summit was that everyone in the wheat supply chain was represented, from producers to processors, transportation interests to grocery stores. He says participants agreed to develop a vision and strategy around four areas; Shoemaker: "Research, domestic competitiveness, public policy and land use and then the export competitiveness of wheat out of the U.S." In the coming weeks information and conclusions from the Summit will be compiled and the sponsoring organizations will meet with those who attended to formulate a strategic plan for moving forward. I'm Bob Hoff and that's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.