Wheat Industry Gets New Leader as U.S. Producers Expand Exports to Bangladesh

Dave Price
Oct 10
2 min read

Wheat field at harvest time with combine

The incoming leader of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) can spend the next few weeks getting ready to lead an industry that, like many others, has questions about its future. Sam Kieffer will bring decades of farm, military, economic policy, and advocacy experience when he takes over the organization as CEO on November 1.

“I’m honored to join NAWG at such a pivotal time for wheat growers across the country,” Kieffer said in a news release. “Having grown up on a farm, it has been a privilege to dedicate my career to serving farmers, and I’m proud to champion their cause in this new role. I look forward to working alongside NAWG’s dedicated members, board and staff to tackle challenges and ensure a bright future for farm families and rural America.”

Kieffer grew up on his family’s grain and beef cattle farm in Pennsylvania. He later served as an officer in the United States Army and Pennsylvania Army National Guard. And he previously worked as Vice President of Public Policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

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Bangladesh Turns to U.S. Wheat

Kieffer may see improved export potential for U.S. wheat to Bangladesh. Bangladesh has frequently looked to the Black Sea for its wheat. But a new agreement could bring approximately 220,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat to Bangladesh.

That could provide a wider variety of wheat suppliers. But it could also earn some positive points with President Donald Trump, who has prioritized a global trade war that is unlike anything in modern history and has stymied exports for some U.S. producers.

Reuters reported that the deal with Bangladesh secures $308 per ton for the U.S. wheat. And it follows a previous memorandum of understanding that laid out the framework for a five-year commitment. The agreement calls for 700,000 metric tons of wheat annually from the U.S. to Bangladesh.

U.S. Wheat Supply Data Delayed Due to Government Shutdown

The partial federal government shutdown delayed the USDA’s release of the October WASDE, crop progress, and supply-demand data. Grain Price News detailed the marketed expectations – relying on private sources of information – for the upcoming wheat harvest.

Previous USDA estimates called for 844 million bushels. The market expects a mean of 880 million bushels.