Commodity Classic 2025: Key Policy Discussions Take Center Stage for Wheat Growers

3.4.25 Denver, CO – The nation's top agricultural leaders and producers have gathered in Denver for the 2025 Commodity Classic, where key discussions are focusing on farm policy, risk management, and economic aid for farmers.

Big Sandy, MT farmer, Nathan Keane, serves as the Treasurer of the National Association of Wheat Growers. He said there are many pressing issues facing the industry, including the rollout of new economic assistance programs and the push for a modernized Farm Bill.

Watch the entire conversation with Nathan Keane below: 

A major topic of conversation has been the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, recently announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The program, set to distribute $10 billion in economic aid and $20 billion in disaster relief, will open applications by March 20.

“When that rolled out, there was a 90-day window from when it was put in place to when it should be distributed,” said Keane. “We’ve been waiting for the new Secretary to take charge and move this forward. Now, listening to her, it sounds like in the next two to three weeks, we should see that funding become available.”

For wheat growers, the projected per-acre assistance rate is just over $38, while Montana producers across all commodities are expected to receive an average of $28 per acre.

Another priority for wheat growers is ensuring Congress passes a new Farm Bill in 2025. Keane emphasized the urgency of updating farm safety nets, noting that the 2018 Farm Bill was based on 2012 economic data, long before the impacts of COVID-19 and rising input costs reshaped the ag economy.

“Our current safety net is nowhere close to where it needs to be,” said Keane. “Risk mitigation and crop insurance need to reflect the realities of today’s farm economy. Without it, we risk losing more family farms.”

Volunteer leaders like Keane remain committed to advocating for policies that support family farms and ranches, ensuring that government programs provide practical and effective solutions for producers.

“Let’s keep family farms thriving by making policies that work for farmers,” Keane said. “Get the government out where it needs to be out, and keep it in where it’s actually helpful.”

Source: Western Ag Network