NAWG Celebrates 75 Years of Advocacy at 2025 Commodity Classic 

3.5.25 Denver, CO – Farmers and industry leaders have gathered in Denver for the 2025 Commodity Classic, the nation’s largest farmer-led agricultural event, showcasing the latest in ag technology, markets, and policy. A major highlight this year was the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) celebrating its 75th anniversary—marking decades of advocacy and innovation for wheat producers across the country.

During the event, past NAWG presidents, including Dusty Tallman of Colorado, Gary Broyles of Montana, and Bing Von Bergen of Montana, reflected on the importance of farmer-led leadership in shaping agricultural policy.

Watch the interview with Tallman, Broyles and Von Bergen: 

Tallman emphasized the ongoing challenge of ensuring agricultural representation in legislative bodies.

"Most of them don’t know anything about farming," Tallman said. "Even in Colorado, we’ve only got about two people in agriculture serving in the state legislature. It’s even worse in D.C. There’s just not a lot of representation for ag. So not just wheat, but corn, beans, and sorghum—they have to have us back or they won’t know what we need."

Broyles echoed that sentiment, highlighting the passion that drives volunteer leaders to advocate for farmers in Washington.

"It wasn’t about some ego trip or personal agenda," Broyles said. "We did it because of our passion for agriculture and the people in it—our families, our neighbors. There are a lot of people in Washington making decisions that affect our industry who don’t understand it. Our job was to articulate how those decisions impact our families."

Von Bergen, another past president, admitted that many agricultural leaders, himself included, were reluctant at first but ultimately found value in stepping up.

"Most of us were reluctant leaders. We do most things in solitude, so your first inclination is to say no," Von Bergen said. "But it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. My knowledge of agriculture and how politics affect our industry has grown. If you stand by the wayside, someone else will step in—and they may not have the best interests of agriculture in mind."

For 75 years, NAWG has been a driving force in advocating for wheat growers, from policy to sustainability. As the industry moves forward, growers remain at the forefront of shaping its future.

The 2025 Commodity Classic continues to serve as a platform for farmers to engage with policymakers, industry experts, and each other to ensure a strong future for American agriculture.

Coverage of the 2025 Commodity Classic is brought to you by Grounded from Helena—helping farmers spray smarter this season.