Prairie Shortcuts

NAWG Hires Director of Environmental Issues
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) has named Brian Sweatland assistant director of government affairs.  Previously, Sweatland was legislative assistant/deputy press secretary for Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, where he managed the Senator’s legislative agenda for natural resources and public lands, fisheries and wildlife, oil and gas and environmental issues. As assistant director, Sweatland will lead NAWG’s efforts on environmental and conservation issues.

ND Congressmen Among Wheat Champions Recognized by NAWG
The NAWG recognized Congressional recipients of its 2000 Wheat Champion Award, during the NAWG annual board meeting held in Washington, D.C. this spring.  The award is given annually to Members of Congress who have demonstrated superior action in support of the goals and policies of the wheat industry as a member of either the House or Senate, regardless of party affiliation. This year’s recipients are: Sen. Conrad Burns, R-MT; Rep. Larry Combest, R-TX; Sen. Kent Conrad, D-ND; Sen. Larry Craig, R-ID; Sen. Mike Crapo, R-ID; Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-ND; Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-MO; Rep. Jerry Moran, R-KS; Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK; Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-ND; Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS and Rep. Charlie Stenholm, D-TX.

Also, Scott Carlson, staff to Sen. Conrad, and Dale Thorenson, staff to Sen. Dorgan, were among eight Congressional staff members to be recognized with a “2000 Friend of Wheat Award,” given annually to a select number of congressional or administrative staff who have demonstrated support for the U.S. wheat industry above and beyond the norm, without which the goals and policies of the wheat industry could not be achieved.

BASF, NAWG Appoint 2001 Wheat Ambassadors
BASF Corporation and the NAWG have announced the appointment of 14 growers from across the nation as 2001 Wheat Ambassadors, who will serve as leaders and spokesmen for the wheat industry. The Ambassador Program — sponsored by BASF and the NAWG — provides participants the tools needed to effectively communicate with state and national legislators, media and other growers to positively affect agriculture in their communities, as well as across the nation.

Among the 14 wheat growers in the 2001 Ambassador Class are Mark D. Anderson, Regent, ND; Michael Bruer, Alberta, MN; Gregory Daws, Michigan, ND; and Bryan Hest, Perley, MN.  Now in its ninth year, the program originally was co-sponsored by American Cyanamid, which was acquired by BASF in 2000. BASF has stated it will continue supporting this industry program. 

SD Wheat Inc Reorganizes Board
New members were recently elected to the SD Wheat Inc. board of directors. New directors include: District One, Todd Goeringer, Belle Fourche; District Two, Lee Briggs, Midland; District Three, Bill Huber, Parmelee; District Four, Steve Masat, Redfield; District Five, Larry Nagel, Gettysburg; District Six, Carl Schwab, Andover; and District Seven, Chet Edinger, Mitchell. New officers of South Dakota Wheat Inc. are Larry Nagel President, Carl Schwab Vice-President, and Bill Huber Secretary/Treasurer.

Area Women Participate in Syngenta Leadership Program
Syngenta Crop Protection and the NAWG recently sponsored a leadership program for women in the wheat industry. Held early April in Greensboro, NC, participants focused on leadership techniques, communication skills, media training and lobbying skills.  The program updates women on issues affecting agriculture, and encourages their leadership in wheat organizations on local, state, and national levels.  Tara Dagman, Red Lake Falls, MN; Marlene Dufault, Crookston, MN; and Sylvia Daws, Michigan, ND, were among the participants.

MAWG Golf Tourney July 12
The 2001 Wheat Open Golf Tournament will be held at the Thief River Golf
Club in Thief River Falls, MN on Thursday, July 12.  For more information, contact the MN Wheat office, 1-800-242-6118.