NAWG’S WHEAT INDUSTRY CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION POST-CONFERENCE NEWSLETTER
January 31, 2002

Editor’s Note: The 2002 Wheat Industry Conference and Exposition was a huge success this year. Taking place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando Florida, the wheat industry gathered for a time of learning about new technology and innovations in the industry as well as kicking back for a few good times and fellowship.

There were many highlights to be made during the conference. The following are some of the most significant events that occurred during the 2002 Conference in Orlando.

The Wheat Industry would like to extend a very special thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors for contributing to a successful conference. Your support to the wheat industry does not go unnoticed! Thank You for all that you do!

AG SECRETARY VENEMAN ADDRESSES WHEAT INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

NAWG was honored to have U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Ann M. Veneman address the General Session on Wednesday, January 16 at the annual Wheat Industry Conference and Exposition held in Orlando, Florida.

Secretary Veneman spoke on several topics of interest to wheat industry farmers including the administration’s perspective in passing a farm bill. Secretary Veneman stated, “ Let me assure you this administration remains committed to working with Congress to complete a farm bill quickly, one that will provide agriculture some certainty and to ensure that our farmers and ranchers have the assistance they need.”

She went on to add the President Bush does indeed believe in a bipartisan farm bill – “A bill that is based on sound principles, one that is generous, but affordable, and is consistent with the congressional budget agreement that was reached last year.”

Dusty Tallman, NAWG’s Immediate Past President stated, “She addressed concerns of the wheat industry. We appreciate the fact that the Administration has been involved for the past three months in efforts to pass a farm bill.”

Secretary Veneman also addressed the issue of trade. “Pursuing new trade accords and opening new markets is in the farmers’ best interest.” “Removing trade barriers around the world is fundamental to the long-term prosperity of the U.S. food and agriculture sector.” “There is a demand for wheat overseas, so we have to look to open new markets.” She added, “Trade is the future. That’s where America’s farmers will find growth and prosperity.”

The Secretary talked on the topic of value-added. She mentioned the success of the Dakota Growers Pasta Company. She called it, “A real tribute to what the wheat farmers of this country can do when they come together.”

She also discussed bioterrorism, which was a topic NAWG wished to be addressed. She said that the USDA has been working close with Homeland Security Advisor, Governor Tom Ridge, as well as other Federal and state agencies. With President Bush signing a new bill into law which would bolster security efforts here at home, the USDA was able to increase spending by more than $300 million to further strengthen food safety and plant and animal tests and disease protection and research.

Newly elected NAWG President Gary Broyles of Montana stated, " Secretary Veneman didn't offer hope that we would get the farm bill finished within the next month and that was disappointing, but I am encouraged that she continued to indicate assurances from the administration that the assistance we need will be there. I take that to mean the money as set forth in the current budget resolution." "Her strong pro-trade approach for agriculture shows her commitment to being our advocate of American food products around the world." "The Secretary was more personable than I'd ever seen her before , stopping to visit with many convention attendees. I thought that was very positive and we truly appreciate Secretary Veneman's presence at our conference."

NAWG would like to thank Secretary Veneman for taking the time to speak to those in the wheat industry at the 2002 Wheat Industry Conference.

2002-2003 NAWG OFFICERS NAMED

During the NAWG Board Meeting, held Tuesday, January 15, the 2002-2003 officers were installed.

Gary Broyles of Rapelje, Montana was installed as the 2002-2003 President of NAWG. Dusty Tallman, of Brandon, Colorado, the 2001-2002 President, now takes the title of Immediate Past President. He will continue to serve on NAWG’s board as an officer.

Mark Gage, of Page, North Dakota, moves to a new position as Vice President. Tommy Womack, of Tulia, Texas continues to serve as an officer in the capacity of Vice President.

Sherman Reese, who hails from Echo, Oregon was named NAWG’s new Secretary/Treasurer.

NAWG NAMES WHEAT INDUSTRY LEADER OF THE YEAR

NAWG was pleased to award the 2002 Wheat Industry Leader of the year award to Congressman Larry Combest. As the industry’s highest legislative honor, the award is given annually to one Member of Congress by the National Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Wheat Associates and the Wheat Export Trade Education Committee.

Congressman Larry Combest is the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and represents the 19th District of Texas. He is also the senior member of the House Small Business Committee. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1984.

“Congressman Combest has proven himself as a champion of the wheat industry above and beyond the call of duty,” said Colorado wheat producer Dusty Tallman, immediate past president of NAWG.

While Congressman Combest was unable to be present at the conference, due to a prior commitment, Dr. Craig Jagger, of the House Agriculture Committee accepted the award on his behalf.

WHEATPAC DINNER AND AUCTION SETS NEW RECORD

What a success! The 2002 NAWG WheatPAC dinner and auction in Orlando proved to be one of the best in years.

A night filled with fun, food, music and laughter, the House of Blues in Orlando housed this year’s event. Close to 400 participants participated in the dinner and auction.

With the Blues Brothers and a local house band providing the entertainment for the evening, contributors were keep lively all night long.

As many of you might be wondering, this year’s Auction totals were outstanding. With 375 tickets sold, the PAC raised $18,750 in ticket sales alone. (This total does not include staff, complimentary tickets or exhibitors).

The auction items (both silent and live) raised $45,154.00. The auction’s total including both tickets and items for 2002 is $ 63,904.00. This total is over $13,000.00 more than last year’s total.

Some of the items auctioned included chemicals donated by Bayer, FMC Corporation, Monsanto Company, Gustafson, LLC, Aventis CropScience and Syngenta Crop Protection. New Holland North America donated a lawn tractor, while Case IH Corporation donated 50 hours on a CASE Magnum tractor. AGCO donated 100 hours on a AGCO DT 225 tractor.

Other WheatPAC donations included: an autographed George Straight cowboy hat, donated by New Holland North America – which was purchased by New Holland at the NAFB meeting in Kansas City. The hat was originally donated by Ag Knowledge Journal to NAFB. A Remington 11-87 shotgun donated by Texas Wheat Growers Association, the Shades of Harvest Quilt, donated by Sue Broyles, wife of newly elected President Gary Broyles, plus racing jackets donated by Bayer and DuPont, just to name a few.

The WheatPAC Auction and Dinner was sponsored by Bayer Corporation, Case Corporation, DuPont and Gustafson LLC.

NAWG would like to thank Kieth Kinzer of Idaho, as WheatPAC Chairman and overall Conference Chairman, Dee Dee Darden, of Virginia for doing such an excellent job. Our hats are off to you!

NAWG CONSIDERS RESOLUTIONS AND SETS GOALS AT CONFERENCE

Preliminary to conference programs and events, the five policy committees of the NAWG met to consider resolutions that had been submitted through the state organizations. In light of the events of the previous year, the policy committees including Membership, International Policy, Domestic Policy, Research/ Value Added and Environmental Policy considered changes in policy that would address the current needs of the organization.

For the Domestic Policy committee, the setting of policy was primarily a reaffirmation of present NAWG policy. Domestic Policy chair, Allan Skogen of North Dakota said, “We continued down the same path, reaffirming that the policy we have developed is the right one.” In issues relating directly to a farm bill, the committee dealt with the issue of payment limitations. They presented a resolution to the full board supporting a farm program payment limitation of not less than the limitation of $550,000 in H.R. 2646 that passed the House last October. In other issues of Federal Farm Policy, NAWG urged that United States wheat should be used for food aid distribution to combat terrorism, wherever possible or practical.

Dean Stoskopf of Kansas, Chair of the Environmental Policy Committee echoed that sentiment. “We did affirm the organization’s commitment to the adoption of conservation programs, but agree that the funding of conservation programs should not come at the expense of commodity support programs,” Stoskopf said. The group opposed the reauthorization or continued funding of ESA (Endangered Species Act) that had expired, until complete review of the economic and social impact to the nation could be determined. In the area of the Conservation Reserve Program, NAWG opposed any future CRP sign up requiring the forfeiture of water rights. However, for the most part, “We felt pretty good where we were,” he said.

As producers seek to enhance production and add value to their crops, they look to the work of the Research and Value Added Committees for effective policy. To that end, the Research Committee chaired by Mike Bruer of Minnesota set an additional goal to work more closely with the Council and Commissions by bringing three State Wheat Commissioners onto the NAWG Research and Value Added Committee as well as supporting the NWIC priorities. They agreed to find funding for a research coordinator from diverse industry issues, to support research projects and to assist in the identification of funding and grant sources. In areas of Value Added projects, the group agreed to focus attention on a value added audit, allowing producers to participate in value added cooperatives to move further up the food chain, capturing greater return helping producers identify opportunities and capture greater value along the food chain.

Members of the International Policy committee dealt with concerns relating to biotechnology. Joe Westoff of Colorado, Committee chair, emphasized the organization’s concern that the development of markets for biotech crops include concern for customer and acceptance, adding that this should be a cooperative effort among consumers, producers, agribusiness and government. “Acceptance of our trading partners is paramount,” he said. The committee also focused on China’s implementation of their WTO accession commitments, calling for close monitoring and enforcement of those commitments. In the area of karnal bunt, NAWG urged the U.S. to set a deadline of three years to change karnal bunt from quarantine to a non-regulated pest, and urging Agricultural Research Services to complete a Pest Risk Analysis within 2002.

The Membership committee, chaired by Dee Dee Darden of Virginia directed its attention to Political Affairs, Conference and farm safety issues as well as Membership issues. Resolutions included combined efforts of the NAWG Foundation, US Wheat, WETEC and the Wheat Foods Council to create and maintain a unified working relationship and explore the possibility of a joint administration. In conference matters, they affirmed their agreement for a conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico in January 25-31, 2003. They further resolved that the NAWG staff and executive committee research the possibility of NAWG joining the Commodity Classic or other annual commodity group meeting.

Resolutions considered and adopted or rejected by the policy committees, were then considered by the full board and officially adopted. A complete list of Resolutions as determined by the full board of NAWG will be available later in the week.

NAWG FOUNDATION NAMES EXCELLENCE IN EXTENSION AND RESEARCH WINNERS

During the General Session, NAWG Foundation named Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh and Mr. Gale Harding as this year’s Excellence in Extension award winners. Flinchbaugh, who received the NAWG Foundation award at the state level, is a professor and Extension State Leader in Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University. Harding, county level winner, is an extension educator in Madison County, Idaho.

Since 1990, NAWG Foundation has presented the annual awards to Extension professionals at both the state and county levels who have shown outstanding commitment to Extension programs that benefit wheat growers and the U.S. Wheat Industry. This year marks the second year that NAWG Foundation has recognized excellence in research. This year’s recipient of the Excellence in Research award is Dr. Robert Busch, plant geneticist for the University of Minnesota.

“I am very impressed with the candidates for our Excellence awards this year,” said Dusty Tallman, NAWG Foundation president. “The wheat industry excels as a result of the work our research and extensions professionals perform to solve immediate needs, as well as their on-going efforts to provide solutions for tomorrow’s questions. We are pleased to recognize and reward all of their outstanding work.”

The NAWG Foundation’s Excellence in Extension and Excellence in Research awards are supported by Aventis CropScience, maker of Puma and Cheyenne herbicides, and is co-sponsored by WIRC and the National Association of Wheat Growers Foundation.

“These awards give us a chance to recognize the profound research and extension work that is being performed in the wheat industry nationwide,” said Dave Downing, Aventis CropScience product manager. “Aventis is honored to be able to sponsor such an award.”

The winners received a $1,500 check along with a plaque and were honored at the General Session on Wednesday, January 16.

FARM PANEL DISCUSSES ON-GOING FARM BILL DEBATE

During the General Session on Wednesday morning, January 16, the wheat industry held a Farm Bill panel.

Discussion of a possible farm bill was held and concerns, thoughts and issues were raised as the panel proceeded.

This panel was moderated by NAWG CEO Daren Coppock. The panel consisted of Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, Kansas State University, Dr. Craig Jagger, House Agriculture Committee and Mark Halverson, Senate Agriculture Committee.

Dr. Flinchbaugh liked Chairman Larry Combest’s bill which Congress passed by 2/3rd-majority vote. Dr. Flinchbaugh felt like Congressman Combest’s Bill was good for producers. He also stated, “For farmers not to be discouraged that the Senate will pass something similar to the Congressional bill – something which will be good for farmers and a six-year farm program. It will take hard work on the part of the producer organizations, but the money is still there.”

Dr. Craig Jagger of Larry Combest’s office was advocating that the House Bill passed – was good for farmers and the United States. Jagger stated, “The House bill reflects NAWG’s testimony and it’s a good solid bipartisan./balanced bill and it’s done.” He added, “The House bill relfects the types of policy that NAWG asked for in their testimony.”

Tommy Womack, NAWG’s Vice President, was very pleased to hear Dr. Flinchbaugh say that the money is available. “The National Association of Wheat Growers is ready to work hard for growers to get that amount of money and the Farm Bill passed which came out of the House Agriculture Committee.” “We are looking forward in the coming weeks to working with Senators to pass a farm bill.”

USTR TRADE REPRESENTATIVE ADDRESSES WHEAT INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Ambassador Allen Johnson, Special Negotiator for Agriculture in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), outlined a very aggressive market opening agenda for the USTR. During his presentation to wheat industry leaders from across the country Johnson also spoke about the importance of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) as a comprehensive round of negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) get underway.

In outlining the important issues, Johnson said that the U.S. Trade Representative had an aggressive agenda focused on multilateral negotiations through the WTO, hemispheric negotiations through the Free Trade Area of the Americas and bilateral such as the current negotiations with Chile. Another possible area for bilateral discussions is Central America. Johnson pointed out that the investigation for North Dakota Wheat Commission's 301 case had provided valuable tools for resolving the trade distortions of state trading entities such as the Canadian Wheat Board.

Johnson was clear in pointing out the importance of Congress granting the President TPA. He said that in his relatively short time in office, TPA was an important issue for every country he had met with. Our trading partners want the administration to have the authority to negotiate agreements that will not be subject to congressional amendments when brought forward for ratification.

USTR TRADE REPRESENTATIVE ADDRESSES WHEAT INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

Ambassador Allen Johnson, Special Negotiator for Agriculture in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), outlined a very aggressive market opening agenda for the USTR. During his presentation to wheat industry leaders from across the country Johnson also spoke about the importance of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) as a comprehensive round of negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) get underway.

In outlining the important issues, Johnson said that the U.S. Trade Representative had an aggressive agenda focused on multilateral negotiations through the WTO, hemispheric negotiations through the Free Trade Area of the Americas and bilateral such as the current negotiations with Chile. Another possible area for bilateral discussions is Central America. Johnson pointed out that the investigation for North Dakota Wheat Commission's 301 case had provided valuable tools for resolving the trade distortions of state trading entities such as the Canadian Wheat Board.

Johnson was clear in pointing out the importance of Congress granting the President TPA. He said that in his relatively short time in office, TPA was an important issue for every country he had met with. Our trading partners want the administration to have the authority to negotiate agreements that will not be subject to congressional amendments when brought forward for ratification.

WETEC WINTER MEETING PROCEEDINGS

The Wheat Export Trade Education Committee (WETEC) held its winter meeting last week in Orlando, Florida. WETEC is a nonprofit organization tasked with monitoring, analyzing and disseminating international trade information about administrative and legislative decisions influencing wheat exports to the public, press, producers, agribusiness leaders and policy makers.

The meeting covered a range of topics from the USTR investigation into the Canadian Wheat Board initiated by the North Dakota Wheat Commission to the latest round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. The WETEC staff gave the Board of Directors an update as well as an outlook for trade issues affecting wheat producers.

The staff presented the positive outcome of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) vote in the House of Representatives and highlighted the importance of grassroots efforts to continue the momentum in the Senate on towards final passage of a TPA bill that will benefit U.S. wheat producers. In addition to TPA, they gave a review of the trade title sections in the various versions of the farm bill. Market development and promotion program funding was detailed.

The staff noted the successes of last year and how they could be built upon to present a positive force for free and fair agricultural trade in the coming year. A resolution from the joint U.S. Wheat Associates / National Association of Wheat Growers Biotechnology Committee to support funding for biotechnology research passed unanimously.

Christopher Shaffer, the wheat industry's elected representative on WTO issues, gave a report on the current state of negotiations as well as an analysis of Doha Declaration that came out of the ministerial meeting in Doha, Qatar last November. He stressed that all of the major issues identified as important by the U.S. wheat industry over the past three years were included in the U.S. governments submissions to the WTO and were positively reflecting in the ministerial declaration.

Shaffer also highlighted the importance of grower participation as the negotiations move forward and noted that the declaration outlined an aggressive timetable for completing negotiations. He indicated this would increase the level of activity in Geneva and made it clear that U.S. wheat producers must be vigilant to ensure that our priorities remain at the top on the negotiators' list.

Charlie Hunnicutt, council for the North Dakota Wheat Commission in the Section 301 case against the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), reported on the state of the investigation. Hunnicutt stated that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was expected to issue a formal determination on January 22nd, however, they have since announced that the determination will be delayed until February 15th in order to complete a thorough review of the comments submitted to the USTR office.

Hunnicutt reviewed the history of the case and gave a detailed presentation on the preferred outcome of the case, including the implementation of a tariff rate quota (TRQ) to combat the anti-competitive practices of the CWB. Hunnicutt also outlined how this case will help U.S. negotiators attain significant results towards reforming the wheat board and eliminating their export monopoly through trade negotiations to the benefit of all U.S. producers.

The National Association of Wheat Growers passed a resolution during the Wheat Industry Convention that calls for strong U.S. government action, including a tariff rate quota on unfairly traded imports of Canadian wheat.

Hunnicutt thanked the wheat industry for their strong support during the investigation and asked that everyone weigh in one more time as USTR makes its final determination.

KING OF DOUBLE-TALKING TAKES CENTER STAGE!

Wheat Industry members were treated to a surprise during the General Session held on Wednesday, January 16, 2002. Certain members of the industry were selected to take an “on-camera” survey regarding their thoughts of the conference proceedings thus far. These taped interviews were held earlier that morning and were to be aired during the general session. What “our panel” didn’t know…was that we were actually conning them.

Durwood Finch, a famed double-talker, also known as Dr. Robert Payne, who has appeared on the likes of Rosie O’Donnell and Regis and Kelly, interviewed several industry members and confused them to no end with his double-talking rhetoric. A deer in headlights seemed to be the consensus of the group’s expressions after their encounter with “Dr. Payne”. During the General session, Finch – aka - Payne broke the ice by entertaining the group with a humorous presentation of double-talk and footage of the willing participants of the survey.

NAWG would like to thank those who were “tricked” into being interviewed on an on-air questionnaire. We would just like to say, “We got you and thank you” for being such good sports.

Thanks to Bruce Nelson, DeeDee Darden, Mike Bruer, Duane Grant, Bo Stone, Tommy Womack, Mark Gage, John Thaemert and Bruce Hamnes.

If you are interested in retrieving a copy of “Dr. Payne’s” interviews for a small charge, please contact June Silverberg at NAWG headquarters. Thanks to Durwood Finch for an amusing presentation during the general session.

FORUMS PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO NEW TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS

During the conference, various programs were held by sponsors to showcase new technology and innovations to attendees.

Bayer Corporation sponsored a value-added breakfast on Monday, January 14, titled, “Is the value added approach right for your operation?” With a distinguished panel of experts, a discussion about value added identity preserved production opportunities was presented. Also, various components of producing value added wheat varieties including contracts, markets and outlets, commitments and investment opportunities were also discussed. The session was presented to NAWG members so that they could explore production opportunities that typically offer a higher ROI potential than traditional marketing approaches.

Philip Morris also contributed by hosting a Shared Solutions program emphasizing their ongoing partnership with agriculture. Philip Morris provided lunch on Wednesday, January 16. During the luncheon, Secretary Ann Veneman shared a table with NAWG officers, US Wheat Associates officers and Philip Morris hosts – Russell Laird and Katherine Trent.

On Thursday, January 17, John Deere sponsored a Tractor Forum. During this time, attendees were able to learn from the experts how the new John Deere 8020 Series Tractor brings high technology down to earth, helping those in the industry to become more productive and profitable.

John Deere also hosted a forum entitled Seeding Issues. In this special forum, John Deere seeding equipment experts shared insight and knowledge to those in the industry – teaching them how to optimize their seeding operations.

WIRC FORUM: SHINING SUCCESS

The WIRC (Wheat Industry Research Committee) wishes to thank the sponsors for continued support of the Research Forum. Growers heard from experts on many topics which impact their business. Approximately 90 growers were in attendance for both the morning and afternoon sessions. Emerging Technologies sessions in the morning reviewed how advancing technologies are helping the wheat industry. High speed detection and sorting equipment provide pure seed to the grower. NIR instrumentation is being used in-line to help bakeries run more consistently. Use of remote sensing to improve application of mid-season nitrogen more effectively was reviewed. Updates on the benefits of Clearfield Wheat varieties was provided. An excellent presentation was made on marketing techniques for wheat producers to optimize return for their efforts.

In the afternoon, the Wheat Quality sessions updated everyone on the history behind the four regional USDA wheat quality labs. Presentations were made on key quality characteristics which are critical for each wheat class. Discussions focused on current key uses for each class, as well as work looking at critical needs for future markets such as tortillas, noodles and steamed bread. The U.S. Wheat Associates project evaluating popular varieties with overseas collaborators was also reviewed and generated interest and discussion.

The ever-popular session on Biotechnology was initiated by a discussion of the implications for the wheat industry. There followed several talks on developments for Roundup Ready Wheat and other company’s Wheat Biotechnology Programs.

Over twenty posters were also available adjacent to the trade show floor. These covered topics ranging from Breeding and Genetics, Crop Management and Production, to Quality and Utilization.

Special thanks to the Wheat Industry Research Forum Sponsors: Idaho Wheat Commission, North Dakota Wheat Commission, South Dakota Wheat Commission, Texas Wheat Producers Board, Bayer Corporation, DuPont and Monsanto.

NIGHTLY EVENTS ARE A HIT WITH CONFERENCE ATTENDEES

While there was much serious discussion during the conference, participants from the wheat industry still managed to kick back and have a little fun along the way – thanks to the efforts of our valued sponsors!

Monday night, representatives from the wheat industry were invited to an event sponsored by Monsanto at Epcot. The groups were able to visit the Monsanto sponsored – Beautiful Science exhibit. A buffet dinner was also included in the evening at Living Seas, which preceded a presentation on Monsanto’s progression on biotechnology and Round-Up Ready Wheat. Following the presentation and visit to beautiful science, attendees were provided dessert at the Wonders Lounge, followed by a private area viewing of the fireworks display at Epcot.

The BASF Early Registration kick-off celebration, held on Tuesday night at SeaWorld Adventure Park was a huge success. BASF provided food and drinks to those who registered for the Wheat Industry Conference and treated the attendees to a live dolphin show. The dinner was held at the Key West Pavilion at Sea World’s Dolphin Cove. After dinner, registrants were led to the Whale and Dolphin stadium where they were treated to an exclusive dolphin show and dessert. This was a time for relaxation, networking and mingling among attendees. Thanks to BASF for a great event.

Syngenta held a “Beers of The World” reception on Thursday, January 17th at Coronado Springs Resort, immediately following the WheatPAC dinner and auction.

A sports theme was created for the event, where attendees were treated to beers of all regions of the globe, snack foods, as well as arcade games and sports bloopers were played on IMAX screens throughout the ballroom. The event was a huge success and NAWG’s thanks goes out to Syngenta.

THANK YOU TO MASTER OF CEREMONIES

NAWG would like to say a special “Thank You” to our Master of Ceremonies of the 2002 Wheat Industry Conference.

Colleen Callahan and Mike Hergert did an outstanding job as this year’s Emcees. As two of the most highly noted members of the farm journalism community, it was a great honor to have the pair serve as Master of Ceremonies during this year’s conference and exposition.

Callahan, who currently serves as the President of National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB), served as the Master of Ceremonies during Wednesday’s General Session. She is the Farm Director for WMBD Radio in Peoria, Illinois. She has been with WMBD for 28 years.

Hergert, who is a founder/partner in the Red River Farm (radio) Network, served as Master of Ceremonies during the Wheat Industry Conference closing luncheon on Friday. He also serves as the Past President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB).

GRAND PRIZE WINNER NAMED

Mike Waters of Froid, Montana received the grand prize giveaway at the 2002 Wheat Industry Conference. Waters name was drawn and he won a free hotel room and registration for two to attend the 2003 Wheat Industry Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Accommodations are at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hotel – a $1,000 value! Congratulations Mike!

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