The Midwest Council on Agriculture (MWCA) recently held its Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., from December 16–18, 2026. MWCA brings together a multi-state coalition of farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commodity groups, and agricultural lenders united by shared goals. The organization advocates for strong agricultural and economic policies that support the long-term sustainability of the Midwest’s agricultural industry.
The North Dakota Grain Growers Association (NDGGA), a long-standing member of MWCA, was represented at the meeting by Jarred Billadeau, NDGGA Secretary/Treasurer and current Vice President of MWCA, and Nick Sinner, Executive Director of NDGGA. Billadeau and Sinner also serve on the MWCA Ag and Rural Workforce Subcommittee—where Billadeau serves as Chairman—as well as the Trade Subcommittee.
The meeting opened with remarks from special guests from the Agricultural Risk Policy Center (ARPC), Drs. Sandro Steinbach and Shawn Arita. ARPC provides evidence-based insights that help inform agricultural policy and support producers, policymakers, and industry leaders as they manage economic risk and work toward a stronger, more resilient U.S. agricultural economy.
Following the ARPC presentation, members received updates from Rep. Collin Peterson and his staff, as well as a report from Allison Stock, Executive Director of MWCA. The Board also heard committee reports highlighting current activities, member priorities, and state-specific issues, including wetlands regulations, farmland drainage, and expanded irrigation practices.
Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday were spent meeting with members of Congress from Midwestern states. MWCA members were fortunate to visit with Sen. Kevin Cramer (ND), Sen. Mike Rounds (SD), Sen. John Hoeven (ND), and Sen. John Boozman (AR).
On Wednesday, the group also met with House Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02), Sen. Elissa Slotkin (MI), Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (MN), and Sen. John Thune (SD).
Jarred Billadeau expressed strong satisfaction with the progress made during the visit. “We were able to meet with many strategic members of Congress who understood our issues and were supportive of our efforts,” Billadeau said. “I felt we made very substantial progress in telling our story to the right people here in D.C.”
“This is the kind of work we need to continue doing as members of the NDGGA,” Billadeau added. “We will be back here again—walking the halls, meeting with our friends, and telling the story of wheat in North Dakota.”
