The North Dakota Grain Growers Association (NDGGA) Fly-In 2026 brought grower leaders to Washington, D.C., for two days of meetings with members of Congress, federal agencies, and international representatives. Held March 3–4, the Fly-In provided an important opportunity for producers to engage directly with decision-makers and highlight the issues impacting wheat and barley growers across North Dakota and the Northern Plains.
Throughout the event, NDGGA leadership met with Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN-7), Senator John Hoeven, Senator Kevin Cramer, and Representative Julie Fedorchak, along with key USDA officials and international partners. Discussions focused on crop insurance, farm policy, conservation programs, trade, and infrastructure—core areas shaping the future of agriculture.
Risk Management and Crop Insurance
Risk management remains a top priority for growers. During discussions with Ken Selzer, Associate Administrator of the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), NDGGA leaders emphasized the importance of the Federal Crop Insurance Program.
Key topics included recent enhancements to premium subsidies, updates related to prevented planting, and potential developments of interest to wheat and barley producers. These programs continue to serve as a critical safety net, helping farmers manage risk in an increasingly unpredictable environment.
Crop insurance was also a key topic during conversations with Representative Michelle Fischbach and Representative Julie Fedorchak, reinforcing its importance across the region.
Farm Policy and Legislative Priorities
Meetings with Senator John Hoeven, Senator Kevin Cramer, and Fitzhugh Elder IV, Staff Director for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, centered on priorities for the next Farm Bill and broader agricultural policy.
NDGGA leaders highlighted several key issues, including the potential increase or removal of payment limits, development of a supplemental funding package for producers, and continued work toward a modernized Farm Bill framework.
Additional discussion points included Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans for on-farm fertilizer storage, which could help producers better manage input costs and supply challenges, as well as ongoing conversations around payment limitations within federal programs.
USDA Programs and Disaster Assistance
During a meeting with Bill Beam, Associate Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), NDGGA leaders focused on program implementation and updates affecting producers.
Topics included plans for updating base acres, details on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, and information on the second phase of Supplemental Disaster Relief. Discussions also covered Marketing Assistance Loans and broader considerations around payment limitations.
These programs remain essential tools for supporting producers through challenging growing seasons and market conditions.
Conservation and Soil Health
Conservation efforts were another major focus of the Fly-In. In discussions with Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), NDGGA leaders emphasized continued support for conservation programs such as EQIP, CSP, and ACEP.
Water management and soil health concerns in the Prairie Pothole Region were highlighted, along with the importance of maintaining access to conservation tools that support both environmental stewardship and productive agriculture.
NDGGA also discussed ongoing coordination with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on soil quality and habitat improvement on marginal lands—an issue raised in meetings with both Senator Hoeven and Senator Cramer.
Trade and International Engagement
Trade continues to play a critical role in the success of wheat producers. NDGGA leaders met with Zuhur Daud, Agricultural Counselor at the Embassy of Canada, to discuss U.S. and Canadian farm programs, risk management, and trade relationships.
A key issue raised was wheat classification, as Canada currently classifies wheat imported from the United States as feed grain rather than milling wheat. NDGGA emphasized the importance of fair and consistent classification standards.
Trade relationships were also discussed with Representative Julie Fedorchak, particularly in the context of the upcoming United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) review. Mexico remains the top export destination for U.S. wheat, while Canada is a key partner in maintaining rules-based trade.
Infrastructure and Supply Chain Reliability
Maintaining efficient infrastructure is essential for ensuring that U.S. agriculture remains competitive in global markets. During meetings with Senator Hoeven and Senator Cramer, NDGGA leaders highlighted the importance of investing in waterways, rail systems, and highway infrastructure.
Reliable transportation systems are critical for moving grain efficiently from farms to domestic and international markets, helping ensure the United States remains a dependable global supplier.
Continuing the Conversation
The NDGGA Fly-In remains a vital opportunity for growers to bring their priorities directly to Washington. By engaging with members of Congress, USDA leadership, and international partners, NDGGA continues to advocate for policies that support a strong and resilient agricultural economy.
Through these discussions, the organization ensures that the voices of North Dakota’s wheat and barley producers are represented as agricultural policy continues to evolve.
