New NAWG leaders take on biotech, trade

NW growers keep large presence in organization

By MATTHEW WEAVER

Capital Press

The Pacific Northwest continues to have a strong presence in the National Association of Wheat Growers.

Jerry McReynolds of Woodston, Kan., assumed the presidency of the association for a year-long term during the association's March 6 meeting at the 2010 Commodity Classic in Anaheim, Calif..

McReynolds replaces Karl Scronce of Klamath Falls, Ore., who becomes past president, and Wayne Hurst of Burley, Idaho, is the new vice president and will assume the presidency next year.

Scronce said he is satisfied at the conclusion of his presidency, particularly in shifting the association's position on climate-change legislation from "gung-ho" approval to a more neutral stance in favor of energy independence and providing farmers with the incentive to pursue precision agriculture.

McReynolds said his priorities include introducing biotechnology traits in wheat and trade. The desire of several technology providers to invest money in wheat for the long-term is exciting, he said, as is the mapping and sequencing of the wheat genome.

"We need that biotech tool in our toolbox because there's so many possibilities out there which will in turn be an enhancement for consumers," he said.

McReynolds testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee last week on a bill that would open trade with Cuba. He also wants to continue to build a working relationship with Canada and Australia.

"With U.S. wheat, it's just an ongoing process," McReynolds said. "We have to continue to work to get these markets open and it's not something that comes easily."

McReynolds would like to unify the wheat industry and work with other commodity and livestock organizations.

"We in agriculture are going to have to do a better job of working together and unifying our voice," McReynolds said. "Otherwise we just get picked apart."

Hurst said the association is getting involved in transportation issues. A bill the Senate Commerce Committee recently passed would strengthen the Surface Transportation Board and better protect those who ship their wheat by rail.

"The railroads have shown they are quite profitable, but the captive shippers are paying rates and subject to service at times that very much need to be improved," Hurst said.

The bill is now being considered by the U.S. House Transportation Committee, Hurst said.