As August begins and wheat harvest continues across the United States WMC is pleased to highlight our work with U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) in hosting international trade teams. Working with USW staff around the world, the Portland office organizes groups from different countries to learn about U.S. wheat quality and to see firsthand how this year’s crop will meet their import needs. During the next several months WMC will host representatives from Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand. These trade teams include bakers, millers, import companies, and government officials and others with an interest in the value that U.S. grown wheat provides for their products. These trade teams provide WMC with an opportunity to promote the quality and value of wheat classes and learn about the needs of customers abroad.

At the end of August, USW holds its World Staff Conference. USW staff from all 15 of their offices around the world gather to discuss current crop and market conditions and strategize on ways to continually grow the value of U.S. wheat farmers. While attending the conference WMC executive director Mike Moran is sitting on a panel with two of our partner labs, IGP of Kansas and NCI in North Dakota to discuss how we can best serve the activities of USW and foster improved understanding of wheat quality, and the advantages of the different classes of wheat for specific end use qualities.