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U.S. wheat trade steady; looking to expand

The director of global outreach with U.S. Wheat Associates says the creation of the Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation Program in the recent reconciliation package appears to be a win for wheat farmers.

Ralph Loos says it’s a big boost to expanding global markets.

“It has been several years since that funding had been opened up a little bit, so we’re very happy to see that.”  He says, “That money will be put to very good use to get into places we haven’t been able to get in.”

Beginning in 2027, the new program will utilize $285 million in permanent trade promotion funding each year.  Loos tells Brownfield that the existing Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program’s $234.5 million in funding remains unchanged as well.

“It’s all about supply and demand.”  He says, “We have a good supply of U.S. wheat, and that’s one attractive thing to our customers around the world. We’re considered reliable. We’d like to create more demand and with that, maintain the supply and hopefully push those prices up.”

Loos says the quality of U.S. wheat has kept exports steady this year, despite ongoing trade uncertainties.

“A lot of our buyers from around the world, they are kind of focused on the quality of U.S. wheat, so they’re willing to pay a little bit more.”  He says, “So far, the tariffs up and down have not affected wheat trade like they have other commodities. We hope it stays that way.”

Brownfield spoke with Loos at the 2025 Illinois Wheat Forum in Greenville.

AUDIO: Ralph Loos – U.S. Wheat Associates