ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — US Wheat Associates (USW) has hired Luke Muller to be the assistant director of its West Coast office in Portland, Oregon, US, where he brings a broad set of skills and experience in agricultural research and economics, serving in leadership roles focused on food security and sustainability.

Muller, who began his role on May 30, worked as a research assistant in Michigan State University’s Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics, where his duties included investigating fungal and insect effect on crops in the Midwest. 

He also served as a consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Italy. His work and study abroad offered an opportunity to see firsthand how other countries develop sustainable food chains through technology, research and policy.

“Luke’s expertise in agricultural economics, coupled with his understanding of wheat farming and his excellent communication skills, will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to support and promote the US wheat in the overseas market,” said Steve Wirsching, vice president and director of USW’s West Coast office.

Raised on his family’s wheat, cotton, sorghum, canola, soybean and alfalfa farm in southwestern Oklahoma, Muller has a bachelor’s degree in plant and soil sciences and agribusiness from Oklahoma State University. He received a master’s degree in agriculture, food and resource economics at Michigan State.