WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Brooke Shupe has joined the National Association of Wheat Growers’ (NAWG’s) Washington, D.C., U.S.-based staff to focus on risk management programs.

As manager of government affairs for risk management, Shupe will be responsible for designing, implementing and advocating NAWG’s policies in the areas of federal crop insurance and federal farm programs.

Shupe began her new position on April 24, as the U.S. Senate neared consideration of a 2012 Farm Bill draft.

“During this critical period of farm bill debate, we are delighted to have Brooke joining our staff to help us analyze and lobby for positive policies for wheat growers,” said Dana Peterson, NAWG’s chief executive officer.

Prior to coming to NAWG, Shupe worked on the professional staff of the House Small Business Committee under the panel’ chairman, Rep. Sam Graves, focusing on agriculture and environmental issues.

She previously worked in Graves’ personal office, including as a legislative assistant handling issues like immigration, trade and the environment in addition to the Congressman’s assignment to the House Committee on Agriculture.

“I am very excited to join the National Association of Wheat Growers and to hit the ground running as negotiations continue on the next farm bill,” Shupe said. “Growing up on a farm in rural Missouri, where my family grows wheat, I know how important sound risk management policies are for wheat producers and their families, communities and consumers. I look forward to working with NAWG’s outstanding team in support of our members and their goals.”

Shupe has a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management with minors in international agriculture and political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

She was raised on her family’s row crop and cattle farm, near Stanberry, in northwest Missouri.

Shupe is reachable at bshupe@wheatworld.org or 1.202.547.7800 x 3.