“The Illinois wheat industry carries a long and rich history within the state,” said Gordon Stoner, president of NAWG and a farmer from Outlook, Montana, U.S. “Illinois having a seat at the table allows us to better understand the concerns and needs of their growers and ensure wheat remains a relevant crop on Illinois farms.”

The Illinois Wheat Association has been serving the Illinois wheat industry from producer to processor for more than 20 years, providing educational opportunities, encouraging research relating to wheat and wheat products, promoting marketing alternatives, and representing its members in state and federal legislative activities relating to the needs of the Illinois wheat industry. Wheat ranks third in crop production in Illinois.

“Illinois wheat producers are looking forward to their involvement in NAWG,” said Mike Doherty, interim executive director, Illinois Wheat Association. “We have a very active state organization and are proud to become members of the national association. We look forward to greater interaction, communications, and education with wheat growers from across the U.S.”