October 13, 2025 – More than 130 milling industry leaders and their guests gathered in New Orleans, Louisiana for the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) Annual Meeting, which ended Saturday. This year, NAMA co-hosted the conference with the Canadian National Millers Association.
“The Annual Meeting was an important opportunity for NAMA’s members to connect on our priorities and plan for 2026,” said NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse (ADM Milling and Baking Solutions). “From nutrition to trade and research, NAMA continues to be an effective voice in Washington, D.C. on a wide range of issues that impact the milling industry.”
The NAMA Board of Directors held its annual business meeting during the conference. Alan Koechner (PepsiCo) and Keith Adams (Bay State Milling) were elected to serve on the NAMA Executive Committee. NAMA’s Corn, Oat, and Wheat Divisions met during the conference to continue work to implement the association’s strategic plan.
During the 2025 Annual Meeting Dinner and Awards Ceremony sponsored by NAMA Associate Members, Kruse presented the 2025 Honorary Member Award to Rick Schwein (Grain Millers, Inc., retired) and posthumously to Dan Fetherston (SEMO Milling). Outgoing Executive Committee members Mike Fassezke (Star of the West) and Brian Doyle (King Milling Company) were also honored. Brian Anderson (Grain Millers, Inc.) was recognized for completing his term as the Corn Division chair. Riley Didion (Didion Milling) is the incoming Corn Division chair.
“The speakers at this year’s Annual Meeting provided insights on some of the most critical topics impacting millers and the economy,” said NAMA President Jane DeMarchi. “Using our strategic plan as a guide, NAMA works nimbly to help the industry navigate today’s rapidly changing policy environment.”
The general session presentations provided a forward-looking perspective on topics impacting the North American milling supply chain. Highlights included:
- US Trade – Where Are We Now and Where Are We Headed? – Sharon Bomer, AgTrade Strategies LLC
- Update from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Donald Boucher, AAFC
- Shaping Tomorrow’s Plate: Strategic Foresight in North American Agri-Food – Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Dalhousie University, Canada
- Championing Grain Foods – Kim Bedwell, Wild Hive and Charlotte Martin, RN, Grain Foods Foundation Champion
- Policy Implications for the Ag and Food Economy – Jacqui Fatka, CoBank
For more information about the 2025 Annual Meeting and future NAMA events, visit https://namamillers.org/our-events/. NAMA thanks the Canadian National Millers Association for its collaboration in co-hosting the conference. NAMA’s Spring Conference – the organization’s largest annual education conference for wheat, corn, and oat millers – will be held March 10-13, 2026 in Marco Island, Florida.
From left to right: NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse (ADM Milling and Baking Solutions), NAMA Honorary Member Awardee Rick Schwein (Grain Millers, retired), Andy Sharpe (Buhler Inc), and Tom Kice (Kice Industries).
From left to right: Evan Trump, Paula Fetherston (accepting NAMA Honorary Member Award on behalf of Dan Fetherston), Andrea Vauble, and NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse (ADM Milling and Baking Solutions).
From left to right: Brian Doyle (King Milling), NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse (ADM Milling and Baking Solutions), Mike Fassezke (Star of the West), and Brian Anderson (Grain Millers, Inc.).
Canadian National Millers Association President Olivier Lavigne-Lacroix with NAMA President Jane DeMarchi.
About NAMA:
NAMA is the only national trade association that exclusively represents the interests of the North American wheat, corn, oat, and rye milling industry before Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory bodies. Member companies operate mills in 30+ states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, representing more than 90 percent of total industry production capacity.
The North American Millers’ Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons who require alternative means of communication for program information should contact [email protected] or 202-484-2200.