Jim Pellman assumes role as Chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates Board

USA – North Dakota wheat grower Jim Pellman officially took the helm as chairman of the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Board of Directors during the organization’s summer meeting held July 17 in Boise, Idaho.

Pellman, who farms near McClusky, ND, brings more than three decades of diversified agricultural experience to the leadership of the U.S. wheat export market development organization.

Pellman succeeds Idaho’s Clark Hamilton, who will now serve as past chairman in the 2025/26 officer rotation. Gary Millershaski of Lakin, Kansas, has moved into the vice chairman role, while Mike Carstensen of Almira, Washington, joins the officer team as secretary-treasurer.

“Jim brings a broad skill set in agriculture and wheat production to the USW officer team,” said Mike Spier, USW President and CEO.

“Jim deeply believes in the mission of USW to build export demand in a very competitive global market. We look forward to his continued contributions to our work that benefits wheat farmers in his home state of North Dakota and beyond,” Spier added.

Pellman and his wife Candace began farming in 1990, raising wheat, barley, canola, corn, and soybeans on their operation in central North Dakota. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University and previously worked in ag lending, rural housing development, and community banking.

He has served in various local leadership roles, including as fire chief and housing board chairman. Pellman represents Sheridan County on the North Dakota Wheat Commission.

Reflecting on his time as vice chairman, Pellman emphasized the value of USW’s international outreach.

“Over the last year as vice chairman, I’ve had the opportunity to travel and meet USW staff in a few of our 13 foreign offices, and what I have learned is that the insight they provide to our customers and the technical services that they provide are invaluable,” he said.

 “In my role as chairman, I plan to meet more of our customers to emphasize the importance U.S. farmers put on raising quality wheat.”

The appointment of the 2025/26 USW officers followed board elections held during the winter meeting in January in Washington, D.C. The summer board session also featured extensive committee and work group discussions focused on long-range planning, transportation, wheat quality, and organizational budgeting.

USW, which works in partnership with 17 state wheat commissions, plays a vital role in promoting U.S. wheat in over 100 countries. Its overseas offices provide on-the-ground market intelligence, technical support, and customer engagement to maintain U.S. wheat’s reputation for quality and reliability.

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