USA – The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) board of directors has announced its newly elected officers for the 2025/26 fiscal year, effective July 2025.
The election took place during the board’s January 15, 2025, meeting in Washington, D.C.
USW’s mission is to “develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance wheat’s profitability for U.S. wheat producers and its value for their customers.”
The organization’s efforts are supported by 17 state wheat commissions and USDA cost-share funding. With 15 offices worldwide, USW works closely with buyers, millers, bakers, and government officials to ensure they understand the quality, reliability, and value of all six U.S. wheat classes.
Mike Carstensen, a Washington farmer, was elected as the next secretary-treasurer at the organization. He will begin his term for the 2025-26 fiscal year at the July board of directors meeting in Boise, Idaho, US.
In addition, current Secretary-Treasurer Gary Millershaski of Lakin, Kansas, will succeed to Vice Chairman, while current Vice Chairman Jim Pellman of McClusky, North Dakota, will step into the role of Chairman. The current Chairman, Clark Hamilton of Ririe, Idaho, will transition to Past Chairperson.
According to USW, Carstensen brings extensive experience in agriculture and leadership to his new role. A graduate of Whitworth University, Carstensen holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
He serves as a commissioner of the Washington Grain Commission, which he chaired in 2021-22, and holds board positions with HighLine Grain Growers, Tri-Cities Grain, and the National Wheat Improvement Committee.
Commenting on his election, Carstensen said, “I know the success of our market development efforts is critical to the success and sustainability of my operation. It will be an honor to support these efforts, guide the organization, and represent wheat farmers across the country.”
Jim Pellman, a wheat, barley, canola, corn, and soybeans farmer from North Dakota brings his wealth of knowledge in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University. Pellman is a representative for Sheridan County on the North Dakota Wheat Commission and has held leadership roles in his community, including serving on the volunteer fire department and a local non-profit housing organization.
Millershaski, a Kansas Wheat Commissioner since 2016, grows hard white and hard red winter wheat, corn, and milo on his western Kansas farm. Alongside his wife, Jana, and their sons, he also manages a cow/calf operation. Millershaski has previously chaired the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and is an alumnus of the Kansas Agricultural & Rural Leadership program.
Hamilton operates Hamilton Triple C Farms, a diversified family farm in eastern Idaho, with his wife, Kristy, and their two sons. The farm specializes in four wheat classes, along with barley, potatoes, pulses, and alfalfa. A former president of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, Hamilton has served as chair of the Idaho Wheat Commission and continues to lead in both community and church organizations.
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