Farmers from the nation’s number one wheat production state are upset with their representation in the National Association of Wheat Growers and may leave the organization. North Dakota Grain Growers Association President Jeff Mertz says NAWG should be more proactive on policy issues. The discontent goes back many years. “Like in 2008, we had the ability to get a quality adjustment from RMA and all we needed was a letter from NAWG and we couldn’t motivate NAWG to give us a letter (of support) for the (congressional) delegation.” It also comes down to a matter of return on investment. The NDGGA dues for NAWG this year would be nearly a quarter-million dollars. That represents nearly 80 percent of the NDGGA annual budget. Two years ago, the North Dakota organization paid only half of the required amount due to the drought. A similar proposal was overwhelmingly rejected this year by the NAWG board. North Dakota has sought a bylaws change to have representation in NAWG based on wheat production, but that has not materialized. “We left the door open and hopefully we can come to an agreement that is equitable for both sides,” said Mertz. A decision will need to be made by the end of June.
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