More than 130 milling industry leaders and guests gathered in New Orleans, LA, for the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) Annual Meeting, which concluded October 11. This year’s event was co-hosted with the Canadian National Millers Association.

“The annual meeting is an important opportunity for NAMA members to align on priorities and plan for 2026,” says NAMA chair Tedd Kruse of 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 impacting the milling industry.”

The NAMA board of directors held its annual business meeting during the conference. Alan Koechner of PepsiCo and Keith Adams of Bay State Milling were elected to the NAMA executive committee. NAMA’s corn, oat, and wheat divisions also met to advance implementation of the association’s strategic plan.

During the annual dinner and awards ceremony, sponsored by NAMA associate members, Kruse presented the 2025 Honorary Member Award to Rick Schwein of Grain Millers, Inc. (retired) and posthumously to Dan Fetherston of SEMO Milling. Outgoing executive committee members Mike Fassezke of Star of the West and Brian Doyle of King Milling Company were recognized, along with Brian Anderson of Grain Millers, Inc., for completing his term as corn division chair. Riley Didion of Didion Milling will serve as the incoming chair.

“The speakers at this year’s meeting provided insights on some of the most critical topics impacting millers and the economy,” says 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.”

General session presentations offered a forward-looking perspective on key issues affecting the North American milling supply chain. Highlights included:

• "U.S. 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
• "Championing grain foods," Kim Bedwell, Wild Hive, and Charlotte Martin, RN, Grain Foods Foundation
• "Policy implications for the ag and food economy," Jacqui Fatka, CoBank

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 event for wheat, corn, and oat millers—will be held March 10–13, 2026, in Marco Island, FL.

Related: North American Millers' Association announces new hires, promotions