From Eastern Washington to the world state

The Washington Grain Commission (WGC) is proud to celebrate that Commissioner Mike Carstensen has been elected secretary-treasurer of the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) board of directors for the 2025-26 term. This significant milestone recognizes Carstensen’s long-standing commitment to Washington wheat growers and the broader U.S. wheat industry.

Carstensen currently represents District 1 on the WGC board, which includes five counties in the northeast corner of the state: Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Stevens. While he currently serves as a commissioner, Carstensen also previously held several WGC officer positions, including treasurer, vice chair, and chairman. Throughout his tenure, he has played a central role in sharpening the commission’s focus on trade policy and international market development, an area especially critical to Washington wheat, approximately 90% of which is exported annually.

Carstensen’s background in agricultural finance and business management has equipped him to excel and make a significant impact on the wheat industry in leadership roles on and off the farm. Before returning to the farm full time in 1985, Mike worked for the organization now known as AgWest Farm Credit. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting from Whitworth University and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in economics from the University of Phoenix.

In addition to his work with the WGC, Carstensen serves on several regional and national boards, including HighLine Grain Growers, Tri-Cities Grain, the Lincoln County Conservation District, and the National Wheat Improvement Committee. His broad engagement across sectors reflects his belief that farmers must not only tend to their own operations but also help shape the systems and structures that support the industry as a whole.

This belief is at the heart of Carstensen’s approach to leadership. In his letter to USW board members announcing his candidacy, he wrote, “As farmers, our instinct is to put our heads down, work hard, and mind our own business. However, I believe it is imperative that we also look up from our corner of the world and engage in activities that propel our industry forward.”

That philosophy, grounded in humility, service, and generational responsibility, has guided Carstensen’s work at the state and national levels. His decision to seek an officer role with USW stems from a desire to protect the legacy of those who came before him and ensure future generations of wheat growers have access to markets, tools, and opportunities to succeed.

“It’s not ours, it’s our turn,” Mike said, underscoring his belief in generational responsibility. He credits USW’s overseas staff for their dedication and effectiveness and looks forward to supporting their work at a strategic level as a member of the officer team.

Carstensen’s election is a milestone not only for him and his family, but also for the entire Washington wheat industry. It highlights the leadership, vision, and values that Washington growers contribute
to the national conversation. The WGC looks forward to supporting Mike as he helps guide USW into the future and thanks him for the years he has contributed to guiding the strategy, stewardship, and success of WGC’s mission.