As we prepare to close the first half of fiscal year 2025-26, the Washington Grain Commission (WGC) is looking forward to kicking off 2026 with new opportunities to connect with customers, advance research, and gather with growers on the topics that matter most to the Pacific Northwest wheat industry. Keep reading for an overview of key WGC events to watch for from January to June 2026 and scan the QR code below to sign up for our monthly grower newsletter, Commission Matters, for regular updates.
Grower meetings (January – February 2026)
Multiple locations across Eastern Washington
From January to February 2025, WGC staff presented at 18 grower meetings across 12 counties. Along with providing an update on HB4 and holding discussions on the acceptance of GMO wheat to approximately 950 attendees, the WGC collected 422 questionnaires for growers to share their top wheat industry concerns and how they want WGC to invest grower dollars.
Following the success of the 2025 grower meeting tour, the WGC will again work to attend grower meetings across the state in early 2026, focusing on market trends, soft white wheat uses in different markets, and commission updates. If you’d like to schedule us to speak at your meeting, please email [email protected]. For a detailed schedule and updates, look for our December issue of Commission Matters and follow us on Facebook (@washingtongrain).
Annual Research Review (Feb. 19, 2026)
Courtyard by Marriott, Pullman, Wash.
Research is a pillar of the WGC mission of enhancing the long-term profitability and competitiveness of Washington grain farmers. The Washington State University (WSU) Research Review is the annual progress report on WGC-funded projects and evaluation of new project proposals. All statewide wheat and barley producers are encouraged to participate. Grower participation helps keep projects focused on real-world grower challenges and helps strengthen relationships with the
WSU faculty and staff.
Spokane Ag Show (Feb. 3-5, 2026)
Spokane Convention Center, Spokane, Wash.
Each year, the WGC sponsors the keynote address of legendary weatherman Art Douglas at the Spokane Ag Show. In addition, this year, we will be presenting trends in our top export markets at one of the educational breakout sessions. Join more than 4,500 attendees, over 225 exhibiting companies, and 1,800 exhibitor representatives at what is always a fun and valuable experience.
USW/Taiwan and USW/Tokyo Anniversary events (April 16-22, 2026)
Taipei, Taiwan, and Tokyo, Japan
U.S. Wheat Associates, supported by 17 state wheat commissions, is the industry’s international market development organization working in more than 100 countries. In 2026, the Taiwan office will celebrate its 60th anniversary, and the Japan office will celebrate 70 years of representing U.S. wheat farmers. WGC commissioners and staff will
participate in the celebrations, to recognize the consistent marketing efforts that have grown the markets into top 10 customers for Washington wheat and thank the customers for their ongoing purchases.
This article originally appeared in the December 2025 issue of Wheat Life Magazine.