Millers meet on Marco Island, FL for updates, educational sessions, and networking

Approximately 200 milling industry professionals and guests attended the North American Millers’ Association’s (NAMA) annual Spring Conference, March 9-12, at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island FL.

This year’s educational sessions were focused on some of the most critical topics facing the agriculture and food industries, such as industry trends, sustainability, and global markets.

“NAMA’s Spring Conference is a must-attend event for the entire milling value chain,” says NAMA President Jane DeMarchi. “From the educational speakers to the networking opportunities, everything about the program adds value for millers and their suppliers.”

NAMA leaders, from left: Chair Brian Doyle, King Milling; President Jane DeMarchi; and Vice Chair Tedd Kruse, ADM. Photos courtesy of NAMA.
NAMA leaders, from left: Chair Brian Doyle, King Milling; President Jane DeMarchi; and Vice Chair Tedd Kruse, ADM. Photos courtesy of NAMA.

Educational Program

The three-day program included education sessions addressing a variety of topics of interest to wheat, corn, and oat millers, including the annual Soft Wheat Forecast and Canadian Crop Outlook. 

Soft Wheat Forecast panelists from left: Carl Schwinke, Siemer Milling; Jay McAllister, Mennel Milling; Andrew Rutter, Bartlett Milling; Mark Rossol, The Andersons; and Sam Doering, Ardent Mills.
Soft Wheat Forecast panelists from left: Carl Schwinke, Siemer Milling; Jay McAllister, Mennel Milling; Andrew Rutter, Bartlett Milling; Mark Rossol, The Andersons; and Sam Doering, Ardent Mills.

Other presentations included:

• Global Oat Market Outlook – Randy Strychar, OatInformation.
• Live! With NAMA – Molly Miller and Kim Cooper, NAMA.
• Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture Trade and Marketing – William Wilson, Ph.D., North Dakota State University.
• Pet Food Trends and Market Insights – Michael Johnson, BSM Partners.
• Aligning Your Suppliers and Customers for Sustainability Goals – Alison Nepveux, Bayer.
• The Debate Around Ultraprocessed Foods – Erin Ball, Grain Foods Foundation.
• Hard Wheat Crop Update – Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat.
• Ontario Crop and Market Update – Warren Wayhoe, Parrish & Heimbecker.
• Insights from the South American Oat Industry – Alex Strodthoff, Agrotop.
Several NAMA committees and the Soft Wheat, Corn, and Oat Divisions also met.

2025 NAMA Spring Conference
The 2025 Spring Conference will be held March 8-11 at the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, AZ.
For more information on upcoming NAMA meetings and events, go to namamillers.org/our-events.