Why I’m Proud to Represent Kentucky Small Grain Growers
Pat Clements, Chairman
Kentucky Small Grain Promotion Council
Growing wheat and other small grains means staying on your toes—it’s a crop tied to a constantly changing market. Here in Springfield, KY, I love raising wheat because it pushes me to keep learning, especially through ongoing research.
As Chairman of the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Promotion Council (KYSGGPC) and President of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate for small grain growers—both here in Kentucky and across the country.
Kentucky’s voice in national wheat production is stronger than ever, thanks to our state’s involvement with NAWG and the leadership of Kentucky farmer Bernard Peterson, who recently completed his term as Chairman of the National Wheat Foundation.
The KYSGGPC’s goal is pretty straightforward: support research that helps make small grain farming more profitable. It’s a mission we take seriously. We spend a lot of time in thoughtful conversations talking through what farmers are seeing in the field and where research can make the biggest impact.
This group is made up of real farmers and supporters of agriculture from across Kentucky—people who understand the industry and are committed to keeping small grains a strong part of our ag economy.
Over the past 30 years, the KYSGGPC has invested $4.8 million into research projects that directly address the needs of Kentucky’s small grain growers. Every project we fund comes from careful discussion and thoughtful input from folks in the field. You can explore some of the research we’ve supported at www.kysmallgrains.org.
In addition to research, the KYSGGPC supports education and outreach. Each year, we award scholarships to two students who are pursuing a career in agriculture, whether through a degree or trade program.
Education doesn’t stop when we leave school—it’s a lifelong process, especially for growers. That’s why KY Small Grains introduced our farmers to the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN). This program helps farmers gather field-specific research on their wheat, and at the end of the year, participants get a personalized report comparing their field’s performance with others.
As we continue learning about growing wheat, it’s just as important to back it up with strong advocacy. A united voice from wheat growers is powerful, and there’s real strength in numbers. Stay involved in shaping small grain policy, even if it takes time and plenty of persistence to see results.
I’ve been involved in NAWG for eight years, working on policy committees, chairing the Environment and Research Committee, and now serving as president. I can honestly say that advocacy is crucial and effective from every angle.
Throughout my presidency of NAWG, my top priority has remained the same: urging lawmakers to swiftly pass a long-term farm bill that strengthens the safety net and ensures lasting stability for our nation’s producers.
We’re advocating for a new tax package that supports producers and strengthens rural America. At the same time, we’re working with the Trump administration to push for crop protection tools, expand export markets, and promote free trade opportunities for wheat growers.
Serving as President has been the honor of a lifetime, and I’ve truly valued the opportunity to work alongside fellow wheat growers and policymakers to help shape a stronger future for farmers and rural communities across America.
It is critical that growers be involved in their associations and the political process because a wise colleague once told me, “If you want something different, you must be involved in the decision-making process.”
That sentiment has always stuck with me and led me to become involved with the KYSGGPC and NAWG.
As I reflect on the work we’re doing together, I am grateful for the trust that Kentucky’s small grain growers have placed in me, as well as the support from my fellow members of NAWG. Your commitment and passion for this industry are what drive our collective success.