Dawn Watson 2409 Jackson Avenue Bismarck, ND (701) Report

USDGA Mission Statement USDGA provides a voice for durum producers on agricultural policy and the durum industry, while striving to keep producers informed about the latest technology in durum production.

Contract with the NDWC USDGA’s goal is to earn every contract dollar with the NDWC. We Promise: ♦ Transparency – Open Books ♦ Integrity – Open & honest communication

Durum’s Important to ND ND Durum seeded in 1.8 million - Tied for 3 rd in acres harvested Million bushels (80% of US) Pasta (semolina) - premium product - Milling and Pasta industry - ND grinds >85,000 bushels/day Consumer - healthy, versatile and good value ($.20/serving)

Domestic Policy & Promotion National Pasta Association ♦ USDGA is an Associate member. - USDGA and NDWC were panel members in 2010 addressing concerns and questions on behalf of ND durum producers You Tube Pasta Contest  3 rd Annual, held in October “Pasta Month”  Viewable on website: “Sunrise on Hunger” project

Durum Wheat Quality Program Cost share (50%) reimbursement program for applications of fungicides to fight scab and preserve quality in durum. ♦$3,000,000 in $2,635,180 to ND ♦ 2011 Status - Senate Ag Appropriation bill has $3 million - Funding requires annual application and approval - USDGA hired, Hollier and Associates, to direct the project in Washington, DC

Crop Insurance Durum’s own price elections for APH and Revenue products based on historical market price premium - Dr. Won Koo (14-17%) - For the 2010 crop year, RMA offered additional price elections resulting in durum at $8.11 (Revenue products) and $6.00 (APH) verses $7.08 and $4.90 for spring wheat, respectively , Combo policy, is a work in progress

Producer Education USDGA hosted a “Fungicide Field Day” to assist with decision making concerning using fungicides for fusarium control. - Extension Service, Research Station, manufactures of application equipment, and chemical company reps - Held in Berthold at Vision Research and Kent McKay

NAFTA Pesticide Harmonization  NAFTA labeling is voluntary, changeable  Legislative action necessary  Canadian Grou program  Conducted a chemical import exercise to document process for US producers  Worked very closely with Jim Gray from ND Dept of Ag. - presented Jim Gray with USDGA’s “Durum Person of the Year” award

2012 Farm Bill  Testified on panel at Senator Conrad’s Senate Budget Committee Field Hearing in October  Higher loan rates - North Dakota durum LDP’s (2010) total over$66,585,000 and over $20 Million in CCC loans (all wheat classes)  Countercyclical, revenue-based program

International Durum Forum Held on November 9th, 2010 along with NDWC Crop Outlook and the Durum Industry Advisory Council. ♦ Great networking and education opportunity ♦ Good attendance  Awards given at Banquet - Jim Gray “Durum Person of the Year” - Jim Diepolder “Amber Award”

Conservation USDGA’s seat on the State Technical Working Group gives attention to an array of conservation issues. ♦ USDGA formed a TWG Committee to address farmer concerns and provide the means for involvement in the institution of conservation programs.  Positive Rule Change - Equip Program no longer penalizes joint ownership of seed tools. Both entities, i.e. father – Son, or brothers can participate in the program even if they have joint drill ownership now.

Producer’s $ Buying Results 2010  $38.46 per acre seeded in ND (October 6, 2010 NASS)  Over 692 years of check-off dollars returned directly to ND durum producers (assuming an average of $100,000/year of NDWC check-off dollars)

THANK YOU! USDGA board of directors would like to thank you for your continued support. USDGA will continue to represent the NDWC and durum producers with the best in durum domestic policy as well as providing education opportunities for growers to increase their profit potential.