The chairman of the board for the Michigan Wheat Program was elected Secretary of the National Association of Wheat Growers at the Commodity Classic in Texas March 2. Longtime ag leader and Cass City wheat farmer David J. Milligan was elevated from a NAWG board member representing Michigan growers to the position of board secretary for the national association of wheat growers by his fellow wheat farmers from across the nation.

“We are so pleased to have Dave serving the national wheat industry as a national officer for NAWG,” says Jody Pollok-Newsom, executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program. “The Michigan wheat checkoff was created in 2011, and became a NAWG member in 2013. To have wheat farmers across the nation see Dave’s leadership and vote him to serve the organization as an officer is a true testament to Dave’s dedication to the industry. Dave will join the executive committee as secretary and throughout the next four years work his way through the chain of command.”

Milligan ran for the post, saying it “provided a unique opportunity to continue building NAWG’s reputation, and to create new opportunities for wheat farmers in the future.” He has a particular interest in research on wheat diseases, as well as new marketing opportunities. Milligan has served on several NAWG committees including domestic and trade policy, joint international trade Policy, environment and renewable resources, biotechnology, operations and planning, budget, nominating, and research and technology, of which he was chairman.

Milligan is a graduate of the Wheat Industry Leaders of Tomorrow program, and serves on the American Farm Bureau Wheat Committee. He previously served on the American Dry Bean Board for seven years, including two as chairman, and is active in Michigan Farm Bureau.

On his home farm in Cass City called Milligan Farms LLC, Milligan raises wheat, corn, soybeans and dry beans.

In supporting his nomination to NAWG board secretary, Jamie Clover Adams, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director, called Milligan “a genuine leader who not only is approachable, but also has a passion for doing what is right — regardless of the time and energy commitment.”

Source: MWP