New U.S. Wheat Associates President and CEO Mike Spier joins Wheat’s On Your Mind to discuss his path through the wheat industry and what he has learned from decades of work in export markets. From Portland to Cairo, Manila, and Singapore, Spier has seen firsthand how wheat trade has shifted over time and why trust, education, and customer relationships remain central to U.S. wheat’s success around the world.
In this episode, Spier, Aaron Harries, and Justin Gilpin break down what is driving stronger wheat exports this year, where hard red winter wheat is gaining ground, and how U.S. Wheat Associates plans to use added funding to grow market share, expand overseas staffing, and support demand-building efforts. They also discuss tariffs, logistics, sustainability, emerging markets, and why hearing directly from wheat farmers can make a lasting impact with overseas buyers.

