More than 130 milling industry leaders and their guests convened in New Orleans for the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) Annual Meeting, which concluded Saturday. Co-hosted with the Canadian National Millers Association, the event focused on advancing the milling industry’s strategic priorities for 2026.
“The Annual Meeting was an important opportunity for NAMA’s members to connect on our priorities and plan for 2026,” said NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse of ADM Milling and Baking Solutions. “From nutrition to trade and research, NAMA continues to be an effective voice in Washington, D.C. on a wide range of issues that impact the milling industry.”
The conference featured the NAMA Board of Directors’ annual business meeting, where Alan Koechner of PepsiCo and Keith Adams of Bay State Milling were elected to the Executive Committee. Divisions for corn, oat and wheat millers also met to advance the association’s strategic plan.
At the Annual Meeting Dinner and Awards Ceremony, Kruse presented the 2025 Honorary Member Award to Rick Schwein (retired, Grain Millers, Inc.) and posthumously to Dan Fetherston (SEMO Milling). Outgoing Executive Committee members and division chairs were also recognized.
NAMA President Jane DeMarchi highlighted the event’s forward-looking sessions, which addressed trade, policy, and the future of North American agri-food.
NAMA’s Spring Conference will take place March 10-13, 2026, in Marco Island, Florida.
