More than 130 milling industry leaders convened in New Orleans for the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) Annual Meeting, co-hosted this year with the Canadian National Millers Association. The event wrapped up Saturday with a focus on advancing the milling sector’s priorities and preparing for 2026.
NAMA Chair Tedd Kruse of ADM Milling and Baking Solutions called the meeting “an important opportunity for members to connect on our priorities and plan for 2026.” He emphasized NAMA’s continued role as a strong voice in Washington, D.C., addressing issues from nutrition and trade to research that impact the industry.
The NAMA Board of Directors held its annual business meeting, electing Alan Koechner of PepsiCo and Keith Adams of Bay State Milling to the Executive Committee. Divisions for corn, oat, and wheat millers 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 from Grain Millers, Inc., and posthumously to Dan Fetherston of SEMO Milling. Outgoing Executive Committee members Mike Fassezke and Brian Doyle were also honored. Riley Didion of Didion Milling was named incoming chair of the Corn Division.
NAMA President Jane DeMarchi highlighted the event’s speakers, who provided insights on critical topics affecting millers and the economy. Presentations covered U.S. trade, Canadian agriculture, strategic foresight in agri-food, grain foods advocacy, and policy implications for the agricultural economy.
NAMA thanked the Canadian National Millers Association for co-hosting and announced its Spring Conference will be held March 10-13, 2026, in Marco Island, Florida.
