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Featured Idaho Wheat News

The most relevant industry news curated specifically for Idaho’s wheat growers.

Idaho Agriculture and Farm Organizations to Host Farm Stress Workshop

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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Idaho Grain Night

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Reaching Out to Farmers and Ranchers in Crisis

The American Farm Bureau conducted a survey in which farmers and farmworkers identified the following impacts to farmers' mental health.

USDA Forecasts Higher U.S. Wheat Production

The USDA's current WASDE report projects that the carryover of wheat on June 1, 2025, will be 856 million bushels. This is an increase of 13% from the June outlook of 758 million bushels, 22% higher than the 702 million bushels in 2024, and 50% more than the 570 million bushels in 2023. The 2025 carryover projection for all wheat classes is near the higher end of trade expectations. However, the USDA's updated estimate for 2024 production significantly exceeds trade estimates.

Bingham GWD Installs Groundwater Monitoring System to Help Reduce Water Consumption

The Bingham Ground Water District (GWD) and Ethos Connected, a Nebraska-based agriculture and water technology company, are collaborating to address water consumption and water issues affecting farmers. Ethos installs sensors that provide real-time data on water usage and its impact on aquifers. Recently, Ethos and Bingham GWD installed a nitrate groundwater aquifer monitoring system.This system will enable farmers to make informed decisions about water usage and aquifer management.

Officials Outline Columbia River Treaty Update

The modernized Columbia River Treaty agreement-in-principle, ensures hydropower certainty, flood risk management, and ecosystem health for the next 20 years. The agreement, crucial for the Pacific Northwest, will now be finalized for U.S. Senate ratification. The Columbia River, vital for hydropower, irrigation, and commercial cargo, will see enhancements under this treaty, including ecosystem improvements in collaboration with regional tribes. The modernized treaty, valued at $1.5 billion over 20 years, includes provisions for environmental stewardship and flood risk management, with commitments to support salmon migration and form new bodies for ecosystem recommendations.

Misunderstanding, Changes to IDWR Methodology Lead to Issues for Idaho's Farmers

The Idaho Department of Water Resources accepted an agreement that officially ended the water curtailment affecting 330,000 acres of farmland, and efforts are ongoing to develop a new mitigation plan. As a new water-saving agreement is being formulated, prior agreements are highlighting complications that troubled farmers in June.In 2023, IDWR Director Mathew Weaver, then deputy director, discussed how IDWR, groundwater districts, and the Surface Water Coalition misinterpreted the 2015 agreement, resulting in significant changes to Idaho’s water management policies.

Volatile Wheat Markets Highlight Unexpected Opportunities

In late May, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) noted a bullish sentiment in the wheat market, driven by adverse weather and shifting supply and demand conditions. Since then, the market's volatility, a constant presence for over two years, has returned. Until global supply and demand are more clearly defined, markets will remain sensitive to changes in weather, perceived consumption, and supply shifts. However, this recent volatility may reveal unexpected buying opportunities for U.S. wheat.

Economist to Farmers: 'Lower-Price' Wheat Year Ahead

World wheat production is projected to increase this year compared to last. Although global wheat supplies will be similar to last year's, consumption is expected to decrease. Consequently, prices are likely to drop due to the distribution of supplies. Major importers have more wheat this year than in previous years. Despite major exporters having less wheat, the reduced demand from importers, who require less, contributes to the lower prices.

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