Idaho Wheat Commission

News

Let's talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. Symptoms start in the fall and continue through the winter months. With more than 3 million cases per year in the U.S., SAD is very common. YOU are not alone in this. For people who work in the sun and soil, long winters are hard. SAD can last several months and even years, but can be treated by medical professionals. Less exposure to sunlight confuses your internal clock and causes the chemicals in your brain to get out of balance, causing SAD. Being vitamin-D deficiant can also cause some to struggle with SAD.

If you have experienced the following symptoms recently, you may be struggling with SAD.

Feeling sad or down most of the day, everyday.
Loss of interest in activities
Low energy/feeling sluggish
Problems with sleeping too much
Overeating and weight gain
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
Suicidal thoughts

What can you do to combat the SAD struggle?

Eat more fruits & vegetables and fish & eggs
Drink whole milk for more vitamin D
Get 7-9 hours of sleep
Exercise
Stay Social
Talk to your doctor

Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough through out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness, depression, anxiety or mental health, there are ways to get help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
If texting is preferred, text HOME to 741741
Learn more about the Lifeline & 988

August 4, 2026

Study Outlines Importance of Enriched Flour to U.S. Health

The Grain Foods Research Institute has published a paper outlining the undeniable benefits enriched flour has on public health. Without enrichments, the average American diet would be deficient in a number of essential nutrients and those insufficiencies would hit vulnerable groups the hardest.

August 4, 2026

Wheat Poised for a Rally

With sharp escalations in Russia’s war against Ukraine, and less wheat leaving Black Sea ports, futures markets for wheat are climbing. Futures markets rose above $7 per bushel for the first time since 2023. Trading on futures and options can come with substantial risks, but knowing what your risks are and weighing possible outcomes can be profitable and help you manage your risk. The Idaho Wheat Commission invested grower dollars into the creation of the Idaho Wheat Commission Bill Flory Endowed Chair of Risk Management at the University of Idaho, held by Dr. Xiaoli Etienne. Because that position was funded with your assessment dollars, you have access to her expertise. Also, University of Idaho Extension Specialist in Risk Management, Colby Field, can help you understand the risks and potential rewards of the trade.

August 4, 2026

New Ag License Plates Available — Support Ag in the Classroom

A new license plate design is now available in Idaho. This new agriculture plate supports Idaho Ag in the Classroom and shows off your love and commitment to Idaho agriculture all day every day. The plates are available at county offices and through the Idaho Transportation Department online portal.

August 4, 2026

Supreme Court Sides with Bayer

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled with manufacturers and the ag industry, agreeing that the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is meant to prevent state laws from imposing additional warning labels on production aid chemicals if they differ from the labels already required by the federal government.

June 3, 2026

Idaho’s U.S. Senator Frank Church Wrote BPA’s Rulebook. It Demands Reliable Power, Too.

An opinion editorial written by Will Hart, executive director of the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association, and Kurt Miller, executive director of the Northwest Public Power Association.