Idaho Wheat Commission

News

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

The more we talk about mental health together, the more normalized these conversations become, ultimately empowering people to seek the help they need. More people are now talking about and prioritizing their mental health, just as they would their physical health. They are also embracing self-care to improve overall well-being.
Just like you might share tips with friends about coping with everyday life stressors, consider taking the opportunity this month to share your experience of how you are caring for your mental health. Help enforce the message that "it's okay to not be okay," and to seek help if needed.

Mental Health Resources
PLEASE know there are people and resources you can turn to for help.
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
Agri Stress 1-833-897-2474
Farm Aid 1-800-327-6243
Learn more about the Lifeline & 988

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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.

April 7, 2026

Changing diets and demographics creating new opportunities for U.S. wheat

Rising incomes, growing populations, and rapid industrialization is creating increased demand for wheat foods around the world.

April 7, 2026

Idaho ag economic impact hits records

The economic impact of agriculture in Idaho reached $44.5 billion in sales, 17.2% of the state’s total economic output.

April 7, 2026

What is the Most Important Asset on the Farm?

How much time do you spend making sure your equipment is properly maintained? From combines and drills to pickups and silos, the farm has spent a lot of money and you probably have a “correct” way to take care of the tools you’ve invested in. But what is the most important asset on the farm? Quick answer: you and the people around you. Do you allocate as much time and attention on those assets? Probably not.

April 7, 2026

ALERT: Warm Weather Threatens Wheat with Yield Loss

The warm winter weather throughout the state has experts concerned about increased fungal diseases creeping into fields and causing yield loss. Xianming Chen, USDA stripe rust expert in the PNW, is warning farmers to start checking their fields. Chen is predicting that stripe rust will be more widespread and extreme this year than in the past 15 years. The last particularly bad year for stripe rust was in 2011. Experts from the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative are also warning about fusarium head blight and vomitoxin (DON) in winter wheat. USWBSI is reminding farmers that the best time to apply fungicides for FHB and DON management is at Feekes growth stage 10.51, when 50% of the main tillers have reached early anthesis (flowering) and up to seven (7) days following.