Idaho Wheat Commission

News

MFC -- A New Cereal Aphid in the Intermountain West

The entomology world is abuzz with the invasion of a new aphid affecting cereal grains of the intermountain west – and it’s time for Idaho growers to take note. Metopolophium festucae cerealium, or “MFC” was first found in the region in 1994 and was widespread in Northern Idaho by 2011. As an aphid in cereal grains, MFC uses its piercing and sucking mouthparts to damage plants with its phytotoxic saliva. According to research, as few as 16 aphids per plant can decrease wheat plant biomass by 25%.Current research is underway at the University of Idaho to reveal the details of MFC. It is not yet known if MFC is a vector of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus like Russian Wheat Aphid, but possible transmission is suspected. Wheat and barley are the most preferred host plants for MFC, but native grasses can host these aphids as well.Visit here for a current update and details about treatment options for MFC. Additional resources can be found here.

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.

April 7, 2026

Impacts from Iran on Idaho Wheat Inputs

In the two weeks since the February 28 U.S. strikes on Iran, there have been jolts to the global economy. The most obvious adjustment for the majority of Americans will be at the gas pump as oil is manipulated and used as collateral. Beyond fuel, the current unrest in Iran has already started to punch agriculture in the gut in Idaho and across the country.