Idaho Wheat Commission

News

NAWG Announces New CEO

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) has named Sam Kieffer as its new CEO, effective November 1. The Idaho Wheat Commission invests grower dollars in NAWG to support national advocacy on behalf of Idaho wheat farmers. Idaho wheat farmer and NAWG Vice President Jamie Kress participated in candidate interviews to ensure the perspective of local growers was represented in the selection process. As one of the nation’s top wheat-producing states, Idaho relies on strong representation in Washington, D.C. to maintain farm bill support, expand export markets, invest in research, and protect the Columbia–Snake River System, which is vital for delivering Idaho wheat to global buyers. Kieffer’s policy expertise and commitment to farmers will help ensure Idaho’s wheat industry remains competitive, resilient, and well-represented on the national stage.

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.