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News

Panama Canal Further Limits Daily Vessel Transits

Due to unprecedented low levels on Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) is further limiting the number of daily vessel transits, reaching a low of 18 vessels per day by February 2024.The water level on Gatun Lake, which is the water source for the canal, is currently 79.7 feet, 7% below the prior five-year average for October, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Grain Transportation Report. The maximum sustainable capacity on the canal is 38-40 transits. The PCA took several water saving and conservation measures including reducing transit capacity to 32 vessels since July 30. Additional reductions were announced Sept. 29.

‍Read more about the Panama Canal here

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.
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