Idaho Wheat Commission

News

Senate passes legislation to avert a rail shutdown

The Senate on Thursday passed legislation to avert a rail shutdown following a grave warning from President Joe Biden about the economic danger posed by a strike. The House passed the tentative rail agreement on Wednesday. The measure can now be sent to the president to be signed into law. The vote came after pressure had mounted on lawmakers to act swiftly. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said earlier on Thursday that the Senate “cannot leave until we get the job done.” The final vote in the Senate was 80 to 15. Without congressional action, a rail strike could have become a reality as early as December 9, causing shortages, spiking prices and halting factory production. It could also have disrupted commuter rail services for up to seven million travelers a day and the transportation of 6,300 carloads of food and farm products a day, among other items, according to a collection of business groups. The legislation has been sent to President Biden who is expected to sign it.

‍

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.