Idaho Wheat Commission

News

U of I weed scientist sees looming threat in herbicide-resistant pigweed

University of Idaho Extension weed specialist Albert Adjesiwor is warning the agricultural industry about a looming problem for Idaho farmers — herbicide-resistant pigweeds that tower over commercial crops in fields. Palmer Amaranth commonly grows 6 to 8 feet tall and can exceed 10 feet in height, wreaking havoc on surrounding crop yields.

It’s also evolved to tolerate most common herbicides, including glyphosate. Native to the desert southwest, Palmer amaranth is now widespread throughout the continental U.S., except for the Pacific Northwest, Montana and a few states in the northeast. Adjesiwor is advocating quick preventative actions to stave off the troublesome weed’s arrival to the Gem State. The weed could be introduced into Idaho through cover crop blends or contaminated hay, or cottonseed meal imported from other states as livestock feed.

‍

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.