The US Department of Agriculture in its World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report this week made no changes to its domestic wheat outlook for 2022-23 but said the global wheat outlook was for slightly smaller supplies, increased trade and consumption and lower ending stocks compared with February. The USDA forecast the 2022-23 world wheat supply at 1,060.39 million tonnes, down 110,000 tonnes from the February projection. Supplies were lowered on a decrease in beginning stocks (mostly on an increase for China’s 2020-21 feed and residual use), which more than offset an increase in world wheat production.

Egypt, one of the world's largest wheat importers, has given notice it will withdraw at the end of June from a decades-old U.N. grains treaty, causing consternation among some other signatories to the convention. Egypt's departure from the multinational Grains Trade Convention (GTC), which promotes market transparency to further trade cooperation, follows a period of turmoil in grains markets linked to the war in Ukraine and concerns about global food security.

Late last week, Bloomberg writers Aine Quinn and Megan Durisin reported that, “After a slow start to the season, Russia’s grain exports are booming as buyers load up on its attractive bumper supplies.“The country’s shipments of wheat — its main crop — almost doubled in January and February from a year earlier, Logistic OS data show. Buyers shunned cargoes earlier in the season when prices weren’t as appealing, but are now returning as last year’s massive harvest helps Russian grain to rank among the cheapest globally.

Along with Brent Cheyne, from Klamath Falls, Oregon being elected as the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President, the Board of Directors elected a new slate of officers. Keeff Felty from Oklahoma was elected Vice President, Pat Clements from Kentucky was elected Treasurer, Jamie Kress from Idaho was elected as the new Secretary and Nicole Berg from Washington state transitioned to the role of Past President.

An Idaho wheat grower has taken the title of record yield winner in the seventh annual National Wheat Foundation’s National Wheat Yield Contest. Rylee Reynolds from Twin Falls County, Idaho grew 231.37 bushels per acre. Other top-yielding wheat growers in the irrigated category also came from the Pacific Northwest (PNW) this year. The contest encourages wheat growers to strive for high yield, quality and profit while trying new and innovative strategies in their fields. State winners were recognized this year from 27 different states. Winners received a $500 award and a trip to Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida to be recognized at the National Wheat Foundation’s Winner’s Reception.

Wheat Marketing Center (WMC) hosted a group of students from the University of Idaho College of Agricultural & Life Sciences. This tour was facilitated by WMC Chair and Idaho Wheat commissioner Bill Flory. Students toured the facility to learn more about the role WMC plays in supporting grain trade, and marketing U.S. grown wheat abroad.

SAD is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. Symptoms start in the fall and continue through the winter months. With more than 3 million cases per year in the U.S., SAD is very common. YOU are not alone in this. For people who work in the sun and soil, long winters are hard. SAD can last several months and even years, but can be treated by medical professionals. Less exposure to sunlight confuses your internal clock and causes the chemicals in your brain to get out of balance, causing SAD. Being vitamin-D deficiant can also cause some to struggle with SAD.