‍In a new, collaborative project between Utah State University and University of Idaho researchers, variable rate nitrogen zones will be studied on Christensen Farms in Southeast Idaho.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the biggest fallout from historically low Mississippi River levels could be the disruption to fertilizer shipments. Speaking with reporters this week, he said USDA is close to announcing a framework that would expand domestic supplies for the next crop year.

A movement is afoot in Japan to substitute locally grown rice and corn for a small amount of imported wheat used for food and fodder. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted international markets, and a weak yen have substantially increased the cost of imported wheat. Last January a dollar equaled about 113 yen. As of Monday, a U.S. dollar equaled about 146 yen, a 29% drop in value.

Former House Ag Chair Collin Peterson says the U.S. is “going to have to ride out this volatility” in the global grain markets as traders seek to get a handle on the path forward for trade in the Black Sea region.

The Northwest wheat crop is off to a good start, but farmers hope for more rain and snow as the growing season approaches winter. Favorable planting conditions in the Palouse region were “promising,” said Britany Hurst Marchant, Idaho Wheat Commission executive director.

More than six of every 10 acres in the continental United States is in drought, with arid conditions stretching from the Appalachians to the Pacific Coast, said the weekly Drought Monitor on Thursday. Conditions worsened in the Ohio Valley, as warm weather combined with below-normal precipitation to dry the Midwest.

The 2023 US winter wheat crop is in considerably worse condition than the 2022 crop at the same point a year ago, and in fact it is in worse condition than any winter wheat crop for the date. But as any longtime wheat industry professional will tell you, it’s a long way until harvest, suggesting the crop has plenty of time to recover if weather conditions improve.