Four bulk carriers full of U.S. wheat landed in Colombia this summer, the first commercial sales traced directly to a monetization project under the Food for Progress supported by U.S. wheat farmers. The Food for Progress monetization program enabled U.S. Wheat Associates overseas staff to demonstrate the quality and versatility of U.S. wheat. This access to hands-on education resulted in commercial purchases of U.S. wheat by Colombian buyers. Colombia has the second-largest population in South America, where there has been a historical preference for Canadian Western Red Spring over U.S. classes. Programs like Food for Progress and the expertise and relationships buyers, millers, and bakers have with U.S. Wheat staff have created a demand for U.S. wheat

A team of four wheat buyers from Ecuador visited Idaho in July with Miguel Galdos, U.S. Wheat regional director for South America. The team visited Wayne Hurst’s farm in Burley and Clark Hamilton’s farm in Ririe during their two-day visit in the Gem State. The trade team was funded by USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) and Idaho wheat-growing families. Ecuador’s demand for wheat is projected to reach 73.5 million bushels this calendar year, up from 22 million bushels a decade ago. Ecuador imports soft white, hard red winter, and soft red winter wheat classes.

Southern and eastern Idaho wheat and barley growers are reporting exceptional winter grain yields, however, herbicide-resistant wild oats are causing major problems. These weeds can slash wheat yields by over 24% at high densities. UI Extension experts report rapidly growing resistance to pinoxaden (Axial), particularly in southeast Idaho, making control difficult and costly. Weed scientists recommend rotating to broadleaf crops like potatoes or sugar beets, planting CoAXium or Clearfield wheat varieties, or using triallate in tilled systems. Resistance to quizalofop and imazamox is emerging but less severe than pinoxaden resistance.

Japan remains one of the largest and most loyal markets for U.S. wheat thanks to a relationship built over 70 years on trust, quality, and collaboration. In 2025, U.S. Wheat Associates leaders made their first official visit to Japan, meeting top milling companies, bakers, and government officials to reinforce shared goals for quality and reliability. Earlier, Japanese flour millers toured U.S. wheat farms and facilities in Montana, Washington, and Oregon, gaining firsthand insight into breeding, production, and export systems. These reciprocal visits keep communication strong, build personal connections, and ensure Japan’s continued confidence in U.S. wheat.

University of Idaho students in the Agricultural Economics course gain hands-on experience trading real money in commodity markets, using funds from the Barker Board Endowment Fund. Guided by faculty including Xiaoli Etienne, the Idaho Wheat Commission Bill Flory Endowed Chair of Risk Management, students analyze markets, manage risk, and trade about $150,000 each semester with professional tools like Bloomberg terminals and a simulated trading floor. This course is part of a larger Agricultural Commodity Risk Management program offering certificates, minors, and industry tours.

Through the support of grower dollars, the Idaho Wheat Commission welcomed a trade team from Southeast Asia to Northern Idaho last week, with representatives from top flour mills in Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. This region accounts for nearly a quarter of all U.S. wheat sales. The group toured the Lewis-Clark Terminal, the largest grain storage facilty on the inland river system, and visited the Lower Granite Dam, highlighting the vital role of the Columbia Snake River System in delivering high-quality Idaho wheat to our global customers. We value and appreciate our strong overseas partnerships.

Camp Rainbow Gold, a nonprofit supporting Idaho children with cancer and their families, has grown from a summer camp into a year-round program with a permanent home in Fairfield, Idaho called Hidden Paradise. As the site develops, it still lacks a kitchen and dining hall—an essential space for shared meals and connection. Idaho’s agriculture community is rallying to help build this vital piece. Join Idaho Wheat and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture on August 9 for a special evening of community, generosity, and purpose as we work together to make this dream a reality.