The J.R. Simplot Family Foundation has endowed the University of Idaho’s first deanship within its College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), marking a significant commitment to Idaho agriculture. Named the J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean, the position honors the Simplot family's legacy and will provide sustained funding to advance the college’s strategic priorities. The endowment allows CALS to enhance its leadership, attract high-caliber faculty, support innovative projects, and improve student experiences Agriculture, representing 17% of Idaho's economy in 2023, benefits from CALS’s research and education efforts, supported by collaborations with stakeholders like the Simplot Company.

As harvest season ends, Idaho wheat farmers and others focus on preparing for the next growing cycle by assessing soil health. According to University of Idaho's Soil and Water System Associate Professor, Zachary Kayler, farmers test their soil for nutrients and evaluate fertilizer needs, pest management, water resources, and organic matter to enhance future crop yields, including wheat. This work aligns with a $50 million Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership (IAMP) grant awarded to the University of Idaho in 2022 to help reduce farming greenhouse gas emissions and develop sustainable soil practices.

Pacific Northwest wheat leaders recently traveled to Peru and Chile, two key markets for soft white wheat, to strengthen relationships and better understand local market needs. Representatives from the Washington, Idaho, and Oregon wheat commissions engaged with South American buyers who use soft white wheat in unique ways, including cookies, crackers, and blending it with bread wheat—a contrast to its use in Asian markets. The U.S. Wheat office in South America, supported by PNW wheat farmers, provides training on soft white wheat’s benefits, further enhancing its appeal to regional millers. With Latin America’s growing middle class, wheat leaders see significant market potential and plan to increase outreach efforts to ensure their wheat aligns with local preferences and demands.

The USDA Northwest & Rocky Mountain Regional FoodBusiness Center needs your help shaping its programs, Business Builder and other grant priorities, partnerships, and other investments. By taking 10-15 minutes to complete the following questionnaire,you will help us determine how to allocate funding to best meet your current business development, funding, marketing, infrastructure, supply chain, and market development needs. The questionnaire will close on November 16. Participation is anonymous and does not ask you to provide your name or other identifying information.

The latest Gallup poll revealed that Americans trust farming and ranching more than any other industry, with trust increasing by 5 percentage points from last year. Farmers, however, aren’t seen as contributors to these price hikes but as victims of inflation. A new farm bill is crucial to provide updated safety nets, but Congress has yet to pass it. Despite financial challenges, farmers remain committed to producing a safe and abundant food supply, and the industry is grateful for public trust and support as they navigate this challenging period.

The TEMCO rail expansion project at Washington’s Port of Kalama has secured a $26.3 million grant from the Federal Rail Administration’s CRISI Program. TEMCO, a joint venture between CHS Inc. and Cargill, operates the facility, which exports grains, oilseeds, and wheat to Asia-Pacific markets. The project will add over 25,000 feet of track to improve efficiency by up to 30%, allowing for continuous ship loading without repositioning railcars, which currently causes seven-hour delays. improved rail infrastructure would expedite export processes for farmers across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

University of Idaho researcher Alex Maas is leading a multi-institutional study to assess how sustainable farming practices impact air quality in the western U.S. Motivated by dusty air in Moscow, Idaho, Maas will analyze air-quality sensor data spanning two decades, focusing on how weather, harvest timing, farming practices, and non-agricultural land-use factors contribute to air quality and health outcomes. Maas hopes the findings will help policymakers understand the broader environmental impact of agricultural practices and encourage new technologies that enhance sustainability while managing unintended effects on air quality.