The United States is a major player in the global wheat trade, as we have a large growing area in the Plains states. The market here has been just as volatile due to global impacts, but also the droughts we have battled in our growing regions for a few years now. However, this year has seen some more rain than the prior two. That means we should be in shape to meet demand around the world. Vince Peterson is President of U.S. Wheat Associates, and he talks about the global factors affecting our markets, and how the U.S. is responding.

The Idaho Wheat Commission (IWC) takes a wheat variety survey twice a year, spring and winter, to gather data on variety usage. The survey takes just under two minutes to complete. Your responses are anonymous and aggregated across multi-county reporting districts.Click the link below to complete the survey

In an average year, buyers in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan import 20% of the U.S. wheat crop. It is an impressive statistic that speakers referenced more than a few times during the recent U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) North Asia Marketing Conference. The two-day gathering that drew wheat buyers from all three countries to Bali, Indonesia, served as an example of USW’s ability to showcase U.S. wheat quality and key components of the industry’s efficient and effective supply chain efficiently. Including, of course, the people who grow U.S. wheat.

Three different countries, three different languages, three different cultures and three different sets of consumers. Yet flour millers from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan actually have something in common: They have a strong interest in U.S. wheat. U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) invited wheat buyers from each country to Bali, Indonesia, for the 2023 USW North Asia Marketing Conference. The conference provides an opportunity for U.S. producers to meet their customers and share information about this year’s wheat crop. It also gives customers the chance to hear about each aspect of the U.S. wheat supply chain and learn about the global wheat market.

Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. It is estimated that there are currently more than 700,000 suicides per year worldwide, and we know that each suicide profoundly affects many more people. “Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023. This theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.

As farmers gear up for 2023 harvest season, next year’s crop will likely be high on their minds. A Farm Futures August 2023 survey finds that growers are already thinking about strategies to be financially successful in the upcoming year and the results will have important implications for markets. The Farm Futures survey, which garnered 985 farmer responses via email July 15 – August 1, found that farmers expect to plant 93.1 million acres of corn in 2024, down 1% from this year’s acreage. Shrinking revenue prospects amid relatively high costs will likely tighten profit margins for the 2024 crop, giving alternative crops more opportunity for acreage next spring.

Pasta lovers must brace to pay even higher prices for their favorite dish, as drought in Canada and bad weather in Europe damages crops of durum wheat and reduces supplies available to flour millers and food companies. Italy's government called a crisis meeting in May as prices for the staple food jumped by more than double the national inflation rate. With global production of durum wheat headed for a 22-year low, Italy's famed pasta makers have had to turn to unusual suppliers such as Turkey for their main ingredient.