Transportation, a cornerstone of the U.S. agricultural and food industries, is under strain due to ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade disruptions. New levies, retaliatory tariffs, and port fees have slowed imports of key food inputs—such as grains, oils, sweeteners, and packaging—raising costs across the supply chain. Ocean freight and trucking have been hit hard, with price volatility expected to push costs onto consumers. Domestic rail has remained a reliable and cost-effective mode for moving agricultural products, offering stability amid the chaos. The broader uncertainty surrounding trade policies and transportation infrastructure is causing industry-wide anxiety, making it difficult for producers, manufacturers, and shippers to plan ahead.

The U.S. wheat industry is seeing a resurgence in competitiveness as the 2025/26 marketing year begins, driven by favorable conditions including a weaker dollar, improved weather, and reduced trade barriers following USTR rulings on Section 301 actions against China. This price competitiveness has fueled a sharp increase in export sales. Since mid-April, U.S. wheat sales have surged 170%, with 3.1 million metric tons (MMT) booked in just five weeks. Key buyers like Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines increased purchases, and non-traditional markets such as Mauritius returned to buying U.S. wheat after a long hiatus.

Pacific Northwest wheat leaders are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming harvest, hoping to avoid extreme heat and secure timely rain. Each voiced concerns over weather volatility, rising input costs, and regulatory pressures impacting wheat growers. They warned of potential crop damage in Idaho without imminent rain, and noted long-term challenges for farm viability amid global competition and political uncertainty. All emphasized the need for farmer advocacy, improved infrastructure, and ongoing investment in wheat research. Despite hardships, they urged fellow growers to stay involved and keep sharing their stories to ensure agriculture’s future.

Idaho Wheat Commissioner Cory Kress participated in a U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Board Team trip to Egypt, Morocco, and Portugal to engage with customers and explore market opportunities for U.S. wheat. Led by USW staff, the trip aimed to strengthen relationships, showcase the value of U.S. wheat, and understand market challenges. The team toured flour mills, pasta factories, and bakeries, and met with millers, importers, and food companies. The trip highlighted both opportunities and challenges in expanding U.S. wheat market share and emphasized the unique technical support and service USW provides.

We are teaming up with Idaho Barley and the Idaho Grain Producers Association for Idaho Grain Night with the Idaho Falls Chukars on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The first pitch will be thrown at 7:05pm. Scan the QR code or click the link below to reserve your FREE tickets now.

Vince Peterson, retiring president of U.S. Wheat Associates, reflected on major global wheat market shifts during his 50-year career, including the EU and former Soviet Union moving from major importers to exporters—a 120 million-ton trade shift. With global wheat demand expected to grow significantly as the world population nears 10 billion, Peterson emphasized the need to maintain strong international partnerships. He also highlighted rising market volatility driven by financial and algorithmic trading, and called for greater investment in technology and yield improvements, while reaffirming U.S. wheat’s commitment to premium quality.

The Idaho Water Resource Board has approved over $30 million to fund water sustainability projects in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) region, supporting a 2024 settlement between junior groundwater and senior surface water users. Funding is split evenly between the east and south-central regions and includes grants for groundwater-to-surface water conversions, surface water efficiency, recharge infrastructure, and monitoring. The projects aim to reduce groundwater use, boost efficiency, and enhance aquifer recharge. State leaders praised the collaborative effort to ensure long-term water sustainability for Idaho’s agricultural communities.