The University of Idaho has expanded its nematode testing to address a critical need for local farmers facing yield losses due to plant-parasitic nematodes. Led by nematologist Pooria Ensafi at the Idaho Falls campus, the program offers detailed soil analyses, identifies harmful and beneficial nematodes, and provides tailored management recommendations. This local lab saves growers time and preserves sample quality, previously hindered by shipping to western Idaho. Supported by grower assessments, the lab collaborates with a team of crop pathology experts to ensure a comprehensive approach to diagnosing crop issues.

The current administration has halted efforts to breach four Lower Snake River dams in Eastern Washington—Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite. The decision reverses a 2023 Biden-era agreement that had aimed to explore dam removal for salmon recovery. The dam’s play a critical role in transporting U.S. grain and oilseeds, generating renewable energy, and supporting irrigation. Removing the dams would have harmed U.S. agricultural exports, rural economies, and food and energy security.

Genetically modified (GM) wheat may become part of U.S. agriculture within the next decade, following USDA approval of HB4—a drought-tolerance trait developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions. While the trait shows promise, particularly in low-yielding regions like the High Plains, it is less applicable to high-yield areas such as Idaho. Breeding HB4 into U.S. wheat varieties will take 6–10 years, and concerns remain around consumer acceptance and potential export market resistance, especially from countries like Japan and China. Idaho wheat leaders support the technology but advocate for a cautious, market-driven approach, watching global reactions—particularly from Argentina—before moving forward, especially with export-sensitive classes like soft white wheat.

Through the support of grower assessments, the Idaho Wheat Commission hosted a domestic marketing tour in Eastern Idaho and Northern Utah this week for wheat farmers across the state. This tour provides educational opportunities for growers to learn about how their wheat is processed, transported, and utilized beyond the farm. Being equipped with this knowledge, growers can organize their farming operations to meet the needs of the industry. The domestic marketing tour also provides growers with an opportunity to build connections with the domestic wheat supply chain throughout the region.

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.