IDAHO WHEAT COMMISSION

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Emergency Economic Relief Available for Commodity Farmers

Farmers growing certain commodities can apply for emergency economic assistance under USDA’s newly implemented Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Funded by the American Relief Act of 2025, which allocated $10 billion for farmers, the program aims to support growers affected by market downturns and the absence of a new farm bill. Eligible producers will receive 85% of their total payment upfront, with the remaining 15% issued later if funds allow. Payment rates vary by commodity, with wheat at $30.69 per acre and other rates listed for crops like corn, barley, rice, and soybeans. Farmers must apply through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and submit acreage reports by Aug. 15 to qualify.

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April 14, 2025
USDA Announces Agricultural Trade Promotion Programs for 2025
The USDA is now accepting applications for four key export market development programs for 2025—MAP, FMD, TASC, and EMP—to help U.S. agricultural producers expand international sales. These programs support overseas marketing, address trade barriers, and develop new markets. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins also announced six upcoming international trade missions to promote U.S. ag exports, highlighting a renewed push to reduce the $50 billion trade deficit left by the previous administration. Applications are due by June 6, 2025, with funding designed to foster strong public-private partnerships and boost rural economic growth.
April 14, 2025
Small Bumps for Pacific Northwest Wheat Planting
Farmers in the Pacific Northwest are expected to plant slightly more wheat and corn but slightly less barley and hay in 2025, according to the USDA’s prospective plantings report. Idaho’s total wheat acreage will dip 1.7%, with a 3.9% increase in winter wheat offset by an 11% drop in spring wheat. Barley acreage across the region is projected to fall by 2.1%, with Washington seeing the largest decline, while Idaho holds steady. Corn plantings are up 6.1% regionally, led by a 10.5% increase in Idaho. The Idaho Wheat Commission notes these are normal fluctuations due to crop rotations and economics.
April 14, 2025
Idaho Water Supply Forecasters Optimistic After Wet March
Idaho's snowpack is near, at, or above normal in many areas, giving USDA NRCS hydrologists optimism that irrigators will have enough water this season. The only areas of concern with below-normal snowpack are the Coeur d’Alene-St. Joe basin, Big Lost and Little Lost basins, and the Birch-Medicine Lodge/Beaver-Camas basin. NRCS Idaho water supply specialist Erin Whorton highlighted that snowpack conditions, combined with expected reservoir fills, set water users up for success, though spring weather will still influence water availability.
April 14, 2025
NEPA Changes Pause Columbia River Dam Review
The current administration has indefinitely paused a court-ordered review of 14 Columbia River dams intended to assess their impact on endangered salmon and steelhead. The delay is due to recent changes in how federal agencies implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), following the President’s rollback of longstanding NEPA regulations. The review stems from a 2023 $1 billion settlement—known as the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement—between the federal government, tribal nations, and the states of Oregon and Washington.
April 14, 2025
Idaho Wheat Farmer Touts ‘Importance of Exports’ as U.S. Wheat Chairman
Clark Hamilton, a third-generation farmer from Ririe, Idaho, recently concluded his term as chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW). Over the past year, he traveled internationally to build relationships with global wheat buyers and promote the quality and reliability of U.S. wheat. With over 15 years of leadership in the wheat industry, Hamilton is recognized for his collaborative, relationship-driven approach. He encourages fellow farmers to value their checkoff investment, highlighting the important work USW and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) do on their behalf.