Last week, commissioners and staff from the Idaho Wheat Commission joined Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, Mr. Michael Chang, President of the Taiwan Flour Millers Association (TFMA), and Ms. May Lin, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle, to sign a letter of intent important to the wheat industry.

This week, wheat commission leadership and staff from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington met together in Portland for a tri-state commission meeting.

Greenfield Milling officially opened its state-of-the-art mill in Richmond, Utah in September. Located directly adjacent to Campbell Snacks Pepperidge Farm baking and packaging facility 15 miles outside of Logan, Utah, the mill is uniquely positioned to serve as an additional link between Idaho’s wheat farmers and grocery shelves.

The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) recently approved several major projects to strengthen long-term water sustainability across the state. Highlights include $18.6 million for groundwater-to-surface water conversion projects to ease pressure on the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA), funding for canal and dam improvements, a new U.S. Geological Survey recharge study, and steps toward an Upper Snake River Basin WaterSmart Study. Backed by $30 million in new state funding, these initiatives boost recharge, conservation, and storage. For Idaho wheat growers, reliable irrigation depends on a healthy ESPA. By conserving water and expanding storage, these projects help safeguard access to irrigation, reduce risks of shortages, and support the long-term stability of Idaho agriculture.

U.S. wheat exports to Nigeria reached N203 billion ($139.5 million) in the first half of 2025, a 246% increase from the same period in 2024. The USDA projects Nigerian wheat imports to rise to 6.7 million tonnes in 2025/26, supported by a stable exchange rate, lower global grain prices, and a temporary zero-duty import policy that boosted millers’ profits. About 70% of Nigeria’s wheat flour is used for bread, with noodles ranking second in demand.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) commended Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and USDA for awarding 417,000 metric tons of commodities through the Food for Progress and McGovern-Dole programs, including 204,000 metric tons (7.5 million bushels) of U.S. wheat for Africa. Wheat plays a central role in Food for Progress, where donations are monetized to fund local development projects. The program not only provides critical humanitarian support but also opens the door to lasting market opportunities for American farmers—including those in Idaho. USW stressed that USDA’s proven track record in food assistance supports America’s humanitarian, diplomatic, and market development goals while creating opportunities for wheat producers.

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) has named Sam Kieffer as its new CEO, effective November 1. The Idaho Wheat Commission invests grower dollars in NAWG to support national advocacy on behalf of Idaho wheat farmers. Idaho wheat farmer and NAWG Vice President Jamie Kress participated in candidate interviews to ensure the perspective of local growers was represented in the selection process. As one of the nation’s top wheat-producing states, Idaho relies on strong representation in Washington, D.C. to maintain farm bill support, expand export markets, invest in research, and protect the Columbia–Snake River System, which is vital for delivering Idaho wheat to global buyers. Kieffer’s policy expertise and commitment to farmers will help ensure Idaho’s wheat industry remains competitive, resilient, and well-represented on the national stage.