The ongoing debate over breaching the lower Snake River dams centers on the fact that only Congress has the authority to make such a decision, despite continuous efforts to pressure the administration into taking executive action, according to Anthony Pena, government relations manager for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA). Though damaging legislation has been successfully blocked so far, Pena warned that advocates for dam breaching remain well-funded and resolute. Pena called on stakeholders to intensify their nationwide advocacy efforts.

Groundwater and surface water users in Idaho are working on a new mitigation plan, with a potential deadline now set for November 1. Despite the extension, terms have been agreed upon, and efforts are underway to ensure all parties fully understand them. The Idaho Department of Water Resources had previously announced a temporary deal to replace the problematic 2015 mitigation plan for eastern Idaho farmers. Adam Young, a Bingham County farmer and board member of the Bingham Groundwater District, emphasized the importance of carefully reviewing the terms to avoid ambiguity.

The U.S. agricultural sector faces significant risks from three major disruptions to shipping infrastructure, according to the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and nearly 200 organizations. The NGFA warned that stalled labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance could lead to a strike or lockout, affecting 40% of U.S. containerized agricultural exports. In addition, Mexican-imposed rail embargoes threaten the flow of agricultural goods to Mexico, one of the largest markets for U.S. products. These transportation issues are worsening financial strain for U.S. farmers.

Grain Craft is well-known in the flour milling industry and has acquired Central Milling, Inc., a prominent supplier of organic flour in the U.S. Central Milling, based in Logan, Utah, has been in operation for over 150 years. The company operates three mills in Utah and has a strong reputation in the artisan baking community, offering a variety of organic flours and grains. The acquisition aims to strengthen both companies, with Grain Craft bringing resources and relationships to support Central Milling’s growth while preserving its commitment to sustainability and traceability in sourcing wheat directly from growers.

The Idaho Grain Producers Association is excited to announce the appointment of Amaya Aguirre-Landa as the next Executive Director. Aguirre-Landa replaces outgoing IGPA Executive Director Stacey Satterlee who left in early September to lead the Idaho Bankers Association. An Idaho native, Aguirre-Landa has deep roots in the state’s agricultural community. Married to a farmer from a multi-generational family farm in Homedale, her in-laws cultivate crops such as sugar beets, corn, alfalfa, and wheat.

The first round of the University of Idaho's Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership (IAMP) program has concluded, with 50 applicants seeking to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. Led by UI professors Sanford Eigenbrode and Erin Brooks, the program provides technical and financial assistance to Idaho farmers and ranchers aiming to implement sustainable practices like no-tillage, crop rotation, and nutrient management. The program focuses on crops like potatoes, wheat, barley, and beef, with priority given to underserved farmers, including veterans, women, and socially disadvantaged groups. Additional application rounds will be held in the fall and spring as the program pushes forward.

The global wheat market has been a topic of concern for the past four years. While global wheat supplies have generally exceeded predictions, India's recent move to import wheat could signal a tighter market than anticipated. The Northern Hemisphere's wheat harvest is volatile, with factors like Russia's decreased yield and lower-than-expected harvests in Canada and the EU contributing to supply uncertainties. India’s potentially increasing demand could benefit U.S.wheat farmers. As part of the larger U.S. wheat production system, Idaho's wheat—renowned for its quality—stands to benefit from increased global demand.