University of Idaho economist Xiaoli Etienne, the Idaho Wheat Commission Endowed Chair in Commodity Risk Management, says farmers face a continued “double squeeze” heading into 2026—low crop prices and high input costs. Fertilizer, fuel, labor, and equipment remain well above pre-2021 levels, with fertilizer prices still volatile due to global trade and supply factors. For Idaho wheat growers, these costs directly pressure profit margins. Etienne encourages producers to strengthen relationships with suppliers and lenders, seek efficiency improvements like soil testing, and stay adaptable in managing risk amid uncertain markets.

Greenfield Milling (formerly Utah Flour Milling LLC) has officially opened its new $100 million flagship flour mill in Richmond, Utah — a development with direct benefits for Idaho wheat growers. The adjacent Campbell Snacks Pepperidge Farm plant, which produces Goldfish crackers and Milano cookies, sources the majority of its wheat from Idaho. Idaho Wheat Commission Executive Director Britany Hurst Marchant and Commissioner Clark Hamilton were on site for the opening of the mill promoting the high-quality of Idaho wheat to both the miller and Pepperidge Farm. Greenfield Milling will provide a dedicated pneumatic flour supply to the facility, strengthening the connection between Idaho wheat producers and a major national food manufacturer.

Through the support of grower assessment dollars, the Idaho Wheat Commission hosted a trade team from the Japan Biscuit Association (JBA) in Northern Idaho this week. Representing 25 manufacturers that produce 90% of Japan’s biscuit market, JBA relies on U.S. Western White wheat—a blend of club and soft white wheat—for their products. During their visit, the trade team toured the Lewis-Clark Terminal, the largest grain storage facility on the inland river system, and the Lower Granite Dam, highlighting the vital role of the Columbia–Snake River System in transporting Idaho wheat to global markets. Idaho Wheat Commissioner Cliff Tacke hosted the team for a farm tour and lunch, where they learned firsthand about the sustainable farming practices that help maintain Idaho’s reputation for exceptional wheat quality.

Last week, commissioners and staff from the Idaho Wheat Commission (IWC) 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.

Indonesia and Bangladesh, two major buyers of Canadian wheat, have signed agreements to significantly increase U.S. wheat imports—raising concerns for Canadian exporters. Indonesia will purchase one million tonnes annually, mostly soft wheat, while Bangladesh committed to 700,000 tonnes, directly competing with Canada’s hard red spring wheat. U.S. talks with Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand add to the uncertainty, though Cereals Canada hopes its strengthened presence in the Indo-Pacific will help protect Canada’s market share.

Mexico’s growing population and strong feed demand will keep the country a major grain importer in 2025-26, according to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Wheat production is projected to fall 34% to just 1.7 million tons due to drought and low reservoir levels, pushing imports up 18% to 6.5 million tons. The U.S. remains Mexico’s top wheat supplier, with its market share climbing to 75%. Wheat consumption is forecast to increase 1% to 8.1 million tons, supported by population growth and tourism-related demand for bread, pasta, and baked goods. Mexico’s limited production capacity and rising consumption will sustain strong demand for U.S. grain exports, particularly wheat, corn, rice, and sorghum.

Leslie Edgar, the new J.R. Simplot endowed dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), is on a statewide listening tour, meeting with wheat growers and other stakeholders to understand their challenges and explore how the university can better support them through teaching, research, and Extension. Much of the wheat research conducted at U of I is funded by grower assessment dollars, focusing on solutions to on-farm problems. These investments support developing new wheat varieties, improving disease and pest management, evaluating soil health, and sustainability practices. Dean Edgar aims to “innovate Idaho” by ensuring university research delivers practical benefits—helping producers maximize profitability, strengthening rural communities, and serving the broader public.