Idaho wheat growers are experiencing a significant zinc deficiency that is reducing yields by 3.5 to 4 bushels per acre annually. This deficiency, which affects seedling vigor and emergence, is largely due to soil conditions such as high pH and low temperatures. Zinc is essential for early plant growth and germination, and a lack of it can weaken plants and slow their development. To prevent this, it is crucial to provide immediate zinc availability at germination. While various zinc products exist, recent research highlights zinc oxide, particularly in its micronized form (MicroFuze), as the most effective for seed treatments.

Residents of Genesee rallied together to support the development of a new culinary arts program at Genesee School. Donations ranged from large kitchen items like ovens and stand mixers to small utensils and a wheat grinder, symbolizing the farming community's involvement. The Idaho Wheat Commission played a significant role by donating $2,500 for new ovens, with Vice Chair Joe Anderson attending the open house as a representative. The new culinary arts classroom, which was remodeled over the summer with extensive community help, will also represent the agricultural heritage of the area.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today its decision to deregulate the drought-tolerate HB4® trait in wheat. The wheat commissions of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, representing Pacific Northwest (PNW) wheat producers, provided the following statement to address some of the questions that may arise from this announcement, especially from our valued customers around the world:

From 2012 to 2022, the U.S. saw its market share drop by 0.2 percentage points, making it the second-largest exporter to the Southeast Asia, following China. However, the value of U.S. agricultural exports to Asia has grown by $4.8 billion over the last decade. U.S. exports face growing competition from countries like Brazil and Australia. In 2022, wheat was among the top U.S. exports to Southeast Asia, valued at $1.46 billion. As the demand for commodities like wheat continues to rise in Southeast Asia, Idaho's wheat production plays a vital role in meeting this growing need, highlighting the importance of maintaining competitive advantages in global markets.

The updated Columbia River Treaty between the U.S. and Canada is set to bring "certainty and stability" in areas such as power generation, flood risk management, and ecosystem flows. Representatives from U.S. agencies emphasized the treaty as a "win-win" for both nations. The modernized treaty, which still requires detailed amendments, will ensure more predictable operations for power generation, flood-risk management, and water allocation for agriculture, among other benefits. This is particularly significant for regions like Idaho, where agriculture heavily depends on stable water resources from the Columbia River System.

Researchers from the University of Idaho found that increasing diversity in agricultural systems benefits soil arthropods, which in turn can enhance crop productivity, including Idaho wheat. Soil arthropods, such as mites, beetles, and centipedes, play a critical role in soil health by decomposing crop residue and interacting with microbial communities, which supports crop growth. This led to deeper root growth and increased above-ground biomass in wheat, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy soil arthropod populations for the profitability and sustainability of Idaho wheat production.

The University of Idaho is accepting first-round applications for the Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership (IAMP), a climate-focused initiative designed to help Idaho farmers and ranchers adopt practices that reduce climate impact. This program, funded by a five-year, $55 million USDA grant, targets the production of Idaho's key commodities, including wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, barley, hops, chickpeas, and beef. Idaho wheat farmers, in particular, can benefit from this program by adopting these climate-smart practices, which not only contribute to sustainability but also open up new market opportunities.