A South Korean flour milling team toured the 2024 wheat crop in the Pacific Northwest to aid in their purchasing decisions. The tour, showcasing the region's collaborative efforts, was organized by U.S. Wheat Associates and included visits to Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The South Korean team was particularly interested in crop yield, quality, farming practices, and wheat pricing. They also enjoyed seeing the wheat fields and participating in farming activities like riding in combines.

The number of women pursuing careers in farming is increasing, particularly in Idaho where 40% of farmers and ranchers are women. Idaho wheat farmer Noel Cole, a resident of Soda Springs, credits her mother-in-law, Tami Cole, for inspiring her to join the farming industry. Their family farm, Double C Acres, thrives due to their collective efforts and the involvement of Noel's sons in daily operations. Noel emphasizes the importance of adaptability, education, and technological advancements in farming. She remains optimistic about the future, aiming to preserve the family's farming heritage for future generations.

Pacific Northwest wheat farmers report average to above-average yields, but they are disappointed by the lower prices, according to industry leaders. Lower prices have made U.S. wheat more competitive internationally, leading to increased exports. In Idaho, where wheat farming is a significant part of agriculture, these developments are crucial. Farmers continue to navigate the balance between yield, quality, and market conditions, striving to maintain productivity and sustainability in a challenging economic landscape.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating an additional $300 million through the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to boost export markets for American farm and food products. For Idaho wheat farmers, this additional funding could offer new opportunities for expanding export markets and improving the global reach of Idaho wheat products.

Over the last 40 years, Idaho has lost nearly a quarter of its farmland. Millions of acres have been sold and developed into shops and suburban neighborhoods. In the late 1950s and early ’60s, Idaho boasted over 15 million acres of farmed land and around 30,000 farms. Today, that number has dwindled to about 11.5 million acres and fewer than 23,000 farms. These farms now cover 22% of Idaho's 53 million acres. There are about 2,500 wheat farms in Idaho.

One in four Idahoan's experience some form of mental illness. Mental illness can affect anyone, and if you don't have mental illness, it is likely you know and care about someone who lives with mental illness.

The delay in Congress passing a replacement farm bill poses significant risks for farmers, including those in Idaho's vital wheat industry. The House Agriculture Committee passed a new farm bill on May 23, but it has stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee. According to an analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation, this delay could severely impact farmers. The outdated 2018 Farm Bill, strained by six years of inflation, geopolitical disruptions, and volatile markets, no longer provides adequate support.