An estimated 9 million Americans are taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications proven to suppress appetite and change how the body processes insulin. Evidence showing a 30% reduction in the consumption of sweet bakery goods, and 10% - 20% fewer calories consumed by users overall, is catching the attention of the global milling industry, particularly soft wheat millers.

The USDA anticipates several factors fueling bullish market sentiment. Projections indicate that both world production and consumption could reach record levels in 2024/25, making this the sixth time in the last seven years where consumption surpasses production. Wheat availability and quality will be dictated by weather patterns and global production dynamics.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is working to build a demand for U.S.wheat in Bangladesh, where flour mills have recently expressed interest in importing more wheat with sronger gluten. USW is the export market development organization for the Idaho wheat industry, and promotes the reliability, quality, and value of wheat to millers and bakers around the world.

Winter wheat conditions in the Pacific Northwest are the best they have been in three years. With significant crop challenges affecting key exporting nations and regions, there is potential for a resurgence in demand for U.S. wheat exports. Idaho is experiencing a positive uptick in winter wheat production, showing an increase of nearly 11% compared to 2023.

Feeding America, the nations largest hunger-relief organization, has found that 11.4% of Idahoans are food insecure, and 14.5% of children are food insecure. This is a significant increase from 8.2% of Idahoans who were food insecure last year. Idaho is known for its agricultural productivity, however, food insecurity remains a concern in Idaho.

Proposed legislation from the House Agricultural Committee for the Farm Bill presents a remarkable initiative; the allocation for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Access Program (MAP) funding would be doubled. It has been 20 years since FMD and MAP have seen an increase, and the much needed change would be beneficial for Idaho wheat growers.

Wheat farmers in the Pacific Northwest may see higher yields this year thanks to a transition from drought to optimal growing conditions. Wheat yields peaked in 2020 throughout the Pacific Northwest, but have been declining since. With the arrival of cooler temperatures and sufficient moisture, Idaho wheat farmers can look forward to a promising growing season ahead.