Idaho's net farm income will likely decrease next year, and producers “are going to see a little bit of a margin crunch,” a University of Idaho Extension farm business management specialist told a recent UI Ag Outlook forum. Inflation and higher interest rates remain concerns, as do consumer demand and geopolitical unrest, Brett Wilder said. Receipts on livestock will likely moderate, Wilder said, but ag exports continue to show strength. Idaho net farm income was about $2 billion in 2021, and reached a record high $4.2 billion in 2022 as commodity price increases outpaced gains in the cost of inputs

The USDA says the deal struck by the federal government and plaintiffs in a lawsuit over Snake River dam operations will provide "near-term stability." “This agreement will help provide near-term stability for communities that depend on the Columbia River System for agriculture and transportation," a USDA spokesperson told the Capital Press. "The alternative was the significant uncertainty brought about by protracted litigation that could’ve resulted in a ruling very adverse to agriculture and rural communities in the region."

IWC Executive Director Britany Hurst Marchant, and Commissioners Joe Anderson and Cliff Tacke, walked a figurative mile in the shoes of their end-use customers this month during a flour milling short course at the IGP Institute at Kansas State University. The IGP Institute organizes this course annually as a deep dive into milling and baking processes. This year’s course, conducted December 11-13, 2023, was designed to give wheat growers and industry personnel training in the basic principles of flour milling and a greater understanding of the relationship between wheat quality and flour performance. Wheat farmers, grain trade representatives, and state and national wheat organizations also participated.

The winter holidays always seem to be full of positive and cheerful references. “Merry Christmas” and carols marking this season as “the most wonderful time of the year” are just a few examples of joyful greetings disseminated around this time. While many people look forward to time off from work and eggnog-filled festivities with family and friends, the sad reality is that ‘tis NOT the season to be jolly for everyone. The Christmas season can be associated with stress, sadness, loneliness and other challenges. Despite the whirlwind of angst-ridden local and global affairs, the good news is that help is available.

The drought-hit Panama Canal’s transit limits and high fees are driving bulk grain shippers of US crops from the Gulf Coast to Asia into longer routes with higher freight costs to avoid being backed up at one of the world’s main maritime trade routes, Reuters reported, citing traders and industry analysts. The higher costs are coming during peak shipping for US corn and soy suppliers. Ships moving crops have faced wait times of up to three weeks to pass through the canal as container vessels and others that sail on more regular schedules are scooping up the few transit slots available.

With winter approaching, it may be hard to watch the weather destroy your winter wheat crop, Being prepared and having a bakup plan may save your sanity. Brutal droughts across the country and difficult winters have led to the widespread failure of wheat acres. Dwindling wheat and forage supplies lead to rising feed prices, posing additional challenges to the industry. In early 2023, more acres were lost than any in recent history. Fortunately, American farmers are resilient, and there are steps producers can take to prepare for the future and minimize the damage of failed wheat acres.

US farmer sentiment in November improved for the second consecutive month as the Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed 5 points above the prior month to an index value of 115. The primary driver behind the growing optimism was improved farm financial performance expectations among survey respondents, according to the report. The survey was conducted Nov. 13-17.