Jamie Kress, a farmer from Idaho and a member of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), emphasizes the importance of passing a robust farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net, supports trade programs, and ensures American-grown commodities are central to international food aid. She highlights that farming is not just a job, but a lifestyle, and her work in agriculture policy is aimed at improving the lives of farm families. Kress urges wheat growers to continue advocating for the farm bill and emphasizes the importance of their voices in the legislative process.

U.S. wheat production for the 2024/25 marketing year is projected at 1.971 billion bushels, a 9% increase from the previous year and the highest since 2016/17. This growth counters a long-term decline in wheat production due to farmers switching to crops like corn and soybeans. However, wheat acreage has risen over the past two seasons, driven by high wheat prices in late 2022. Despite these acreage gains, a drought in hard red winter wheat regions limited harvests. For 2024/25, better weather conditions are expected to improve both harvested area and yields across most wheat classes, except for soft red winter wheat, which is down 24% but still above the 5-year average.

The USDA reports a 23% increase in Pacific Northwest winter wheat production over last year. In Idaho, winter wheat production rose by 11% to 62.3 million bushels, with spring wheat production up 20% to 38.7 million bushels. Yield for both winter and spring wheat remained strong at 89 bushels per acre. Idaho wheat farmers increased planted acreage for both winter and spring wheat, indicating its importance in crop rotations. Despite a rebound in production after droughts in 2021, wheat prices remain low due to high input costs and interest rates.

Bioceres Crop Solutions, an Argentina-based company, is developing its genetically modified (GM) drought-tolerant wheat trait (HB4) in accordance with U.S. biotech commercialization principles, as confirmed by U.S. Wheat Associates. The USDA approved the HB4 trait for cultivation in the U.S. in August, expanding potential wheat production by nearly 9.9 million acres. U.S. Wheat noted that negative public opinion on GM crops may be easing, and the introduction of HB4 wheat could pave the way for future GM traits. U.S. wheat commissions remain cautiously optimistic about the commercialization of the HB4 trait, stressing the need to meet market demands without harming existing trade.

The ongoing debate over breaching the lower Snake River dams centers on the fact that only Congress has the authority to make such a decision, despite continuous efforts to pressure the administration into taking executive action, according to Anthony Pena, government relations manager for the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA). Though damaging legislation has been successfully blocked so far, Pena warned that advocates for dam breaching remain well-funded and resolute. Pena called on stakeholders to intensify their nationwide advocacy efforts.

Groundwater and surface water users in Idaho are working on a new mitigation plan, with a potential deadline now set for November 1. Despite the extension, terms have been agreed upon, and efforts are underway to ensure all parties fully understand them. The Idaho Department of Water Resources had previously announced a temporary deal to replace the problematic 2015 mitigation plan for eastern Idaho farmers. Adam Young, a Bingham County farmer and board member of the Bingham Groundwater District, emphasized the importance of carefully reviewing the terms to avoid ambiguity.

The U.S. agricultural sector faces significant risks from three major disruptions to shipping infrastructure, according to the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) and nearly 200 organizations. The NGFA warned that stalled labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance could lead to a strike or lockout, affecting 40% of U.S. containerized agricultural exports. In addition, Mexican-imposed rail embargoes threaten the flow of agricultural goods to Mexico, one of the largest markets for U.S. products. These transportation issues are worsening financial strain for U.S. farmers.