The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Idaho has filled two key positions. Rachael Bickerton was appointed as the new director of government and external relations, replacing Brent Olmstead.Matt Powell, a professor in the Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, was named interim associate dean for research and director of the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station, following Mark McGuire. Both Bickerton and Powell are eager to strengthen partnerships and further CALS’ land grant mission.

Farmers expressed growing concern over weak commodity prices, with 30% identifying it as their top worry, a significant increase from 20% last year. The Index of Current Conditions fell by 17 points, and the Index of Future Expectations dropped by 11 points, indicating fears of prolonged financial stress similar to the 2015-2019 period. For Idaho wheat farmers, this downturn poses significant challenges. As commodity prices remain low, the state's wheat producers may face tighter margins, potentially impacting their ability to invest in future crops and maintain financial stability amidst broader economic uncertainties in agriculture.

An Idaho-based company, RegenAg Nation, is helping farmers gradually adopt regenerative and sustainable practices one step at a time. The company, which is in its fourth growing season, emphasizes the importance of balance between conventional and regenerative agriculture. Farmers are beginning to explore these practices as part of a shift in the agricultural industry towards sustainability. The goal is to find economically feasible and scalable solutions that blend traditional and regenerative methods, ensuring long-term viability for crops like wheat.

While some farmers in the region have finished their harvests, others are delaying due to poor wheat prices, with soft white wheat selling for less than $6 per bushel. U.S. Wheat Associates attributed the low prices to last year’s surplus and global oversupply, leading farmers to hesitate in selling. Doug Finkelnburg from the University of Idaho highlighted that this year’s weather resulted in a strong winter wheat crop but hurt spring wheat, which is seeing below-average yields. He also noted that while fertilizer and fuel costs have decreased, they haven’t balanced out the low grain prices.

University of Idaho researchers are utilizing drones equipped with near-infrared cameras to study water-use efficiency in different wheat and barley varieties in eastern Idaho. Jared Gibbons and Lance Hansen, UI Extension educators, obtained drone pilot licenses and conducted flights over research plots in Aberdeen, Idaho Falls, and Tetonia from early June through late July. The project, funded by a $6,000 grant, aims to identify varieties that use water more efficiently—a challenging aspect to measure. Additionally, the drones have already been used in related research, such as evaluating nitrogen fixation in alfalfa and herbicide effectiveness.

Idaho has committed an additional $10 million to support projects aimed at restoring the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, which has been declining due to factors like growth, drought, and changes in irrigation practices. The funds are intended to reverse the aquifer's declining water levels as part of a water management strategy, with farmers playing a key role in providing solutions. Funding will be used for projects that benefit both senior and junior water rights holders, The projects identified will help secure water supplies for surface irrigators, expand aquifer recharge, and support Idaho's agricultural economy, which includes its vital wheat industry.

The USDA has approved a transgenic, drought-tolerant wheat trait known as HB4, developed by Bioceres Crop Solutions, marking the first time such a trait has been deregulated for wheat in the U.S. However, wheat industry leaders caution that it will take years and additional steps before the trait is commercially available. The Pacific Northwest wheat commissions (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) support new technologies like HB4 but stress that commercialization is still several years away. The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) acknowledges the potential benefits of drought-tolerant wheat for global supply challenges and sustainability, but also underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and careful monitoring of Bioceres' commercialization plans PNW wheat commissions statement on genetically modified wheat trait