The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Tuesday that Ukraine's wheat production may be unable to meet domestic and export demand in the years to come if Black Sea export routes remain blocked and attacks on food infrastructure continue…"If attacks on food infrastructure and the blockage of sea export routes continue, it will dramatically impact the agricultural production outlook over years to come, and may, in a worst-case scenario, lead to wheat production being unable to meet domestic and export demand," Hollingworth said.

USDA took a key step Thursday in rolling out its new $1.3 billion international marketing initiative, the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program, and unveiled plans for trade missions next year to Vietnam, India, South Korea, Canada, Colombia and Morocco. USDA posted a final rule for operating RAPP, which will be funded out of the department's Commodity Credit Corporation account. Commodity groups still need to know how much money is available over what time frame and which foreign countries are eligible as targets for the promotion campaigns.

Join UI Extension for the 2023 Idaho Ag Market Outlook Seminar Series. The series aims to provide businesses and individuals in agriculture with an update on the current status of Idaho's major agricultural commodities and provides insights on what to expect in the coming year. The series will be held at four locations across the state. Topics will include Global/Macro Trends, Weather, Grains, Beef, Dairy, Input Costs and more.

A confidential mediation document released today by four members of Congress outlines steps the federal government will take to mitigate the breaching of the lower Snake River dams, but appears to make those steps contingent on Congress authorizing removal of the dams. The document was released by Reps. Dan Newhouse, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Cliff Bentz and Russ Fulcher, who have sent a letter to President Biden seeking clarifications on the document's meaning.

Third generation farmer, Cliff Tacke, has jumped into the political side of farming by becoming Idaho Wheat Commissioner for District 2. “Wheat has been one of my mainstays in my farming career,” explained Tacke. “I haven’t been politically active, [but] now that I’m retired, I thought I could pull my weight a little bit.” Appointed to serve a five-year term position in early July by Governor Brad Little, Tacke represents wheat growers from Adams, Boise, Clearwater, Gem, Idaho, Lewis, Nez Perce, Payette, Valley, and Washington counties. Representing such a large group is a great responsibility that also comes with some bragging rights.

A month-long effort that had U.S. wheat farmers and industry experts presenting the 2023 Crop Quality Report to customers in more than two dozen countries is winding down with a collective sense of accomplishment. It is believed at least one attendance record was set this year. Cory Kress, Idaho Wheat commissioner was among those who particpated in the annual series of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Crop Quality Seminars, which provided crucial information to customers and provided an opportunity for wheat buyers to interact and create a dialogue about the quality of the wheat crop.

The issue of agricultural stress is very much real and, sadly, affects farmers from around the world. Crop failures can shatter rural communities and cut off income for multigenerational families, leaving them to pick up the pieces. This cycle of uncertainty makes mental health so important in the industry. Just ask Marshal Sewell, founder of Mind Your Melon. His organization prioritizes the wellbeing of farmers by offering guides to overcoming adversity and building a healthy lifestyle. From nutritional and fitness tips to community resources, he encourages people to make proactive choices to cope with the daily stresses of agriculture.