From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat

The University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) plays a vital role in supporting Idaho’s wheat industry—from developing improved wheat varieties to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. Join us for From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we talk with J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean, Dean Leslie Edgar, about her vision for the future and how CALS collaborates with growers, researchers, and industry leaders to advance productivity, sustainability, and profitability across Idaho’s wheat fields.

The Columbia and Snake River dams deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power across the Northwest—but their impact goes far beyond electricity. These river systems play a crucial role in supporting Idaho agriculture, managing floods, and keeping transportation flowing throughout the region. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, as we sit down with Clark Mather, Executive Director of Northwest River Partners, to explore how these vital river systems support the Idaho wheat industry and the communities that depend on them.

We’re diving into the world of agricultural trade—a topic that influences everything from what ends up on your dinner table to the global markets Idaho wheat farmers rely on. Join us for the next episode of From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Ben Conner, partner at DTB AgriTrade, to explore the complex world of trade policy, tariffs, and international agreements. Hear his firsthand insights on how trade decisions ripple through markets and impact farmers, and gain practical guidance to navigate the policies and tariffs that affect your bottom line.

The University of Idaho maintains a strong partnership with Limagrain Cereal Seeds (LCS), particularly in developing new wheat varieties. This collaboration, known as Varsity Idaho, focuses on joint breeding, selection, and release of innovative wheat lines. Pull up a chair for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Bailey Jenks, LCS regional commercial manager for the Pacific Northwest, to discuss this collaboration and its impact on Idaho wheat.

Have you ever wondered what makes wheat so unique and important around the world? Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we talk with Dr. Senay Simsek, Head of Food Science at Purdue University. With years of experience working alongside wheat growers, millers, and bakers, Senay will share how the science behind wheat’s proteins affects everything from bread and noodles to the health benefits of whole wheat — plus, she’ll clear up some common myths about wheat. Whether you’re involved in the wheat industry or just curious about the story behind this staple crop, this offers plenty of insights and practical takeaways.

The Idaho-Oregon Grain and Oilseed Convention brings together growers and ag leaders in a spirit of resilience and innovation—sharing strategies, building community, and championing growth in challenging times. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, as we sit down with Kellie Kluksdal, Director of Communications and Events for the Idaho Grain Producers Association, to get the inside scoop on this year’s convention. Why grain and oilseed, what you can expect, and how you can be a part of it.

Registration link: https://tmnevents.swoogo.com/igoc2025/home

For questions, please contact IGPA at info@idahograin.org

The University of Idaho Extension program delivers the university’s research and expertise directly to farmers across the state. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Doug Finkelnburg, Area Extension Educator in Cropping Systems at the University of Idaho. We’ll discuss recent Extension updates and Doug’s work to bring university-led research into the hands of agricultural producers to address challenges. We’ll also explore new efforts to develop an up-to-date Wheat Production Guide to support Idaho wheat growers.

Herbicide-resistant weeds are quickly becoming one of the biggest challenges to sustainable wheat production in Idaho. Pull up a chair and join us for our next episode of From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we tackle the rising threat of herbicide resistance. Hear from University of Idaho Principal Researcher Joan Campbell as she shares insights on innovative management strategies—including the use of seed safeners and harvest weed seed control with directed energy technology—to help growers stay ahead in the fight against resistant weeds.

The Idaho State Legislature has concluded its 2025 session, and there's plenty to discuss. Join us as we sit down with Amaya Aguirre-Landa, Executive Director of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, to review the highlights of the legislative session. Discover the benefits of joining IGPA, explore the bills that were introduced, and gain insights into what we can anticipate in upcoming sessions.

To learn more about IGPA visit their website atwww.idahograin.org

The U.S. wheat industry relies heavily on oceangoing vessels to reach international markets. In fact, nearly half of all U.S. wheat is exported annually—along with approximately 90% of the wheat grown in the Pacific Northwest. Join us for the next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Jay O’Neil of Commodity Consulting. We’ll dive into the proposed trade actions targeting China's martime and shipbuilding sectors, and explore the potential impacts these measures could have on U.S. wheat farmers and exports.

The United States leads the world in international food aid, providing more assistance to those in need than any other country. U.S. wheat plays a vital role in these efforts, serving as a cornerstone of programs like Food for Peace and other USAID initiatives that combat global hunger and support development. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Peter Laudeman, Director of Trade Policy for U.S. Wheat Associates, to discuss the future of these programs and their impact on both U.S. farmers and global food security.

A wet February has given Idaho's snowpack a much-needed boost. While the state's water supply has improved, nearly half of Idaho remains abnormally dry or in drought. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat to talk about what's in store for Idaho water. Paul Arrington, Executive Director of the Idaho Water Users Association will break down the latest SNOTEL data, what it means for farmers, and the outlook for the months ahead.

The USDA ARS Western Wheat Quality Lab (WWQL) in Pullman, Washington is essential for Idaho wheat farmers, ensuring their wheat meets top milling and baking standards. Through collaboration with breeders, geneticists, and pathologists, the lab evaluates new wheat varieties to align with market demands and boost profitability. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Sean Finnie, Director of the USDA-ARS Western Wheat Quality Lab. Gain valuable insights into wheat research that drives higher yields, greater resilience, and superior quality

Are you interested in learning about valuable insights into wheat export markets and how you can use them effectively? Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we talk with Tyllor Ledford, Market Analyst for U.S. Wheat Associates. We will chat about the weekly price report and how it can help your bottom line.

Water efficiency is more important than ever as Idaho agriculture grapples with challenges like population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Jared Gibbons, a University of Idaho Extension educator, to discuss his innovative use of near-infrared cameras mounted on drones. These cutting-edge tools help identify subtle differences in water use among cereal varieties, including wheat. Discover how identifying water-efficient wheat varieties can empower farmers to grow crops that thrive with less water, promoting sustainable agriculture across Idaho's diverse landscapes.

Stripe rust and soil-borne mosaic virus are two significant threats to wheat production. Both thrive in cool, moist conditions and can lead to severe yield losses if not managed promptly. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we have a conversation with Kurt Schroeder, Associate Professor & Extension Specialist in Cropping Systems Agronomy with the University of Idaho, to learn what steps you can take to minimize the threat of these wheat diseases and maximize profitability on your farms.

Arthur Companies has established a strong presence in Idaho, specializing in crop merchandising, grain handling, and agricultural inputs. Collaborating closely with local wheat producers, they focus on enhancing productivity and expanding competitive market access for wheat and other grains. Join us for our upcoming From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, where Ken Morgan, Merchandiser for Arthur Companies, will discuss advancing Idaho’s wheat industry and supporting farmers in building profitable, resilient operations

Nitrogen fertilizer plays a vital role in successful wheat production, helping to maximize yield and ensure protein levels in harvested grain meet market demands. Join us for the next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, where Utah State Professor and Extension Agronomist Earl Creech will discuss nitrogen rates, application timings, and advancements in fertilizer technologies to boost profitability for Idaho wheat farmers.

South and Southeast Asia are home to some of the largest importers of U.S. wheat, with a strong demand for soft white wheat from Idaho. Shifting dietary trends, evolving market needs, growing populations, and socioeconomic changes are influencing how the region utilizes U.S. wheat. Find out how during our From the Field featuring Joe Sowers, Regional Vice President of U.S. Wheat South and Southeast Asia.

Did you know the U.S. Wheat Associates’ West Coast office in Portland, Oregon, plays a vital role in providing market development support for their 15 offices around the world? In our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, we’ll be joined by Steve Wirsching, Vice President of U.S. Wheat Associates, to discuss the critical role of customer relations and market development programs. With a strong emphasis on wheat quality, purchase specifications, and supply chain management, U.S. Wheat is dedicated to helping Idaho wheat farmers maintain sustainability and boost profitability.

For more than a decade, the University of Idaho's Soft White Winter Wheat (SWWW) breeding program has flourished through a successful collaboration with Limagrain Cereal Seeds (LCS). This partnership has resulted in the widespread adoption of various SWWW varieties across the Pacific Northwest. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, as we sit down with LCS wheat breeder Dylan Larkin to discuss his role in producing high-quality SWWW for Idaho's wheat farmers.

Ririe Grain and Feed Co-op delivers essential agricultural products and services to its member farmers, offering grain storage and handling, feed, seed, and other farming supplies. By providing access to these vital inputs and services at competitive prices, Ririe Grain and Feed supports Idaho farmers. Join us for our next "From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat," where we will speak with Lee Andersen, General Manager of Ririe Grain and Feed Co-op. He will discuss the tools and resources needed to leverage bargaining power for maintaining a competitive, productive, and sustainable farm.

With about half of Idaho’s wheat grown under irrigation, water is critical to maintaining the volume and quality of Idaho wheat. Idaho’s water issues came to a head this spring when the Idaho Department of Water Resources issued a curtailment that pitted groundwater users and surface water users against each other. We’re diving in to the long history of water policy, misunderstandings, and misinformation swirling across the state with Paul Arrington, Executive Director of the Idaho Water Users Association, who will share the straight facts of Idaho’s water challenges, the current state of water availability, and how we move forward.

The Lower Snake River dams play a significant role in the transportation of Idaho wheat. These dams are facing criticism due to their environmental impact, particularly on salmon populations. Adam Ratliff, producer and videographer of a web series about bridges and dams has been studying the pros and cons of the Lower Snake River dams for years. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, as we chat with Adam about these important and controversial structures.

Blake Matthews, an innovative row crop and small grains farmer, has been collaborating with Agronomist Jared Cook for the last 14 years. Recently they have been working on research funded by an Innovative Agriculture and Market Program (IAMP) grant. Their work focuses on the practical applications of advanced agricultural techniques in farming. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, where we will discuss with Blake and Jared how these advanced techniques can be adapted by Idaho wheat farmers to enhance productivity and sustainability on their farms.

Is your wheat nutrient efficient? Take a seat at the table with us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we talk with Jason Cook about how to create an environment that promotes absorption and utilization of nutrients to achieve optimal yield and quality. Find out the three key plant process that influence nutrient efficiency.

The Idaho State Legislature has concluded its 2024 session, and there's plenty to discuss. Join us as we sit down with Stacey Satterlee, Executive Director of the Idaho Grain Producers Association, to review the highlights of the legislative session. Discover the benefits of joining IGPA, explore the bills that were introduced, and gain insights into what we can anticipate in upcoming sessions. To learn more about IGPA visit their website at

www.idahograin.org

Did you know the Western Wheat Quality Lab of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service conducts investigations with breeders, geneticists, and pathologists in Idaho to evaluate the milling and baking quality characteristics of wheat? Join us for our next From the Field, Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, as we chat with Dr. Alecia Kiszonas, a USDA-ARS Biologist, to see how your grower dollars are being used to evaluate variety samples for quality attributes for our export customers.

Join us for our upcoming From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, where we'll discuss the pressing issue of rapidly evolving herbicide-resistant weed populations that pose a threat to crop production sustainability in Idaho. Our guest, Albert Adjesiwor, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Idaho, will talk about the importance of implementing crop rotations that incorporate competitive crops such as wheat and alfalfa. Learn how these strategies can effectively enhance weed seedbank control and optimize crop production.

The McGregor Company supports growers across the Pacific Northwest, providing essential resources such as seed, crop inputs, equipment, research, and advice needed to raise healthy, sustainable crops. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we engage in a discussion with Cat Salois, Director of Research and Technology, and Richard Fillmore, Account Manager at McGregor, about crop production research and rate application technologies designed to increase yields for wheat farmers in Idaho.

Weeds pose a significant threat to wheat production, especially those resistant to herbicides. Multiple herbicide-resistant Italian ryegrass strains have been identified as a particular concern in Idaho. Take a seat at the table with us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, as we talk with Joan Campbell, Principal Researcher with the University of Idaho. Joan will discuss the potential effectiveness of using seed safeners to combat herbicide-resistant Italian ryegrass in wheat fields throughout Idaho, and their ability to enhance yields for growers.

Did you know the Port of Lewiston operates as a pivotal intermodal transportation hub for international trade? With a commitment to advancing trade, the Port of Lewiston boasts the most extensive crane and warehouse facility within the inland river system. Join us for From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat; as we have a conversation with Scott Corbitt, General Manager of the Port of Lewiston, Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1pm MT about how this infrastructure contributes significantly to the region's economic landscape, with an emphasis on supporting the Idaho wheat industry. To learn more about the importance of the Port of Lewiston and the export process utilizing the snake river please check out the following links! Idaho Grain Producers Association www.idahograin.org Pacific Northwest Waterways Association www.pnwa.net Northwest River Partners www.nwriverpartners.org National Association of Wheat Growers www.wheatworld.org U.S. Wheat Associates www.uswheat.org

Idaho Wheat Commission (IWC) has licensed UI Cookie, a soft white spring wheat developed by researchers with the University of Idaho, in an effort to increase the return on investment of wheat grower dollars. U of I wheat breeders have also developed a hard white spring wheat, UI Gold. Join us for From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we talk with Dr. Jianli Chen, Professor of Plant Sciences with the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences about the development of these wheat varieties, their value to Idaho wheat growers, and options for seeding.

Did you know wheat and flour specifications often require specialized testing to determine how the flour will perform during processing and baking? Moisture, ash, and protein content, as well as falling number, are also determined with this testing. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, as we chat with Sarah Windes, University of Idaho Wheat Quality Lab Supervisor about her collaboration with Idaho wheat growers, breeders, and researchers to provide end-use quality analysis of Idaho wheat.

A major goal of PNW wheat breeders is to produce varieties with resistance to the large number of diseases that affect wheat in the region. What wheat diseases in the PNW can be reduced through microbiome genetic resistance? What is the most effective way to evaluate effects of wheat on microbiome populations that suppress disease? Join us for From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, as we sit down with Chris Mundt, Cereal Pathologist and Professor at Oregon State University, to answer these questions and talk about valuable insights to disease resistance crops in the Pacific Northwest.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry. How does the Idaho Wheat Commission leverage grower dollars to promote the reliability and value of all wheat classes to wheat buyers, millers, and bakers? What are the long-term trends within the wheat industry and how are international markets maintained to enhance profitability for wheat growers? Vince Petersen, President of U.S. Wheat Associates will answer these questions and more during our From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat, Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 1:00pm MT.

Did you know about half of the wheat grown in the United States is exported to customers overseas? What does that mean for global supply and demand with the recent decline of U.S. wheat production due to drought and market volatility? Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Mike Spier, Vice President of Overseas Operations for U.S. Wheat Associates, to talk about the current world and U.S. wheat supply and demand situation, and how U.S. wheat contributes to global wheat supply.

Three of the top five importing countries of U.S. wheat are in the Pacific Rim, so let's talk about those markets today, and those market outlooks for the future. How do we secure those markets to keep wheat flowing to Asia? Join us for From the Field as we chat with Candace Roper, Chief Representative of CoBank, Singapore, to talk about trade finance relationships in Asia.

Late harvest rains made for low falling number results throughout Idaho this year. What does that mean, how is it measured, and what research is being done to address high alpha amylase in the future? We will answer all these questions and more during our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we chat with Juliet Marshall, Department Head and Professor - Plant Pathologist at the University of Idaho.

Herbicide-resistant weed populations are evolving rapidly and threatening the sustainability of crop production in the Pacific Northwest. Join us for our next From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we talk about weed management practices with Albert Adjesiwor, Weed Scientist at the University of Idaho. Learn about recommended crop rotations that include competitive crops like wheat and alfalfa to manage the threat of herbicide-resistant weeds.

The Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) is a non-partisan trade association and advocates for federal policies in support of economic development. Join us for From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat as we sit down with Heather Stebbings, Executive Director of PNWA to talk about her work with Congress, federal agencies and other decision-makers on transportation, trade, energy, and environmental policies that affect the export process and what PNWA is doing to preserve the dams on the Snake River.

Take seat at the table with us as we sit down with Dustin and Jennifer Young from Idaho Grain Inspection Service (IGIS). IGIS works closely with Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to facilitate the marketing of U.S. grain and related products by establishing standards for quality assessments, regulating handling practices, and provides impartial official inspection and weighing services for Idaho grain products.

The complexity of grain markets can feel overwhelming and hard to grasp, but it doesn't have to be. Watch our conversation with Dr. Xiaoli Etienne, University of Idaho Endowed Chair of Grain Marketing and Risk Management as she shares her knowledge and expertise about futures markets, futures hedging, and cost of carry and basis.

Nutrient stratification commonly refers to a distribution of nutrients that are non-uniform with soil depth, and especially to situations with higher concentrations of nutrients (such as phosphorus or potassium) near the soil surface. Learn more about this and other tips and tricks by joining us for From the Field: Farm Chat with Idaho Wheat. We will break it all down with Jared Cook from Rocky Mountain Agronomics and find out how he assists farmers in helping them maximize crop yields by analyzing soil nutrient antagonisms, biological functions, and environmental stresses to produce a healthy crop.

Take a seat at the table as we sit down with National Association of Wheat Growers’ Mariah Wollweber, Director of Communications and Partnerships, and Jake Westlin, Vice President of Policy and Communications, for a chat about how IWC leverages your assessment dollars to expand political reach. We will be digging into the Farm Bill, the wheat lifecycle assessment study, trade, and the policies and efforts in D.C. that affect your bottom line.

The amount of technical skill to crush wheat kernels into useable flour is often surprising. Join us for as we chat with Shawn Thiele from the International Grains Program (IGP) at Kansas State University who will broaden our understanding of the grind of milling.

We sit down with Idaho Wheat Commissioner Bill Flory, who joins us from Seoul, South Korea, to talk about market development strategies and opportunities for U.S. wheat in the Pacific Rim.

About half of Idaho's wheat and the wheat grown in the United States is exported.  How are our trade relationships with countries around the world and what do you need to know on your farm to make sure the wheat gets to the buyer, miller, and the baker?  We sat down with Dalton Henry and Peter Laudeman, U.S. Wheat Trade Policy experts, for a Q & A about getting wheat from Idaho's fields to family dinner tables around the world.

Wheat digestibility issues may not be solely related to gluten sensitivity.  FODMAPs are fermentable sugars, such as oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates.  ATIs are proteins called amylase-trypsin inhibitors.  These ‘anti-nutrients’, tolerated by most people, are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and have been identified as triggers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).    Dr. George Annor, Dr. Jim Anderson, and others at the University of Minnesota have been investigating FODMAP and ATI concentrations related to bread processing techniques and wheat varieties.  Although concentrations are small, Anderson has found variations in FODMAP and ATI levels among wheat varieties.  Under complex genetic control, it may be possible to reduce concentrations through screening and selection.  Annor has found long fermentation periods (12 hours) can dramatically reduce FODMAP’s and ATIs in sourdough breads.  Increasing fermentation time may be key to making more wheat products available to people that have experienced digestibility issues in the past. Research to reduce anti-nutritional components of wheat is essential to increase demand and consumption of wheat products.

Nitrogen management in semi-arid dryland winter wheat production systems in Southeast Idaho is particularly complicated due to year-to-year variability in precipitation. High precipitation in the spring and preceding fall increase wheat production but insufficient nitrogen, coupled with partial loss of nitrogen from abundant precipitation, can cause low protein levels in wheat, resulting in considerable loss in value at market. In low precipitation years, excess nitrogen fertilization represents an unnecessary expense in a year when yields are down. Join us to talk with the team of USU researchers whose work on this topic is funded by Idaho wheat grower dollars.