Many in the wheat industry are happy to see 2022 behind them and look forward to hopefully better days in the New Year.  The past year was a challenge for wheat producers across the PNW and beyond.  Between international unrest, high input costs and continuing drought conditions from 2021, there were many issues that made the past year a challenging one.

 

Britany Hurst Marchant, Executive Director of the Idaho Wheat Commission said despite those difficulties, wheat growers face challenges head-on year in and year out.  She noted one of the best things about wheat farmers, is that they remain hopeful and optimistic about the future.

 

“They're very committed to what they do, they're committed to supplying the world with wheat and making sure that wheat is on family dinner tables.  So even with all of the challenges that they face, they will still plant in the fall and they'll still plant in the spring. And that's an incredible show not only of morale but also just tenacity and optimism.”

 

Speaking of the year ahead, outside of weather, what will Hurst Marchant be watching in 2023?

 

"We'll also be paying a lot of attention to the river system, to input costs, to export markets and making sure that we keep those markets open and develop those the relationships and improve the relationships that we need to have to make sure that Idaho wheat gets where it needs to go.”

 

Hurst Marchant added another priority of the Commission is to help Idaho wheat farms remain profitable and sustainable.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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