From a weather perspective, 2025 was a difficult year for many Northwest wheat farmers, especially those growing a spring variety.  But, Idaho wheat producers enjoyed a good to very good 2025, both in yields and in quality.

 

Britany Hurst Marchant, Executive Director of the Idaho Wheat Commission, said those results were made possible by 65 years of investment into research and development of varieties that produce well in years that are dry, or hot, or even both.  And she added for generations they’ve focused on improving yield consistency, in all five classes of wheat grown in the Gem State.

 

“A lot of work has been done to make sure that those wheat varieties are continually improving, so that so that farmers can grow more wheat, with still a very high quality," she said.  "But using far fewer resources to do so.”

 

That Great Wheat Needs A Destination

 

Hurst Marchant added grower dollars not exclusive to R&D.  She added that the Commission has also invested in developing markets.

 

“Maintaining relationships and strengthening relationships with Taiwan, and other countries, so that they trust the Idaho farmer to produce the wheat that they need.” 

 

In September, Idaho and Taiwan signed a three-year letter of intent for U.S. wheat exports, valued at $2.1 billion.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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