Idaho Wheat Commission

The 2021 growing season was a challenging one, especially for Northwest dryland wheat farmers. This year’s drought and record heat resulted in low yields, and in some cases a spring crop that wasn’t worth harvesting. Add to that, growing pressures on the input side, thanks to the port bottlenecks up and down the west coast. Cas ...

The Idaho Wheat Commission recently launched a monthly webinar focused on industry questions specific to the Pacific Northwest. Casey Chumrau, Executive Director of the Wheat Commission says growers can participate in these webinar live and have their questions addressed ...

The drought has been hard on all producers across the Pacific Northwest, but perhaps one of the commodities where it’s most noticeable is wheat. While many winter wheat growers saw enough precipitation late last year and early this year to have a decent crop, the same cannot be said for spring wheat growers. The ...

The four wheat grower associations across the Northwest recently sent a letter to Idaho Representative Mike Simpson, challenging him on the usage of the lower Snake River dams as well as other statistics. Simpson when presenting his case of why the dams should be removed, he claims those dams are not as vital to the Northwest farming community as they once were ...

While more and more of the country is opening up and trying to return to normal, for many in the Ag community that process can be a slow one. One example is the return to trade missions, whether hosting or traveling. While COVID-19 case counts may be improving in the United States, that is not the situation in every country, keeping international travel challenging in some cases ...

Last month, the Idaho Wheat Commission announced the licensing of UI Cookie a new soft white spring variety. Casey Chumrau, IWC Executive Director said UI Cookie has excellent yield, superior end-use quality and easy threshing ability. She added there’s currently excellent demand for all soft whites, both winter and spring. ...

In perhaps a sign of a return to normalcy, the Idaho Wheat Commission will hold an in person workshop Thursday in Idaho Falls, focused on Direct Seed techniques. “We will talk about fertility and drilling options and different machinery options," said Casey Chumrau, Executive Director of Idaho Wheat. "An ...

For wheat growers in Idaho, 2020 has two very distinct story lines. The first involved a very good harvest statewide. Casey Chumrau, Executive Director of the Idaho Wheat Commission said harvest numbers were really strong statewide, with all regions reporting not only great yields but excellent quality ...

After years with Blaine Jacobson at the helm, the Idaho Wheat Commission has a new Executive Director. Casey Chumrau comes to the IWC after years of international experience with U.S. Wheat Associates, experience she said allows her to help the local grower in a challenging international market ...

After 18 years as Executive Director of the Idaho Wheat Commission, Blaine Jacobson is retiring at the end of the month. Jacobson, 65, notified the commission of his plans to step down in June 2019. Jacobson will be replaced by Casey Chumrau, formerly the South America marketing manager and market analyst for U ...