22. Columbia River Re-opened Replaced three locks on river; repaired others Closed to shipping Dec. 10 – Mar. 25 CSRS positioned for strong growth over next 15 years.
The Idaho Wheat Commission was formed in 1959.We have 5 commissioner, each representing one of 5 districts in Idaho. They are appointed by the governor and serve a 5 year term. All commissioners are required to be wheat growers.Wheat growers are assessed .02 a bushel of wheat, collected at the first point of sale. That money funds Market development, Research, and Information & Education projects.
40% of Idaho’s production is dryland60% is under irrigation.Idaho is one of the few states which produces 5 classes of wheat (SWW, HRW, HRS, HWW and Durum).HWW production has been steadily increasing in Idaho. Almost 100% of the production is under contract. This year Idaho is projecting 7.5 million bushels of HWW or 204,360 metric tons
Half of Idaho’s production is exported -- the other half is used domestically in products like Wheaties, Chex cereal and Pepperidge Farms cookies.
All wheat planted in Idaho is expected to total 1.49 million acres,up 6percent from last year, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Spring wheat plantings are expected to be 640,000 acres, 2 percent more than last year. Winter wheat seedings, at 830,000 acres, increased 11 percent from the 2010 crop. All wheat production in 2010 totaled 108 million bushels, up 9 percent from 2009.Winter Wheat production totaled 58.2 million bushels and spring wheat production totaled 48.6 million bushels.
The 2010 winter wheat yield , at 82 bushels per acre, is up 1.0 bushel from 2009. Spring wheat yield, at 79.0 bushels per acre, is up 2.0 bushels from 2009. Usual Planting Dates for winter wheat September 8 through November 3. Usual harvesting dates for winter wheat begin around August 4 and ends around September 29.Spring wheat usual planting dates March 21 through May 26. Usual harvesting dates begin approximately July 23 and ends around September 14.
Here are some pictures from around the state of the 2010 Idaho wheat crop. Top picture: Bonners FerryBottom pictures: Soda SpringsGolden wheat: Canyon County
Over half of Idaho’s wheat production is Soft White. One of the more popular varieties grown is Alturas which was developed for the Asian noodle market and makes a great noodle. Another popular variety Cataldo grown in the region is also in demand for Asian noodles and for other uses.