Chumrau: 2022 Already Has Many Unanswered Questions

2022 has already been a turbulent year for many in the farming community, and it’s only the month of April. Casey Chumrau, Executive Director of the Idaho Wheat Commission, said on the positive side, they plan to host a few in person trade missions this year, which will be the first in person trade missions in two years.

“Which is really the best way for us to show our overseas customers the production process and showcase the reliability of our entire marketing chain, from the field to the ocean-going vessel.  So, we’re really looking forward to being able to invite some of our foreign customers back to Idaho this year.”

But despite that good news, there are many questions and challenges that remain ahead. Chumrau said the bottlenecks and slowdowns at west coast ports is an issue now, and could create bigger problems as the year continues. And of course, many unknows remain with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

“We’re certainly watching it, everyone hopes for a fast resolution.  We don’t want to see unrest in another country supporting our industry by any means.  But it is something that is going to impact the entire global wheat market.”

And incase international issues were not enough for Idaho growers, soil moisture numbers across the state are low.

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