[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 23, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMMEMORATING IDAHO WHEAT 60TH ANNIVESARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2019

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, Idaho is recognized around the world for 
producing high-quality wheat. Sixty years ago, Idaho wheat farmers 
decided to join together and form the Idaho Wheat Commission to develop 
export markets, conduct research, and educate growers.
  Much has changed over the past 60 years. In 2018, Idaho was the 
highest yielding state in the nation with an average of 90 bushels per 
acre. Idaho ranked fifth among wheat producing states at more than 100 
million bushels.
  Idaho has one of the most consistent harvests of any wheat-growing 
area. Wet springs and warm, dry summers combined with rich volcanic 
solids create ideal conditions for our high-quality wheat. Nearly two-
thirds of Idaho wheat is grown under irrigation, allowing for Idaho 
growers to manage the crop to customers' specifications.
  Idaho is one of few states that grows all five classes of wheat.
  About half of the 100 million bushels produced each year in Idaho are 
exported. Idaho is uniquely positioned to access the global marketplace 
by moving grain through the Columbia-Snake River system to Portland, 
and then onto foreign customers, particularly Asian markets.
  The other half of Idaho's wheat production goes to domestic markets 
via trucks and rail into products we all know and love like Pepperidge 
Farms Goldfish Crackers, Wheaties and Wheat Chex cereals, pasta, 
cookies and pastries.
  This year, the Idaho Wheat Commission is celebrating 60 years of 
service to wheat growers in Idaho providing growers with market 
development, research, and education.
  Let it be known that Idaho wheat is Quality Wheat Simply Grown and 
let us join Idaho's wheat growers in celebrating 60 years of the Idaho 
Wheat Commission.

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