IDAHO FALLS, ID — The 2026 East Idaho Cereals Conference hosted by the University of Idaho Extension will move to Idaho Falls next year, with organizers anticipating a larger turnout following last year’s consolidated format.

The conference is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mountain America Center Blue Cross Conference Center. Registration costs $30 through Jan. 28 and $40 at the door, with lunch included.

The event will feature presentations focused on current cereal research, industry trends and updates from commodity groups, along with a trade show staffed by vendors and organizations involved in cereal crop production.

University of Idaho Extension previously hosted smaller cereal schools in multiple East Idaho communities. In 2025, the program shifted to a single, large conference to reduce scheduling challenges for speakers and vendors and to allow multiple sessions to be offered at the same time. The 2025 event in Fort Hall drew about 300 participants, and organizers expect at least 350 attendees in Idaho Falls.

General session topics will include a cereals economic outlook, a grain marketing panel discussion, and updates from the Idaho Wheat Commission, Idaho Barley Commission and the Idaho Grain Producers Association. Organizers say marketing will be a key focus this year as growers navigate lower commodity prices.

Breakout sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including marketing fundamentals, end-use quality, weed control, variety trials, disease updates, equipment calibration, production costs, variable-rate applications, spray drone use and intercropping profitability. One room will be dedicated to pesticide applicator recertification, with up to four credits available.

Additional information is available by contacting University of Idaho Extension educator Justin Hatch at JLHatch@gmail.com or 208-547-3205.