The University of Idaho has appointed Leslie Edgar as the new J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Edgar, currently associate dean of research at Washington State University, brings extensive experience in land-grant institutions, research, and leadership. She has held key roles at New Mexico State University, the University of Georgia, and the University of Arkansas. An Idaho native from Kuna, Edgar has a background in agricultural leadership, communication, and education, with over 70 published research articles and numerous awards. She succeeds Michael P. Parrella, who is retiring after nine years. Edgar looks forward to leading CALS, fostering innovation, and strengthening Idaho’s agricultural community.

Idaho, Washington, and Oregon wheat commissions have jointly purchased a rapid visco analyzer for U.S. Wheat’s lab in Santiago, Chile, to enhance the assessment of flour starch properties, particularly for soft white wheat. The analyzer’s data will be integrated into crop quality reports and help strengthen relationships with South American customers by showcasing the value of Pacific Northwest wheat. U.S. Wheat’s South American office, led by technical specialist Andres Saturno and regional director Miguel Galdos, will engage with customers on the technical aspects. PNW wheat farmers have been increasingly investing in South American markets, viewing the region as a key area for growth and expansion amid broader market challenges.

Farmers growing certain commodities can apply for emergency economic assistance under USDA’s newly implemented Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Funded by the American Relief Act of 2025, which allocated $10 billion for farmers, the program aims to support growers affected by market downturns and the absence of a new farm bill. Eligible producers will receive 85% of their total payment upfront, with the remaining 15% issued later if funds allow. Payment rates vary by commodity, with wheat at $30.69 per acre and other rates listed for crops like corn, barley, rice, and soybeans. Farmers must apply through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and submit acreage reports by Aug. 15 to qualify.

The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) trade team season is underway. Throughout the summer, milling and grain industry representatives from South America, Ecuador, South Korea, the Philippines, Chile, and Southeast Asia will tour the U.S. wheat supply chain and meet farmers producing high-quality wheat. Idaho will play a key role, welcoming a team from the Japan Flour Millers Association in April. During their visit, the delegation will tour the wheat farm of Idaho Wheat commissioner and USW Chairman Clark Hamilton, gaining firsthand insight into the state’s wheat production practices. These visits help strengthen relationships between Idaho wheat farmers and international buyers, reinforcing the state’s reputation for high-quality wheat.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) warn that proposed U.S. trade actions targeting China’s shipping sector could raise export costs and hurt U.S. wheat growers. A key concern is a proposed $1 million port fee per vessel, an 8–12% export tax, which would reduce U.S. wheat’s competitiveness and push buyers elsewhere. With over 50% of the U.S. wheat crop—particularly from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana—relying on ocean shipping, and many shipments using Chinese-built or owned vessels, the impact would be significant. While supporting U.S. shipbuilding, USW and NAWG urge the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to reconsider the proposals to prevent harm to agriculture and trade.

The current administration plans to impose multimillion-dollar fees on Chinese container ships docking in U.S. ports to counter China’s dominance in shipbuilding and revive the U.S. maritime industry. The administration argues that unfair Chinese trade practices have weakened American shipyards, and the revenue from these fees would be used to subsidize domestic shipbuilding. Experts warn that the move could disrupt global supply chains, increase shipping costs, and cause congestion at major U.S. ports. Analysts warn that high costs, supply chain disruptions, and limited shipyard capacity could undermine the effectiveness of the strategy.

Idaho’s agricultural leaders are weighing the potential impacts of reinstated tariffs on key commodities like dairy, wheat, cattle, and potatoes. Past trade policies opened new markets, but also led to retaliatory tariffs that hurt exports and increased input costs. Industry representatives express concerns that renewed tariffs could reduce market access, drive up production costs, and make U.S. products less competitive globally. Key export destinations for Idaho’s commodities include Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and China. Leaders emphasize the need for stable trade policies to maintain Idaho’s agricultural strength in global markets.