Farm bill discussions have been in the hands of the four leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture committees for months without resolution. Neither committee has released a first-round draft. House Agriculture chairman Glenn Thompson declared, “I am at the table” to write the new farm bill — with multibillion-dollar cuts already rejected by Democrats on the committee. “I hope my colleagues across the aisle join me,” said Thompson, as farm bill leaders clashed over the direction of the moribund legislation.

The U.S. agriculture had record farm exports in 2021 and 2022, with 2023 expected to be another strong year. “But our administration recognizes that we need to do everything we can to make sure everyone benefits from agricultural trade,” said Doug McKalip, U.S. chief agriculture negotiator for U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. Even though the U.S. had a record $200 billion of ag exports last year, only about four or five markets around the globe have been responsible for where those commodities go.

The additional role that the dean of University of Idaho’s agriculture college has assumed not only positions him to complete some big-ticket infrastructure initiatives for the land grand university. It also recognizes the important role that farming and ranching play in Idaho and in principle gives the state’s agriculture industry more direct access to the U of I president. Michael Parrella, the dean of U of I’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, recently assumed the dual role of serving as special assistant to the president for agricultural initiatives.

It’s been less than two years since University of Idaho Extension weed scientist Albert Adjesiwor’s fears were realized and a pair of problematic pigweeds — Palmer amaranth and waterhemp — were first found in Idaho. Yet it’s already clear to Adjesiwor that the weeds have established a firm foothold throughout the Magic and Treasure valleys. He acknowledges the window to eradicate the two invaders has closed, and his focus must shift toward educating farmers about how to manage them. And managing Palmer amaranth and waterhemp is no easy task.

U.S. District Judge Michael Simon has approved a memorandum of understanding negotiated by the Biden administration and litigants in a lawsuit over Snake River dam operations. The agreement stays the lawsuit until Dec. 13, 2028, with the possibility of another five-year extension. "The orderly course of justice is best served by staying this litigation," Simon wrote in his Feb. 8 order. "The issues in this case are complex and have been litigated for decades. The moving parties have reached a consensus to attempt to resolve these issues, perhaps permanently, without the need for further litigation."

When we think about a man in midlife, we may see them as independent and can take care of themselves. And yet men in the middle years—between the ages of 35 and 64—have a suicide rate that is more than double the national average, says psychiatrist Jeff Sung. What’s more, many men at risk of suicide will not seek conventional mental health treatment. So we need to figure out what works for men. And we need to change the life trajectory of men who are at risk of suicide.

Whole grains are different from refined grains in that they contain all three parts of a grain kernel: the starchy endosperm, which provides carbohydrates, protein and some B vitamins and minerals; the germ, rich in healthy fats and vitamins; and the bran, a concentrated source of fiber, minerals and B vitamins. When we eat whole grains, the fiber and healthy fats slow digestion, resulting in smaller spikes and dips in blood sugar. Fiber can also reduce blood cholesterol levels, support a healthy gut and lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.