The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) have concluded a successful five-day agricultural trade mission to Japan.

U.S. Wheat Associates, the overseas marketing arm for American wheat farmers, recently held its South and Southeast Asia Marketing Conference for the first time in 12 years. During the conference, industry members establish or strengthen relationships with buyers and looks for opportunities for collaboration to increase the use of U.S. wheat classes, said Joe Sowers, regional vice president of South and Southeast Asia for the organization in Singapore.

The feeling of powerlessness and passion to be a voice for the voiceless is what led Chanel Tewalt to become involved in government and agriculture over the last 15 years. In January, Tewalt was appointed by Gov. Brad Little as the director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. “Chanel Tewalt has a rich understanding of agriculture’s past, present and future in Idaho.” Said Madison Hardy, the governor’s press secretary. “With more than 15 years of experience at ISDA, Governor Little was confident in director Tewalt’s ability to lead the agency and advocate on behalf of Idaho’s farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.”

The Biden administration says it has not taken a position on whether it will recommend that Congress authorize breaching the four lower Snake River dams.

Idaho Wheat Commission board members have unanimously approved a wheat assessment increase from 3.5 cents to 4.5 cents per bushel beginning July 1. The 1 cent increase will generate approximately $900,000 more per year.

Mental Health AwarenessMay is mental health awareness month, and Mental Health America invites you to look around and look within to learn about how your surroundings can impact mental health.

The Idaho Wheat Commission will hold its regularly scheduled board meeting at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Idaho Falls. The meeting will begin at 9:00am on Tuesday, May 30. Contact the IWC office for more information. wheat@idahowheat.org | 208-334-2353