The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s report calls for a healthier U.S. food system by reducing ultra-processed foods and chemical exposures, but it has drawn backlash from farm groups who fear it could harm American agriculture. The report identifies poor diet, environmental chemicals, lack of physical activity, and overmedicalization as key contributors to rising childhood chronic disease. While emphasizing whole foods produced by U.S. farmers, it criticizes the corporatization of the food system and regulatory burdens that disproportionately impact small farms. The report urges study of chemical exposures, including pesticides, but warns against abrupt regulatory changes that could disrupt agriculture and food supplies. Farm groups have criticized the report for being unscientific, misleading, and potentially damaging to farmer livelihoods and consumer trust.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed strong support for keeping the lower Snake River dams in place during a Appropriations Committee hearing. Calling the dams tremendous assets, Wright emphasized their importance in providing reliable, high-value electricity, especially amid growing energy demand from manufacturing. Wright affirmed his commitment to preserving the hydroelectric system while supporting salmon recovery. He argued that dams and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive and pledged to visit the region and tour the dams during a future trip.

The University of Idaho Extension has hired Dr. Bridger Feuz as its new associate director. Feuz brings over two decades of experience from the University of Wyoming Extension, where he served in various roles, including associate director. He has a strong background in agricultural economics, ranch management education, and program development. Feuz will be based at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. His experience in Extension education and administration, along with his recent doctoral research on Extension programs, positions him to lead agriculture programming and enhance professional development initiatives at U of I.

The U.S. and China have agreed to a 90-day reduction in tariffs to allow further trade negotiations, marking the first high-level dialogue between the two countries since April. Under the agreement, both nations will lower reciprocal tariffs from 125% to 10%, though a 20% U.S. tariff tied to China’s role in the fentanyl crisis remains, leaving Chinese imports with a minimum 30% tariff. China also pledged to lift non-tariff barriers imposed since April 2.

Ocean freight rates for bulk commodities, including grain, declined in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest Grain Transportation Report. This seasonal drop was driven by weak global demand and an ample supply of vessel capacity, which has increased by 14% since December 2020. The report also notes uncertainty surrounding the impact of tariffs and restrictions on Chinese-built vessels, which could influence future freight dynamics.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) recently hosted its first-ever Sub-Saharan Africa buyers conference in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together wheat buyers from 20 countries. With Sub-Saharan Africa expected to lead global wheat import growth over the next 25 years due to rising populations and currently low per capita consumption, the region presents a major opportunity for U.S. wheat. USW is also working to boost demand for soft white wheat from the Pacific Northwest through training and product demonstrations. Plans are underway for further buyer education, supplier connections, and possibly another conference within two years.