There is a new nation-wide project called “Probing Our Country’s Soil Health”. It is being funded by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). A major goal of the project is to build a national soil health database and new and improved tools for benchmarking and interpreting soil health metrics. The anonymous data will be used to expand a new and exciting tool called the Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation (or SHAPE). This tool helps provide better references for farmers seeking to understand and build soil health. Idaho growers are encouraged to join this important initiative to help shape the future of soil health practices across the nation. More information can be found here!

Mexico and Canada have been exempted from President Donald Trump’s new 10% global tariff baseline. Goods compliant with the USMCA trade agreement will largely remain tariff-free, except for auto exports and steel and aluminum, which fall under separate policies. While Trump previously imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada over migration and fentanyl concerns, he later allowed exemptions for USMCA-compliant goods. Analysts believe the exemptions helped Mexico and Canada avoid harsher trade measures. Canadian leaders, however, indicated they would respond with countermeasures to protect their economy.

The President announced new tariffs on April 2, aiming to counter what he described as unfair trade practices that have harmed U.S. farmers and ranchers. The President declared tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on 57 countries, excluding Canada and Mexico. He emphasized that these measures would restore balance to U.S. trade and support American agriculture. Agricultural leaders expressed uncertainty over how the tariffs would impact input costs and global trade. Trump's tariffs followed a recent 25% duty on imported autos and parts, aligning with broader protectionist policies aimed at bolstering American industry.

Idaho set a record for total agricultural export value for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, reaching $1.34 billion—14% higher than the previous record of $1.18 billion in 2023. The state's top export was dairy at $282 million, an 11% increase, driven mainly by higher prices. Canada remained Idaho’s top export destination at $421 million, a 10% increase, followed by Mexico at $260 million (up 6%) and South Korea at $74 million (up 42%). Different data sources track Idaho's exports. U.S. Census Bureau data, which is more timely but based on export location, does not fully capture all Idaho-grown commodities like wheat shipped through Portland. USDA data, which lags but provides a broader view, reported $2.89 billion in Idaho ag exports in 2022.

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.