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.

Russian wheat export prices continued to decline last week following a drop in global markets, while shipments also fell amidst challenging weather conditions, analysts said. The informal restriction of the export price by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture also remains one of the influencing factors, they said. The price of 12.5% protein Russian wheat scheduled for free-on-board (FOB) delivery in the second half of February to the first half of March was $238 per metric ton, down $4 from the previous week, the IKAR agriculture consultancy reported.

Ukraine has managed to boost its Black Sea grain exports to a level not seen since before Russia's invasion, although the Red Sea shipping crisis poses a new challenge to its crucial agricultural trade.Kyiv's unexpected success in replacing a UN-backed Black Sea export deal with its own shipping scheme has brought relief for Ukrainian farmers and importing countries while representing a naval breakthrough for Ukraine's military as a land counteroffensive has stalled.