Season of Plenty

This time of year, visiting a farmers market or a produce stand will offer plentiful fruits and vegetables for consumers.

Shoppers will also find "grilled cheese" a popular choice among the thousands that stroll the Boise Farmers Market every weekend.

Two farms featured this week are Ballard Family Dairy & Cheese and Purdum Produce Farm

News Release

U.S. Agriculture Paying Price for Inaction on Mexican Trucks

WASHINGTON, D.C., – Mexico's trade retaliation against the United States is expanding in size and scope due to the U.S. government not meeting obligations to allow Mexican trucks to operate in the United States. Due to this inaction, America's farmers and ranchers are paying a steep price and the American Farm Bureau Federation is calling for immediate action to correct the matter.

The updated retaliation list published by Mexico includes tariffs that take effect today against U.S. pork, certain types of U.S. cheese, pistachios, a wide range of U.S. fruits and vegetables and other farm and non-farm goods.

"Mexico is one of our best trading partners and allowing this retaliation to continue for a provision we are obligated to meet is simply unacceptable," said AFBF President Bob Stallman. "The economic impact from this growing list will be significant to many farmers and ranchers." read more

Voice of Idaho Agriculture

Invasive Species Present Grave Concern

Anyone who tows a boat into Idaho is required to stop and have it inspected for invasive plants or small mussels clinging to the hull or outdrive. Normally it’s a five-minute or less stop that may be inconvenient for some people. But for Idaho agriculture it’s imperative to keep our state clean of these clingy critters and plants.

There are dozens of invasive species out there to be concerned about. But mainly, state officials are on the lookout for quagga mussels and zebra mussels. These little creepers cause billions of dollars of damage in the U.S. every year. They can attach to irrigation pipes or any other water delivery pipe and clog it off. They also compete with native plants and animals for food – they eat phytoplankton – and could cause the demise of native fish populations.

Both of these mussels are small and can attach to boat hulls, boat engines, fishing tackle and nets and hundreds of other possible tools or recreational gear. And that’s how they spread from one body of water to another. read more

Capitol Reflections

Capitol Reflections - Final Issue 2010

Senate Ag panel chairman's bills blocked in House; Two bills backed by Farm Bureau gain legislative passage; Senate panel rejects measure to tighten improvement district law; Idaho Farm Bureau scorecard for 2010 Legislature; Bills on secured loads, vehicle inspections die in House; Changes to Soil Conservation District law approved; read more

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