International food aid training building spud demand - AgMinute for April 30, 2015

The U.S. Potato Board hosted a training in Idaho Falls to teach food aid organizations how to use dehydrated potatoes in their programs. Click here for the full story

EU approves more GM food as controversy simmers - AgMinute for April 29, 2015

The EU’s executive commission said Friday that it has approved 10 GM foods and two types of GM flowers. Click here for the full story

Idaho: The Silicon Valley of Ag technology? - AgMinute for April 28, 2015

Idaho Department of Commerce Director Jeff Sayer wants to make Idaho a Silicon Valley of agricultural technology. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Obama’s trade agenda draws GOP support in House - AgMinute for April 27, 2015

Democrats said the legislation didn’t go far enough to assure labor standards and environmental protections strong enough to avoid placing American companies at a disadvantage. Click here for the full story

Idaho officials approve plan to protect sage grouse habitat - AgMinute for April 24, 2015

The state document will be considered Thursday for approval by the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Click here for the full story

Idaho lawmakers approve rule lifting elk import restriction - AgMinute for April 23, 2015

Idaho lawmakers have approved a rule that will lift certain import restrictions on domestic elk. The rule was supported by commercial elk breeders but opposed by sportmen's groups. Click here for the full story

U.S., Japan say no deal on farm trade but end in sight - AgMinute for April 22, 2015

Japan has identified five categories of agricultural products as “sensitive,” given its longstanding protections for politically powerful farm interests. They include beef and pork, wheat and barley, sugar, rice and dairy products. Click here for the full story

Increased dyed diesel enforcement looms in Idaho - AgMinute for April 21, 2015

Idaho lawmakers intend to discuss greater enforcement of the state's dyed fuel laws next year. Click here for the full story

2015 expected to bring more record-breaking cattle prices - AgMinute for April 20, 2015

While cattle prices are expected to soften in the last half of the year, average annual prices for feeder and fed cattle in 2015 are expected to be even higher than the record-breaking 2014. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Rise in Idaho farm deaths concerns OSHA - AgMinute for April 17, 2015

Fatal accidents in agriculture have risen significantly recently in Idaho, prompting concerns by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Click here for the full story

Consumers buying more organic products, new data show - AgMinute for April 16, 2015

Organics now make up 5 percent of total food sales in the United States, but much of the growth is also in nonfood items like textiles and personal care items. Click here for the full story

Foreign markets loom large in GMO litigation - AgMinute for April 15, 2015

Litigation over China's rejection of a biotech trait could set an important precedent, experts say. Click here for the full story

Company to roll out "GreenHarvest" paper products - AgMinute for April 14, 2015

A company plans to roll out a new line of tissues and paper towels this month that incorporates wheat straw and bamboo, which it hopes will provide a rapidly renewable and environmentally friendly source of fiber for its products while giving farmers a new market for what remains after the grain is harvested. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Rural communities vie for prize to revitalize - AgMinute for April 13, 2015

Nearly 20 rural communities in the Pacific Northwest and California are competing to win $10 million in funding to revitalize their communities. Click here for the full story

WSU researcher considers prickly lettuce as rubber source - AgMinute April 10, 2015

A Washington State University researcher wants to explore possible production of the weed prickly lettuce to make rubber. Click here for the full story

Expert says shooting or trapping wolves and coyotes is a bad idea - AgMinute for April 9, 2015

Indiscriminate shooting or trapping of wolves and coyotes is a bad idea, and producers should strive for balance in the rangeland ecosystem, says Temple Grandin, the Colorado State University livestock handling and animal welfare expert. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Western hay growers face challenges - AgMinute for April 8, 2015

Western hay growers see challenges ahead for this year's crop. Early spring and water concerns in some areas are making the season hard to predict. Click here for the full story

Idaho farmers and Ag industry leaders will soon meet finalists - AgMinute for April 7, 2015

Idaho farmers and Ag industry leaders will soon have a chance to meet the finalists for the dean position at the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

USDA expects more barley out of Idaho in 2015 - AgMinute for April 6, 2015

USDA expects Idaho farmers will plant more wheat and barley this season, following a disastrous 2014 harvest affected by widespread late-season sprout damage. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

Mink prices drop as global production rises - AgMinute for April 3, 2015

Mink pelt prices have plummeted recently, following years of sustained growth, according to Fur Commission USA Executive Director Michael Whelan. Click here for the full story

Critics challenge World Health Organization's conclusion on glyphosate - AgMinute for April 2, 2015

Critics say the World Health Organization’s conclusion that glyphosate “probably” causes cancer runs counter to what numerous other studies have found and should be withdrawn. For more information visit www.capitalpress.com

2015 could be a break-even year for Idaho dairy farmers - AgMinute for April 1, 2015

During a presentation to lawmakers by United Dairymen of Idaho officials, most of the questions from legislators centered around Fairlife, a new premium milk product being distributed by the Coca-Cola Co. Click here for the full story