Idaho Matters

(Molly Messick for NPR)This time of year Idaho farmers take to the fields in full force, planting crops, and making irrigation systems ready for the summer growing season.This year many are  wondering about clouds of uncertainty hanging over the future of farm exports.Unless you have a direct connection to the land you may not realize the impact agriculture has on the Idaho economy, as well as the effect foreign affairs have on Idaho farmersNow in a spiraling dispute between the US and China that country is targeting a number of farm products. Are Idaho farmers and ranchers in danger of losing lucrative foreign markets? Sean Ellis of the Idaho Farm Bureau and Mike Williamson, a fourth generation orchard owner and operator joined Idaho Matters to discuss the impact these tariffs and a withdrawal from the TPP could mean for Idaho's agricultural communities. Copyright Boise State Public Radio 2018

Gemma Gaudette discusses the concept and mission of Boise State Public Radio's new daily news program with the station's GM, Tom Michael.Over the past few years, Boise State Public Radio has become a news leader across the region. There have been strategic discussions among the station management about how we could further enhance our news service while also looking to better engage the community.We soon began to focus on creating a local/regional show that would mirror the qualities of NPR's best shows: civil discourse while providing in-depth discussions on issues that matter most to our listeners.Idaho Matters will be the place on-air and online where folks with different views can talk with each other, exchange ideas, debate with respect and come away richer out of the experience. We look forward to developing this program into the local news/public affairs show of record.We hope you'll engage with us! You can email the show directly, tag the station in a tweet, send us a message on Facebook or drop us a