Idaho

After nine years as the dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Science, Michael Parrella has announced plans to retire. Parrella, who also holds the title of special assistant to the president for agricultural initiatives in recognition of his many contributions to the university, will retire on June 21, 2025.  The hope...

Earlier this year, the Idaho Wheat Commission approved a $3.5 million budget.  Britany Hurst Marchant, Executive Director of Idaho Wheat, said the budget is slightly larger than previous budgets, but for the most part is in line with figures used over recent budget cycles.   “...

The J.R. Simplot Company announced Wednesday that Brent Hocklander has been tapped as the company’s its next Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Financial Officer.  Hocklander will take over for Brent Moylan who announced his retirement earlier this year.   “Brent...

More than 400 cases of salmonella across the country have been linked to backyard poultry.  The CDC says over 100 people have been hospitalized during this outbreak.  Texas and Missouri have the most cases, followed by Minnesota, Washington, Michigan, and Oklahoma.   Almost 70%...

Idaho Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers is out with the five winners of the Excellence in Agriculture Award.   “Congratulations to Azdyn Bartschis, Paige Nelson, Dallin and Nalani Greer, Patxi Larrocca-Phillips and Denton Perkins," noted Ray Serale, Chair of Idaho’s YF&R Program, in a recent video.   From here, ...

Are farmers in Oregon and Washington moving east because of policy that makes it more and more difficult to farm?  Some say yes.   Madi Clark has a front row view from her farm Eastern Oregon farm situated south of Ontario.  She said the...

Small grain growers should expect to see an Ag Survey  from NASS in the coming days, as the agency takes a comprehensive look into the 2024 production and supply of small grains, including wheat, oats, barley and rye.  NASS says it will contact nearly 1,400 producers across Idaho to determine acreage, yield, production as well as on-farm stocks for small grain crops.  In addition,...

Building capacity building infrastructure, building demand, all aspects of the USDA grant program centered on organic growers and the organic industry.   “We're excited to announce our 4th and final round of the Organic Market Development Grants. This is $...

With the end of the most intense portion of the irrigation season with in sight here in the Northwest, how is water storage fairing as we prepared to head into fall?  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippy said when it comes to the 11 Western states they watch, nine of those states either close to normal or above normal storage.   “...

Idaho farmers are on track to plant almost twice as many hemp acres as they did last year.  According to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, producers across the Gem State planted 1,273 acres of hemp in 2023, up from the 459 acres reported in 2022, the first-year hemp was a legal commodity within the state.   ...