Despite Challenges, Idaho Ag Continues To Succeed

Across the country, and across commodities, it’s a difficult time in farm country, between high input costs and low commodity prices.  But the news isn’t all bad. In fact, according to the Director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, things are looking very good in the Gem State.

ISDA Head Chanel Tewalt said the livestock sector continues to record solid numbers for the state.  And even the dairy industry, which, as she put it may not be receiving the prices producers are hoping for, there’s still a plethora of exciting opportunities.

“We've got huge growth when it comes to processing in Idaho," Tewalt said.  "So you probably have featured that Chobani is putting in $1/2 Billion expansion into their yogurt plant.  We have a $200 million expansion for a brand new ice cream processing plant with Idaho milk products. I mean, there are a ton of things happening in the processing side of dairy."

Tewalt added these companies would not invest in Idaho if they didn’t have great confidence that producers and workers will deliver.

Governor Little Is An Asset For Idaho Ag

She added Idaho’s farming community is also succeeding thanks to Governor Brad Little.

“I cannot tell you how fortunate we are in Idaho to have a governor who not only comes on trade missions to sell Ag products and to have these Ag connections. He is a person who is from agriculture his family's legacy and Ag is so tangible, really in the conversations with him and his innate understanding of the complexities of this industry.”

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