Issues The Idaho Farming Community Will Watch Into 2027

The Idaho legislative session wrapped up April 2nd, but it’s not too early to look ahead to the 2027 session.  Dexton Lake with the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation said one topic that will be of great importance between now and January is the state’s Budget.

The Budget Will, Again, Be In Focus Next Year

They had to do some cutting this year. And that's not always a bad thing by any means, finding where you can trim the fat," Lake said.  "But it'll be interesting to see what the repercussions are of that next year and if they're going to have to take additional steps. as far as addressing the budget, because Idaho has a requirement that the budget be balanced. I understand that revenues are coming up higher than the projections in this quarter. And so, you know, maybe everything's worked out and that's great.”

Another issue that Lake expects to be discussed next year, is the state’s big animal veterinary shortage.  This pass session, lawmakers made requirements of students who receive funding from the state to attend Washington State University to become a vet to return to the Gem state and serve as a large animal veterinarian for four years.

State Looks To Address Large Animal Vet Shortage

“Utah State University has opened their vet program, but they're also working on opening their building," Lake said.  "And as a result, their class size will double from 40 to 80 students. And so we see this as an opportunity to be able to get into Utah's program because Idaho's a big state and not everybody wants to go clear to Washington State. There are folks who would prefer to go to Utah State. And so that'll be a conversation that we have next year.”

Lake added other issues of interest in 2027 will include water, as well potential fuel taxes from the state of Utah.

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