Searle Discusses D.C., Idaho Issues In Final Interview

A new year and a new leader for the Idaho Farm Bureau.  After 32 years on the board, and 10 years as President, Bryan Searle retired from IFBF last month.  Before his retirement, he talked about 2025, a year that has some challenges, but a fair share of successes.

““I think we were blessed with some good weather and for the most part, seen some really good crops across the board," Searle said.  "So that bodes well for quality and yields, but price is very lacking. And we all know what happens when we have too much. So that supply and demand just drives the price even lower.”

All Farmers Need Help, Not Just A Few

When talking about D.C., Searle mentioned that he was disappointed by the assistance recently dolled out by the USDA [Bridge Payments].  He said all farmers are of equal importance, he was saddened that specialty crops were not included to the level they should have been.

“If the government's going to give a little Band-Aid, they ought to help with all those areas that are struggling rather than pick and choose a few and say, okay, we'll help you, but sorry, I'm not going to help," Searle said.  "It's not going to help the other individuals because of the crops they grow.”

When it comes to the Idaho legislative session, Searle said there’s been a lot of talk in Boise about E-Verify and what that would look like in the Gem state.

“I'm not opposed to E-Verify, but that's the cart ahead of the horse," Searle pointed out.  "And until the horse is taken care of, E-Verify, we've got to have a workable guest worker program that the people in this state. So to put in place in the state of Idaho an E-Verify, which is It's it can be challenged in a lot of different ways is not wise at all.”

Searle said while he’s retired from the Farm Bureau, he hasn’t retired from farming.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com