Searle: Times Are Challenging For Idaho Farmers

With the exception of beef, these are challenging days for Idaho’s farming community.  Bryan Searle, President of the Idaho Farm Bureau said there are many reasons for these struggles, from high input costs to low commodity prices and difficulties finding needed labor.  But outside of that he said trade has not gone well for several years.

"The biggest thing is we just have not been shipping products out of this country like we need to be shipping in order to get prices out of our commodities.”

Returning to the topic of labor, Searle said federal lawmakers need to address the issue of ag labor, and advocate for the farming industry.  He said the current H-2A program is OK, and works for seasonal crops, but it does not help address the needs of those that work with livestock.

“So there is no program to get individuals here. Again, a failure of Congress over decades.  Every time there's a bill, it just breaks down. And never. Gets movement and so it is putting farmers and ranchers in a tough spot. These are jobs done in agriculture that I don't get to people knocking on my door saying I want a job to go move irrigation pipe or whatever it is.”

While many farmers are struggling right now, Searle said the Ag industry is cyclical, and he’s confident that better days are ahead...but how far ahead, he couldn’t speculate.

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