Boise

Earlier this week, the Idaho senate held a hearing on Senate Bill 1133A, legislation looking to refine the state’s Agricultural Protection Areas, or APAs.  Dex Lake with the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation said this bill looks to clarify the APA application process at the county level, ensuring efficiency and transparency.   “The update...

According to research from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, rural communities in Idaho, as well as other states rely heavily on Medicaid for health coverage.  That research went on to say that nearly 37% of children in rural Idaho are covered through Medicaid or CHIP, compared with 33% in more urban areas.  Despite...

The University of Idaho and the Idaho Sustainable Agriculture Initiative for Dairy will host a national conference in the coming months focused on finding creative and valuable ways to make use of animal waste.   The Waste to Worth Conference will take place at the Grove Hotel in Boise, April 7th-11th.  Or...

Congratulations to Almira, WA wheat-farmer Mike Carstensen, who was elected the U.S. Wheat Associates next Secretary-Treasurer.  Carstensen will take office this July, and serve until June 2026.   Also, at last week’s meeting in Boise, USW voted to make current Secretary-Treasurer Gary Millershaski of Lakin, KS, the next Vice Chairman, and to make current Vice Chairman Jim Pellman of McClusky, ND

The Idaho Legislative Session is underway, and the Farm Bureau said it’s important farmers statewide stay plugged into what’s happening in Boise.  Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Dex Lake said despite demographic changes across the state in recent years, most lawmakers still understand the important role agriculture plays in Idaho’s economy.  But do lawmakers respect Idaho ...

The J.R. Simplot Company announced Wednesday it has named G.Rey Reinhardt as President of the AgriBusiness Group.  Reinhardt will take over for Doug Stone who announced his retirement earlier this year.   "We are excited to announce G.Rey as the new...

After eight decades in the same building, the Idaho Wheat Commission has elected to get a new home in Boise.  Britany Hurst Marchant, Executive Director of Idaho Wheat, says their current office, at State and 9th, was building in the 1940s, and while the location is great location, it is time for a change.  ...

Governor Brad Little proclaimed September as Idaho Preferred Month.  The month is dedicated to spotlighting Idaho produce and the role retailers play in connecting consumers with the “best locally grown, raised and crafted food”.    “Our Idaho ...

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...

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,...