Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

Last week, lawmakers in Boise adjourned the first regular session of the 68th Idaho Legislature.  Dex Lake with the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation said the agriculture community fared well over the past 2 ½ months.   “House Bill 104, which creates a single definition for agricultural buildings across all local jurisdictions," Lake said.  "House Bill 148, that cre...

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 o...

Unfortunately, it happens with enough frequency that lawmakers in Boise felt it was an issue to address this legislative session; Bad actor recreators who cause damage or break the rules of private property owners.  Senate Bill 1086 looks to clarify that when a landowner imposes restrictions on recreational use of their property, anyone who violates those restrictions can be cited for trespass.  

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 the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, property owners in the Gem State may soon see some tax relief.  Supporters of House Bill 304 would provide an additional $100 million of annual property tax relief to Idahoans starting in 2025.   “...

Legislation lowering the Idaho income tax rate cleared the state legislature last week.  Dex Lake with the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation said House Bill 40 would reduce the state’s income tax rates, for both individuals and businesses, from the current 5.695% to 5.3% of...

Idaho lawmakers are considering reforms to the state’s domestic use exemption in Idaho water law.  The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation’s Braden Jensen said Senate Bill 1083A, was developed by a water user workgroup, of which IFBF was a part.   “Curren...

A new proposal in the Idaho House, House Bill 195, looks to establish stricter guidelines for the state Department of Fish and Game before relocating or transplanting wildlife.   “The bill requires 30-day advance notice to county commissioners, landowners and lease holders before any wildlife release, with a few exceptions, for small animals like starlings and raccoons," said Dex Lake with th

Currently 70% of Idaho is controlled by the federal or state government, but that figure could move higher under House Bill 129.  Dex Lake of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation said this proposal would allow the state to purchase more privately owned acreage.   “...

Over the years, a string of U.S. Supreme Court cases have stated that no rancher’s livestock may “trespass” upon federally managed lands without authorization to graze.  Yet even in “fence-out” states, the courts have held that the federal government is not required to fence their property.   Despite there being a long lin...