While the eastern U.S. gets bombarded with large broods of cicadas this year, here in the West we face an ongoing threat that’s more than just noise – relentless swarms of Mormon crickets infesting parts of the state.

The first line of fire defense in many rural areas are Rangeland Fire Protection Associations (RFPAs). These groups of volunteers, mainly farmers and ranchers, are trained and authorized to respond to fires and help protect 9 million acres of Idaho lands.

Historically, the objective of supplementation programs for grazing cattle has been to address nutrient deficiencies based on the difference between animal nutrient requirements and the nutrients provided by the forage, with emphasis on improving forage utilization and animal performance.

While Idaho is known as the Gem State, the minerals that gave Idaho its nickname are not the same minerals that are needed by cattle.

In most instances, the dormant season (late fall and winter) provides the best opportunity to remove litter and germinating annual grass seedlings without negatively affecting perennial plants.

Some 400 attendees from across North America gathered in Loveland, Colorado, to hear the latest in beef cattle research from some of the industry’s leading experts from government, academia and industry.

Every environment has unique opportunities to succeed and overcome production issues. These include feed costs, environmental stressors, health challenges unique to geographical areas and local or regional economic climate. Operational resiliency relies on our ability to address challenges.

Ag Proud – Idaho would like for you to meet Jessica Windh.

Calves raised on the range are often lighter at weaning compared to calves raised on irrigated pastures. With the right management through backgrounding and finishing, range calves can catch up with their counterparts.