For Avery Oswald of Rigby, Idaho, winning the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) 2025 Heifer of the Year (HOY) program was a key milestone in her dream of running her own cattle operation someday.

Producers should expect gradual price improvements in the coming year, while also preparing for seasonal volatility and the possibility that global events may quickly alter fuel availability and costs.

Alfalfa producers are always striving to make a profit in both good and bad years. To achieve this goal, producers often utilize improved genetics and/or optimize the use of inputs to improve quality and yield. However, there is one production factor that trumps all the others, an adequate supply of irrigation water for forage production.

For Idaho dairies, 2025 brought pressures from both outside and inside the operation. Policy uncertainty, trade friction and shifting dairy processor expectations shaped the scenario, but the most lasting effects may come from decisions made in barns, feed centers and breeding programs.

“The ag community is all suffering. We all know this,” says Brandon Vining, president of ProGro Agronomy in St. Anthony. Agronomic outcomes differed by region, but low commodity prices and high input costs have most producers (outside of the beef industry) tightening their belts and hoping for better times.

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The 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, wrapped up at the end of October with several standout moments from Idaho members. Out of the Idaho FFA members competing in 26 different Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs), 10 teams or individuals placed in the top 10 nationally.