The loss of an Idaho dairy farmer to a sudden cardiac event was a sobering reminder of how quickly emergencies can happen in rural communities. It also highlighted a difficult reality: in rural areas, help does not always arrive as quickly as it is needed.

In early spring, cooler temperatures and low to moderate humidity often allow cows to remain comfortable and productive with minimal environmental stress. As spring turns into summer, however, conditions change.

Agriculture and its related industries are a major economic driver for the state of Idaho, accounting for around 13% of gross state product (2022), 32% of all state exports (2024) and roughly 1 in 9 (11%) of all state jobs (2022).

Protein is one of the most expensive nutrients in a dairy ration on a per-unit basis, and it is also one of the easiest places to lose money when diets are not balanced precisely.

Idaho has a new top ag commodity: beef cattle. Livestock sector gains led Idaho farmgate cash receipts to a second consecutive all-time high in 2025. Net farm income is forecast to see a small year-over-year increase, with livestock sector gains outweighing losses in the crop sector.

Leaders from some of Idaho’s agricultural sectors share their expectations and priorities for the 2026 legislative session.

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.

As the Make America Healthy Again Commission (MAHA) makes headlines, Idaho producers may wonder where changing policies and recommendations leave them. One article of particular interest is the disavowal of “ultra-processed foods.”

When a devastating fire destroyed Reed’s Dairy on Jan. 18, 2024, second-generation dairy farmer Alan Reed faced what could have been the end of his dairy in Idaho Falls. Instead, thanks to a fire plan, quick action, community support and industry connections, not a single person or cow was lost. Reed is now turning tragedy into opportunity with a complete rebuild.

Growing up, Joey Bingham often heard stories about his dad and grandpa running a small creamery and ice cream parlor in Twin Falls, Idaho. Inspired by those memories, he decided to diversify and build his own creamery since it always fascinated him as a kid.