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

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.

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.

It was a big year for the forage harvesting industry, with both John Deere and Claas unveiling new series this summer. Several operators across southern Idaho had the opportunity to demo these machines while on tour in September.

In 2020, Gov. Brad Little signed Executive Order 2020-01, known as Zero-Based Regulation. The order requires every Idaho administrative rule to be repealed and either allowed to expire or reissued after a complete and thorough evaluation.

This fall, your local FFA chapter has the opportunity to earn a significant cash donation by participating in Ag Proud – Idaho’s subscription drive.

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.”

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced in July that its Animal Health Laboratory has officially been accepted as a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), becoming the first laboratory in Idaho to earn this designation.