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).

Now that the terminal has been in operation for about four years, this article aims to describe why such an infrastructural investment can help increase international trade opportunities and to analyze whether the expected impact of increased hay exports from Idaho are observable in publicly available data.

The University of Idaho Extension's 2025 Custom Rates Survey helps farmers compare costs of doing farm work themselves versus hiring custom operators.

To help answer these questions, we have designed a study and outreach plan that focus on better characterizing the ways in which weed management among PNW farmers and ranchers has changed in recent years and the different approaches that have been taken in response. 

Collecting and organizing data is crucial for preparing and planning for the next crop year. For example, data on acreage, yield and expected prices can help estimate gross returns. This information is valuable when negotiating with a banker for a new loan or refinancing an existing one. It’s also useful for setting lease terms with a landlord for the upcoming year.

Profitability maps can be helpful for determining the relative extent to which different areas in a field are profitable or not, which can provide insights regarding whether there are any actions that can be taken to increase profitability in lagging areas.

As the crop planting season approaches for most regions in Idaho, understanding what operating costs will look like in 2024 is crucial for farm businesses.