One tool for managing these fluctuations and improving returns in all years is the use of value-added programs. While these programs have become increasingly popular due to the promise of higher premiums for “program” cattle, participation costs vary greatly, leaving some producers to ask if it’s really worth enrolling.

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).

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.

Crop prices are volatile, and for many producers, the market price at harvest in 2025 was below their cost of production. While no one has a crystal ball, a producer with a basic marketing plan can take steps to mitigate their price risk and increase their chances of long-term profitability.

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

Cash receipts for livestock and crops in 2024 are estimated at $11.3 billion, a 4% increase over 2023. Cash receipts for milk, Idaho’s leading agricultural commodity, were estimated to be 11% higher than 2023. Those for potatoes, Idaho’s highest revenue crop, were estimated to be 6% lower than 2023.

One of the most difficult decisions to make on the farm is whether or not to build a space for equipment and machinery storage and what type of space to build.

The true cost of equipment breakdowns is often far higher than the dollars spent on parts to get up and running again. And regardless of why equipment breaks down, downtime adds additional costs to your operation.

Every farm manager must make decisions about equipment. When to buy, when to sell and when to hire out the work are common questions. All of these decisions start from the same place: understanding your costs.

Idaho farmgate cash receipts and net farm income held near highs in 2023. Price changes varied greatly across commodities, but improved yields kept overall cash receipts elevated.