For some farms, innovation means introducing conservation practices ahead of the curve. For others, it may look like growing crops outside the “normal” local rotation. Elsewhere, it may mean introducing cutting-edge technology. At Uhlorn Family Farms of Ferdinand, all three are at play.

“Wheat has been my bread and butter most of my life, and I wanted to give something back,” says the newest member of the Idaho Wheat Commission, Cliff Tacke. He was appointed District 2 commissioner in 2023, after a lifetime of farming near Greencreek.

From dairy to sheep to cattle with Wagyu cross – this century ranch has seen a lot of changes.

The program started in response to frequent requests from student groups for financial support. “We wanted to add an education piece to donations. This is a way to cultivate our community and involve producers.”

Grangeville student takes showing livestock to community youth clinic.