Northwest

Four farms, one family vision

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“He’s probably one of the most successful farmers I know,” says Kyle Rupp of his dad, Gary. “He started from the ground up and made all of this possible.”

West: Handling the summer heat

cwillmore@uidaho.edu — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While producers can’t change the weather, they can adjust management practices to help cattle stay cooler and maintain productivity.

West: Fencing decisions that pay off

cwillmore@uidaho.edu — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Whether you’re managing a cow-calf herd or running stockers, fencing should be included in long-term planning – not just added when cattle are ready to graze.

West: Preparing a cattle operation for a drought year

cwillmore@uidaho.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

With low snowpack levels across much of the western U.S., cattle producers should begin preparing now for the possibility of drought conditions in 2026.

JBS packer workers strike at Colorado plant

carrie.veselka@agproud.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Plant workers walked out of a JBS packing facility in Greeley, Colorado, on Monday, March 16, putting a major dent in beef production at a time of high demand and high prices.

West: Making smart culling decisions after calving

cwillmore@uidaho.edu — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

While removing animals from the herd can be a difficult decision, addressing problem cows early helps prevent repeated issues in future calving seasons.

Real Producer Exchange Episode 3: Greg Nye

walt.cooley@agproud.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Dairyman Greg Nye knew his dairy was handling its feedstuffs too much. He didn’t like what that was costing his dairy in shrink. Given that his farm also feeds pricier non-GMO ingredients as part of its milk shipping agreement, he started looking at alternatives to how he was handling feed ingredients to save money.

West: Building better calves

cwillmore@uidaho.edu — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Healthy calves start with good colostrum, a clean environment and thoughtful management.

West: Optimizing late-gestation nutrition for a successful calving season

cwillmore@uidaho.edu — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Cow nutrition remains one of the most important management concerns for producers heading into calving.

West: Winter blues and mental health

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

For a long time, there has been a stigma around mental health topics. This is nothing to be ashamed of. We are all going through tough times. However, there is always something positive to look forward to.

West: Safeguarding herd health in harsh conditions

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Winter stress doesn’t have to mean compromised health. By implementing proactive winter protection from the elements and biosecurity measures, producers can minimize disease risk and maintain productivity through the cold months.

Here’s how A.I. and DNA technology turned a ranch around

burt@rangeviewstrategies.com — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The Stirrup Bar Ranch went from average to iconic in less than five years through improving genetics and utilizing reproductive technologies.

West: Preparing for cooler temperatures

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As the cold-weather months approach, there are a few things we can do to prepare our operation for those cold snaps.

Reed’s Dairy rebuilds a new beginning after a fire tragedy

frances@agproud.com — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

Pocket Ranch revives family dairy tradition with a creamery

frances@agproud.com — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

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.

West: Nitrate toxicity in hay – a hidden risk after a dry summer

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:00:42 -0400

As dry conditions persist across much of the West, beef producers should be cautious about a silent threat in their hay: nitrate toxicity.

From wheat fields to meeting rooms

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Farming in Rockland, Idaho, was almost an accident for the Kress family from Germany.

West: A bit about fencing …

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Having dealt with livestock and horses pushing on fences, I understand the time, money and effort it takes to maintain a fence. On the topic of fences, have you taken the time to truly understand your state’s regulations regarding fence maintenance and the livestock that may get out of those enclosures?

Economic Update: Senate Ag Committee advances Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

karen@agproud.com — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:34:26 -0400

In news affecting dairy farmers' bottom lines at the start of June 2025: The Senate Ag Committee advances the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, Darigold opens largest dairy processing facility in the Northwest, and farmer sentiment reaches a four-year high.

A dream come true at Copper Cow Creamery

kimmi@agproud.com — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Siska Reece has dreamed about having an on-farm creamery since she was 15 years old. That dream became a reality last summer when her family began bottling A2A2 whole nonhomogenized milk and cream and making ice cream with some of the milk produced on their Idaho dairy farm.

From catfish to caviar and from one generation to the next

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

“My business philosophy was to start small and grow slow,” Ray says. Today, he has seven small farms with a processing plant and a feed mill. He produces close to 1 million pounds per year of trout, catfish, tilapia, sturgeon and caviar. At their peak production (prior to the pandemic), they produced over 1.5 million pounds per year.

West: Analyzing your pasture or range

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

While the quantity of grass is looked at often enough, have you taken some time to test the quality of those grasses?

In-house expertise keeps Jerseyland Dairy’s robots running strong

audrey@agproud.com — Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

At Jerseyland Dairy, in-house maintenance has become the cornerstone of operational efficiency and longevity to their 18 Lely A5 milking robots. The team, led by herd manager Craig Flint, handles the majority of robot servicing internally, including greasing, part replacements and preventative upkeep.

West: Early detection of noxious weeds

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

April showers bring May flowers, right? These flowers that are beginning to appear in May just may be attached to a plant (noxious weed) that can actually cause harm to our livestock.

Creating an 'Olympic athlete': Cedar Ridge Dairy's journey with genetics

matti@agproud.com — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When Chace Fullmer was handed the reins of a 1,000-cow dairy at the age of 20, he was excited to build a life as a dairy farmer. Almost 20 years later, Fullmer has added 1,500 cows, built a new rotary parlor and maternity facility, improved the genetic value of his herd through genomic testing and adjusted his approach to dairy farming.

West: Support your local veterinarian

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400

Veterinarians are not only needed when we have sick animals. Vets also aid with reproduction synchronization protocols, health certificates and livestock travel permit, education for their community and so much more.

2025 State of Dairy: Pacific Northwest: Recovering financially, but labor regulation challenges continue

kimmi@agproud.com — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400

Higher milk and beef prices are two bright spots that have contributed to healthier financial margins across much of the Pacific Northwest.

West: Should I fertilize with nitrogen this spring?

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

It is important to understand the soil nutrient needs of your land, particularly how much nitrogen is available and how much (if any) you may need to apply for the upcoming growing season.

Ladd Wahlen Farms: It’s really about the roots

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

At Ladd Wahlen Farms, it begins with roots (small r) and ends with Roots (capital R).

West: Do yourself a favor and keep your records up to date

sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

With calving comes a busy time of checking cows multiple times a day, providing adequate nutrition and remembering to update your records regularly during this busy time.