https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us bchambers@dairywest.com The loss of an Idaho dairy farmer to a sudden cardiac event was a sobering reminder of how quickly emergencies can happen in rural communities. It also highlighted a difficult reality: in rural areas, help does not always arrive as quickly as it is needed. The loss of an Idaho dairy farmer to a sudden cardiac event was a sobering reminder of how quickly emergencies can happen in rural communities. It also highlighted a difficult reality: in rural areas, help does not always arrive as quickly as it is needed.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63238 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63238-prepared-to-save-a-life-regional-dairy-checkoff-launches-aed-initiative 63238-chambers-1.jpg izabelle@uidaho.edu In early spring, cooler temperatures and low to moderate humidity often allow cows to remain comfortable and productive with minimal environmental stress. As spring turns into summer, however, conditions change. In early spring, cooler temperatures and low to moderate humidity often allow cows to remain comfortable and productive with minimal environmental stress. As spring turns into summer, however, conditions change.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62860 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62860-wildfire-smoke-and-idaho-dairies-a-growing-seasonal-challenge 62860-sampaio-teixeira-smoke.jpg bwilder@uidaho.edu 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). 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).

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62777 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62777-employment-trends-for-food-manufacturing-in-us-idaho 62777-wilder-graphic.jpg izabelle@uidaho.edu Protein is one of the most expensive nutrients in a dairy ration on a per-unit basis, and it is also one of the easiest places to lose money when diets are not balanced precisely. Protein is one of the most expensive nutrients in a dairy ration on a per-unit basis, and it is also one of the easiest places to lose money when diets are not balanced precisely.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62695 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62695-the-cost-of-underfeeding-and-overfeeding-protein-for-dairy-producers 62695-teixeira-staff.jpg bwilder@uidaho.edu 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62696 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62696-the-financial-condition-of-idaho-agriculture-2025 62696-wilder-collage.jpg cassidy@agproud.com Leaders from some of Idaho’s agricultural sectors share their expectations and priorities for the 2026 legislative session. Leaders from some of Idaho’s agricultural sectors share their expectations and priorities for the 2026 legislative session.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62660 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62660-legislative-ag-roundup-priorities-in-2026 legislative-ag-roundup.png izabelle@uidaho.edu For Idaho dairies, 2025 brought pressures from both outside and inside the operation. Policy uncertainty, trade friction and shifting dairy processor expectations shaped the scenario, but the most lasting effects may come from decisions made in barns, feed centers and breeding programs. For Idaho dairies, 2025 brought pressures from both outside and inside the operation. Policy uncertainty, trade friction and shifting dairy processor expectations shaped the scenario, but the most lasting effects may come from decisions made in barns, feed centers and breeding programs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62601 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62601-looking-back-before-looking-ahead-on-idaho-dairies 62601-teixeira-dixon.jpg 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.” 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.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62297 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62297-ultra-processed-foods-maha-and-idaho-ag 62297-mccarthy-1.jpg frances@agproud.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62124 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62124-reeds-dairy-rebuilds-a-new-beginning-after-a-fire-tragedy 62124-pierce-8307.jpg frances@agproud.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62042 Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62042-pocket-ranch-revives-family-dairy-tradition-with-a-creamery 62042-pierce-bingham-family.jpg University of Idaho is seeking applicants with dairy management experience to serve as director of operations and finance over a new Magic Valley research dairy, called the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE). University of Idaho is seeking applicants with dairy management experience to serve as director of operations and finance over a new Magic Valley research dairy, called the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE).

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61747 Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61747-applications-sought-for-idaho-cafe-director-of-operations-finance kimmi@agproud.com Board leadership from the Dairy Farmers of Washington and Dairy West recently announced they will be joining forces under the Dairy West brand. Additionally, Steve Seppi, who previously served as the executive director of Dairy Farmers of Washington, has been selected as the new CEO of Dairy West. Board leadership from the Dairy Farmers of Washington and Dairy West recently announced they will be joining forces under the Dairy West brand. Additionally, Steve Seppi, who previously served as the executive director of Dairy Farmers of Washington, has been selected as the new CEO of Dairy West. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61701 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:09:39 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61701-dairy-west-dairy-farmers-of-washington-move-toward-unified-future-seppi-appointed-ceo joconnell@uidaho.edu The project’s first phase, which includes major earthwork and construction of a milking barn with a modern rotary parlor, has been completed and the next phase of construction (maternity and commodity barns and classrooms) is underway. In early May, U of I led a tour of lawmakers, local officials and members of the state’s Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council to showcase the return on the considerable investment they’ve made in CAFE. The project’s first phase, which includes major earthwork and construction of a milking barn with a modern rotary parlor, has been completed and the next phase of construction (maternity and commodity barns and classrooms) is underway. In early May, U of I led a tour of lawmakers, local officials and members of the state’s Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council to showcase the return on the considerable investment they’ve made in CAFE.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61677 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61677-idaho-cafe-completes-first-phase-welcomes-officials-for-tour 61677-oconnell-CAFE-1.jpg kimmi@agproud.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61530 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61530-a-dream-come-true-at-copper-cow-creamery 61530-devaney-1.jpg cassidy@agproud.com Idaho’s ag leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities that arose from the trade policies in President Donald Trump’s previous term as well as how the shifting landscape affects their export market. Idaho’s ag leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities that arose from the trade policies in President Donald Trump’s previous term as well as how the shifting landscape affects their export market.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61274 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61274-idahos-ag-leaders-weigh-in-the-impact-of-tariffs-on-dairy-wheat-cattle-and-potatoes cassidy@agproud.com Pete Jones is the project manager for University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE) currently under construction in Rupert. Ag Proud – Idaho’s Cassidy Woolsey caught up with Jones to learn more about what is soon-to-be the nation's largest research dairy, located right here in Idaho. Pete Jones is the project manager for University of Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE) currently under construction in Rupert. Ag Proud – Idaho’s Cassidy Woolsey caught up with Jones to learn more about what is soon-to-be the nation's largest research dairy, located right here in Idaho.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60951 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60951-q-and-a-with-pete-jones-idaho-cafe-project-manager 60951-woolsey-pete-red.jpg “I think there are plenty of workers who would love to come into the U.S. on a longer term to work in the animal industry,” says Hafliger. He adds, “We need to have a long-term program available. The dairy industry is so technical – with the knowledge required – you don’t want to train a guy and then lose him after three months … I would like to see us develop some kind of [work] visa for a set time – at a minimum, for five years.” “I think there are plenty of workers who would love to come into the U.S. on a longer term to work in the animal industry,” says Hafliger. He adds, “We need to have a long-term program available. The dairy industry is so technical – with the knowledge required – you don’t want to train a guy and then lose him after three months … I would like to see us develop some kind of [work] visa for a set time – at a minimum, for five years.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60873 Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60873-a-dairy-challenging-labor-market 60873-mccarthy-workers-dixon.jpg walt.cooley@agproud.com Winter work days are much better for dairyman Cameron Turner this year. This is the second winter he and his family’s dairy will be milking cows with robots in an enclosed barn. Their new dairy was finished in the fall of 2023. Winter work days are much better for dairyman Cameron Turner this year. This is the second winter he and his family’s dairy will be milking cows with robots in an enclosed barn. Their new dairy was finished in the fall of 2023.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60794 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60794-new-barn-makes-winter-work-days-better-at-creekside-dairy 60794-cooley-5.jpg bchambers@dairywest.com From running family farms to spearheading innovative agricultural practices, women have and continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of farming. This is especially evident in the dairy industry, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, driving sustainability and fostering community connections. From running family farms to spearheading innovative agricultural practices, women have and continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of farming. This is especially evident in the dairy industry, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, driving sustainability and fostering community connections.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60755 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60755-women-in-agriculture-pioneers-in-dairy 60755-schmitt-kim-korn.jpg matti@agproud.com In 2021, Idaho 4-H reinstated a state dairy judging contest after a 30-year hiatus. In early October 2024, Idaho sent four young women to represent the state at the National 4-H Contest in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2021, Idaho 4-H reinstated a state dairy judging contest after a 30-year hiatus. In early October 2024, Idaho sent four young women to represent the state at the National 4-H Contest in Madison, Wisconsin.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60300 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60300-idaho-sends-4-h-dairy-cattle-judging-team-to-world-dairy-expo-for-first-time-in-30-years 60300-mcbride-2321.jpg woody@woodylane.com Everyone knows a livestock producer who’s lost animals to bloat. Because of the risk, some folks flatly refuse to graze their stock on dense stands of clover or alfalfa. Others kind of shrug, saying they’ve rarely lost animals and don’t worry about it much. So … what gives?  
Everyone knows a livestock producer who’s lost animals to bloat. Because of the risk, some folks flatly refuse to graze their stock on dense stands of clover or alfalfa. Others kind of shrug, saying they’ve rarely lost animals and don’t worry about it much. So … what gives?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60306 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60306-all-those-tiny-bubbles-a-look-at-bloat-in-livestock 60306-lane-cow-eating-alfalfa-getty.jpg walt.cooley@agproud.com Today, Bruce is more than just another steer. He has millions of followers on social media. People around the world follow this Idaho steer on Herrera’s social media channels to see what human foods he will try next and what house pet-like activities Bruce will do with the family. Herrera says Bruce’s fame was truly accidental. Today, Bruce is more than just another steer. He has millions of followers on social media. People around the world follow this Idaho steer on Herrera’s social media channels to see what human foods he will try next and what house pet-like activities Bruce will do with the family. Herrera says Bruce’s fame was truly accidental.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60124 Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60124-idaho-steer-bruce-gains-national-tiktok-fame 60124-cooley-3.jpg joconnell@uidaho.edu The first phase of construction of the University of Idaho-led Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE) – comprising rough grading of open-lot corrals and dairy lagoons and construction of a 60-cow rotary milking parlor – is on pace to be completed by late September or early October. The first phase of construction of the University of Idaho-led Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (Idaho CAFE) – comprising rough grading of open-lot corrals and dairy lagoons and construction of a 60-cow rotary milking parlor – is on pace to be completed by late September or early October.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60201 Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60201-university-of-idaho-finishing-first-construction-phase-of-new-research-dairy 60201-oconnell-image011(1).jpg derek.gerratt@agwestfc.com LRP coverage, implemented consistently, helps to ensure the success of cattle operations and offer peace of mind – regardless of external factors. Though the market has seen historic highs throughout the past 18 months and indicators point to favorable prices in the future, cattle prices are not impenetrable. LRP coverage, implemented consistently, helps to ensure the success of cattle operations and offer peace of mind – regardless of external factors. Though the market has seen historic highs throughout the past 18 months and indicators point to favorable prices in the future, cattle prices are not impenetrable.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60060 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60060-knowledge-is-the-best-insurance-an-overview-of-livestock-risk-protection des@idahoenergyinnovations.com In Idaho, where farming is a cornerstone of the economy, adopting heat reclaim technology is a strategic move that offers substantial benefits and can revolutionize agricultural practices. In this article, you can learn more about how heat reclaim systems can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and promote sustainability on Idaho farms. In Idaho, where farming is a cornerstone of the economy, adopting heat reclaim technology is a strategic move that offers substantial benefits and can revolutionize agricultural practices. In this article, you can learn more about how heat reclaim systems can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and promote sustainability on Idaho farms.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59932 Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:59 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59932-heat-reclaim-benefits-for-idaho-dairies-and-farms 59932-odell-milkroom.jpg jschmitt@dairywest.com When immersed in a new culture, language, location and lifestyle, accessing health resources can be infuriating and confusing. Routine tasks, like setting up a dentist appointment and attending doctor’s visits, can be daunting, if not impossible, under these circumstances. When immersed in a new culture, language, location and lifestyle, accessing health resources can be infuriating and confusing. Routine tasks, like setting up a dentist appointment and attending doctor’s visits, can be daunting, if not impossible, under these circumstances.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60031 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60031-a-fair-chance-at-health-care-for-dairy-employees 60031-schmitt-1.jpg walt.cooley@agproud.com Dairyman Jesus Hurtado’s fate was intertwined with the late John Reitsma and his dairies for nearly three decades. Now Hurtado and John’s son Dirk Reitsma and their dairy futures are connected again through co-investment in a new milk plant in Burley, Idaho. Dairyman Jesus Hurtado’s fate was intertwined with the late John Reitsma and his dairies for nearly three decades. Now Hurtado and John’s son Dirk Reitsma and their dairy futures are connected again through co-investment in a new milk plant in Burley, Idaho.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59902 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59902-magic-valley-dairy-duo-vertically-integrate-with-new-burley-milk-plant 59902-cooley-img-4127.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4150.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4137.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4138.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4157.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4132.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4131.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4135.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4143.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4165.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4140.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4158.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4168.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4123.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4159.jpg 59902-cooley-img-6985.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4161.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4154-2.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4147.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4141.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4127.jpg 59902-cooley-img-4130.jpg jeremy.howard@simplot.com Dairy farmers are reaping the benefits of current high prices for dairy-beef crossbred calves thanks to historically lower cattle placements and strong beef demand. It is not unusual for day-old calves to bring $600 to $700 or more, significantly more than full dairy calves. Dairy farmers are reaping the benefits of current high prices for dairy-beef crossbred calves thanks to historically lower cattle placements and strong beef demand. It is not unusual for day-old calves to bring $600 to $700 or more, significantly more than full dairy calves.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59796 Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59796-prepare-for-future-beef-on-dairy-markets jschmitt@dairywest.com Employees are one of the largest expenses on a farm – second only to feed costs. The most startling part of this statistic is that staff care is frequently low priority and high risk. Employees are one of the largest expenses on a farm – second only to feed costs. The most startling part of this statistic is that staff care is frequently low priority and high risk.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59686 Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59686-step-up-your-supervisor-game-on-your-dairy 59686-schmitt-1.jpg matti@agproud.com Dairy producers and industry representatives in the Magic Valley gathered at Mountain View Barn in Jerome Feb. 28 for a workshop to discuss genomic testing and potential economic advantages of implementing the practice. Dairy producers and industry representatives in the Magic Valley gathered at Mountain View Barn in Jerome Feb. 28 for a workshop to discuss genomic testing and potential economic advantages of implementing the practice.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59470 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59470-workshop-educates-local-dairy-producers-on-benefits-of-using-genomic-testing-in-herds 59470-mcbride-2578.jpg