This report covers important farm news, state legislature, local marketing and trade activities and human interest stories in addition to Dr. Sparks’ entertaining commentary. David Sparks Ph.D. is the voice of Idaho Agribusiness community.
AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST

A good chunk of the world's seed production occurs in southwestern Idaho.

Farm Bureau's new four-story, mixed-use project in downtown Boise.

On October 16th, the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation held a groundbreaking ceremony for it's new four-story, mixed-use project in downtown Boise.

E. Idaho seed potato growers track aphid migrations with help of UI Extension pest trapping program

Big event coming up at the Baker City Fairgrounds in Baker City, Oregon.

The first potatoes grown in Idaho were planted in northern Idaho by Rev. Henry Spaulding.

The Idaho Department of Agriculture treated the invasive species Quagga muscles in the fall of 2023 and 2024. Now they're back once again.

Sugarbeets are a unique, humble crop that pays the bills for a lot of Idaho farms.

In 2023 an infestation of quagga mussels was found in the Snake River near Twin Falls.

Hosted by Cam Hammond and Ott Clark and produced by the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, the Dirt Road Discussions podcast is available.

In an ideal situation, ranchers and range managers like to see cattle actively grazing on a broad spectrum of the range.

Humanitarian Wood Work Day is a local event in McCall, Idaho, organized by the Heartland Hunger Resource Center, which is the community food bank.

In September Idaho Potato Days 2025 was held at Kleiner Park in Meridian.

Bethany Gotts is a farmer next to the Bruneau Sand Dunes who found her great love for sunflowers and passion for agriculture.

UI Extension study shows promise for raising, grazing cover crops after grain harvest.

ISDA confirmed a detection of quagga mussels in the infested area of the Snake River.

Idaho and Taiwan signed a $1.2 billion, three-year letter of intent for U.S. wheat exports.

IDWR agents work to bring all 743 water users into compliance with July Methodology Order.

2025 marks the 40th anniversary of what many consider the Agriculture Department's flagship conservation program.

Samantha Parrot of the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association explains the complicated but very exact formula for how Idaho sugar beet producers get paid.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners in Idaho.

Idaho Water Resource Board approves three major projects to improve water management of the Snake River and Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.

The complicated but very exact formula for how Idaho sugar beet producers get paid.

UI Extension to host free, virtual succession planning workshop

IDWR agents work to bring all 743 water users into compliance with July Methodology Order; existing curtailment, mitigation activities.

Lt. Governor Bedke to Join Idaho Wheat Industry for $1.2 Billion Idaho-Taiwan Wheat Export Agreement Signing.

Devon Zenner and Eric Hasselstrom are two growers who are trying a new technology called Green Lightning to increase crop yields and benefit soil.

Executive Director - Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association Samantha Parrot helps us better understand the federal sugar policy.

Idaho's ranching community supports a program aimed at making sure beef can be what's for dinner for everyone.

Ruling in water rights case reinforces new mitigation plans, protects farmers.

Ag producers and a recent visit with Idaho Senator Mike Crapo.

Atmospheric physicist and meteorologist Bill Pekney has a fascinating perspective on climate change.

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo says the One Big Beautiful Bill is One Big Beautiful win for Idaho farmers and ranchers.

For those of you who like robots and drones with artificial intelligence systems.

Kyle Nehring and his wife, Amy, started their potato chip business in their basement, bagging potato chips after work and getting excited

ISDA announced that the Animal Health Laboratory in Boise has officially been accepted as a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network.