The Idaho livestock industry generates about half of Idaho’s agricultural production value. The state has more cows (2.4 million) than people (1.6 million), and ranks third nationally in dairy behind California and Wisconsin, respectively.

The four-day cross country bus tour covered about 1,100 miles with stops at nearly 20 farm operations, crop processing facilities, and growing regions mostly in the state’s high desert region.

Idaho farmer Dwight Little of Little Farms at Newdale, shared, “This area has some of the most fertile soils in the world.” Laura Johnson of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture added, “Irrigation and the climate make Idaho a great place to farm.”

The western state includes about 25,000 farms and ranches on more than 11 million acres, including 3.3 million acres of irrigated land. In addition to rainfall, water for Idaho agriculture comes from the Snake River.

Idaho ranks first nationally in potato production, growing one third of the U.S. spud crop. It’s the nation’s leading trout fish producer, growing about 75 percent of the nation’s supply of farm-raised trout.

Gibbs Farms

During a tour stop at Gibbs Farms, the group learned about the Gibbs family’s operation which includes winter wheat, malt barley, plus potatoes mostly for seed are grown. Producer Mark Gibbs, a member of the Idaho legislature, joined by his son Josh, described the production of these Idaho staples.

One of Mark Gibb’s points to the crowd was the continuing consolidation of businesses across the United States, including the potato industry. He said, “Years ago there were 30-40 potato growers in this area. Today, 7-8 growers produce more potatoes than have ever been grown here before.”