By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“I regularly hear from farmers, ranchers, and producers in Idaho, and their main concern over the years has been when Congress will reauthorize the Farm Bill.” - U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho
Idaho farmers are hoping Congress will pass an updated farm bill to update safety-net, conservation, financing and other programs. The bill was passed by the U.S. House and is under consideration in the U.S. Senate. (Photo by Kirsten Strough/USDA)
AGRICULTURE
Idaho farmers are hoping Congress can get updated farm bill across finish line
By Laura Guido
Many of Idaho’s farmers and producers are dealing with skyrocketing costs to do business, but many of the nation’s support systems for them are outdated.
“We have pressure from the cost of fertilizer, the increased cost of fuels, the effects of tariffs on equipment and parts that we need to buy for our operations, and at the same time, the prices that we receive … it hasn’t increased in line with the cost of production,” said Jamie Kress, an East Idaho dryland farmer and president of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Kress and other members of Idaho’s agricultural industry are advocating for Congress to approve an updated farm bill — a massive piece of federal legislation that addresses policies such as food assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, low-interest farm loans, crop insurance, research, conservation programs, and rural development.
Idaho agriculture officials declared stricter restrictions for animal entry after New World screwworm cases were reported in the U.S. last week. (Photo by Preston Keres/USDA)
AGRICULTURE
Idaho adds requirements for animal entry in response to U.S. New World screwworm cases
By Abigail Gerstein
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture instated additional state entry requirements for animals on Wednesday following detections of New World screwworm — a flesh eating parasite — in Texas and New Mexico.
Additional reporting: USDA Secretary Rollins blames Biden border policies for screwworm threat | Sam Gauntt
Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane speaks to the America250 in Idaho Advisory Council on June 10, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise. (Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)
GOVERNMENT + POLITICS
Argument among Idaho elected officials breaks out over expenses at America250 meeting
By Clark Corbin
A late, unexpected request for additional money made by two of the warmup acts scheduled to perform at the upcoming America250 in Idaho Capitol Celebration in Boise played a role in setting off a contentious public argument between two statewide elected officials Wednesday at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.
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