Agricultural Affairs [Source] Translate

The meeting began with a unanimous motion to approve the minutes from February 16, 2026. Ms. Rachel Bickerton from the University of Idaho's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) provided an update on the college, highlighting its role as Idaho's Land-Grant University and its commitment to agricultural education, research, and community engagement. CALS is celebrating its 125th anniversary, is ranked 15th nationally for agricultural sciences, and boasts a 90% job placement rate for graduates. Key programs, such as agricultural commodity risk management and meat science, have achieved 100% job placement within six months. Bickerton noted significant research contributions, including the successful deregulation of a potato field previously under quarantine for 19 years. CALS's extension services reach all 44 counties in Idaho, with programs like 4-H and initiatives to manage invasive weeds. Ongoing construction includes the Meat Science and Innovation Center, set to open on April 10, and the Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (Idaho CAFE), which will be the largest research dairy in the nation. Bickerton addressed budget cuts affecting CALS, detailing a 4% cut for FY26 and an additional 2% for FY27, and explained how the college is managing these cuts by delaying hires and reducing temporary support. During the Q&A, Representative Miller inquired about genetics research at Idaho CAFE, and Bickerton indicated it depends on funding. Representative Moore asked about the timeline for acquiring cattle for the dairy, with plans to start in April or May. Representative Stone expressed excitement about his daughter's enrollment at the University of Idaho and inquired about a proposed educational center in Jerome, which has been deprioritized. Jim Rune sought clarification on endowment positions not being filled due to budget cuts, and Bickerton explained the college's intention to fill these positions while assessing budget priorities. Dr. Kendra Kaiser from the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWERI) then discussed the institute's role and recent activities, including the distribution of $1 million allocated by the legislature, with $580,000 already distributed to faculty at various universities. IWERI has focused on identifying research needs across the state, particularly around water scarcity, technology, and water quality, with recommendations approved for funding. A new website was launched for stakeholders to submit research needs, revealing a significant concern for water scarcity. Priority projects include snow data visualization, flood mapping, and water quality monitoring, with collaborations among universities to improve monitoring systems. Specific projects involve evaluating snowpack conditions and assessing water quality for managed aquifer recharge. The importance of independent research in building confidence for future projects was emphasized, with Dr. Kaiser addressing concerns about water data quality and the need for trend analysis. The meeting transitioned to legislative business, with Representative Schertz introducing House Bill 630 to codify the airborne shooting of predatory animals, which passed with a do pass recommendation. He also presented House Bill 631 to move agricultural certificates of free sale from rules to statute, which was also approved. The meeting concluded with a recognition of a page leaving for calving season, who shared her experiences and aspirations in agriculture, receiving a flag and a certificate from the governor. The meeting was then adjourned.