Agriculture

More winter weather is pouring into the area this week, especially the mountains and eastern Oregon. Livestock producers in our region have been hit hard by all this cold, snowy weather. That’s why several states have asked the federal government for relief.

In the United States, 36% of farmers are female and in Idaho, that number goes up to 39%. Despite these numbers though when many of us close our eyes to imagine what a farmer or a rancher looks like, we picture a man. Well, that is an image that one researcher is trying to change.

The shrinking Great Salt Lake puts Utah at risk of an ecological and public health emergency. Local scientists are stepping up, sharing actionable steps to help save it.

Idaho Matters takes a look at the news that made headlines this week, including a new bill that could provide $500 million in property tax relief to Idaho residents and a possible update to the states liquor licensing system.

The System Conservation Pilot Program was recently rebooted with $125 million in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act to fight shrinking water levels in Lake Powell.

Global demand for potatoes is spiking prices for Idaho's largest crop export, but supply is having a hard time keeping up.

The AgriStress Hotline is staffed 24/7, similar to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. The difference is, if a farmer or rancher calls, they’re going to get a response from someone who’s trained to help agricultural workers.

A recent paper out of Colorado State University suggests the loss of bats due white-nose syndrome costs U.S. agriculture up to $495 million a year.

Across the West, women are changing the ways land and livestock are managed. Ashley Ahearn saddled up for the Mountain West News Bureau to chronicle their big dreams – and daily challenges. This is the third story of a three-part series.

Across the West, women are changing the ways land and livestock are managed. Ashley Ahearn saddled up for the Mountain West News Bureau to chronicle their big dreams – and daily challenges. This is the second story of a three-part series.