Idaho

When most people think of Idaho, they think of potatoes. However, this state offers much more in the way of agriculture that just potatoes. There are around 25,000 active farms in Idaho and it is the 3rd largest dairy producer in the nation, producing over 14 billion pounds of dairy per year. There are over 2 million cattle grazing on over 11 million acres, with more than 1,100 cattle farms operating in Canyon County alone. As of 2022, Idaho was the 11th leading cattle producer in America.

However, there is a downside. According to the Census Bureau, $544 million worth of farm products were exported and sold to other countries during the first half of 2022 alone, up 2% from the previous year, with the total agricultural export in 2021 being $1.2 billion.

Keeping our agricultural products within the country helps to ensure nutritional and food independence and works to mitigate potential food shortages, thus driving down cost. One way to combat the downsides of export is to source directly from locally owned regenerative and responsible farms. Support these businesses to solidify their future, drive down prices, boost the local economy, and keep more agricultural products on the tables of the families and communities that need them.