Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jan 20th, 2026

Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee

Key Moments

  • Annie Haas, District 16 — Moved to approve the minutes from January 14th, 2026.
  • Ms. Rachel Bickerton — Introduced as the University of Idaho representative who will introduce the presenter.
  • Rachel Bickerton — Introduced herself and described her role with the University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
  • Brett Wilder — Identified as the assistant associate professor and Extension educator who will present.
  • Brett Wilder — Introduces himself as an extension economist with the University of Idaho and says he will discuss the financial condition of agriculture for 2025.
  • Mr. Wilder — Presented on financial conditions and opened the floor for questions.
  • Mr. Wilder — Responded to questions about heifer retention and herd rebuilding.
  • Mr. Wilder — Addressed in a follow-up question about cattle herd expansion metrics.
  • Mr. Wilder — Was asked to break out the cattle calves portion and discuss the share coming from dairy cows.
  • Mr. Wilder — Explains that some cash receipts reflect calves sold to feedlots or slaughter, and notes dairy herd growth of about 2 percent.
  • Mr. Wilder — Is thanked and then asked about the effect of herd rebuilding on slaughter facilities.
  • Mr. Wilder — Responds to a question about cattle moving across the Canada-U.S. border and explains that many are U.S.-born animals fed in Canada.
  • Mr. Wilder — Explains his background in ag lending and says acceptable leverage varies by commodity and structure.
  • Tammy Nichols — Not mentioned in text.
  • Dave Lent — Not mentioned in text.
  • Dave Lent — Not mentioned in text.
  • Dave Lent — Addressed by Representative Matthias and Mr. Wilder during the question about global impacts on agriculture.
  • Dave Lent — Referenced again as the chair in the witness response.
  • Dave Lent — Asked about other global events affecting Idaho agriculture.
  • Dave Lent — Referenced as having discussed his past as an ag teacher and involvement in FFA.
  • Todd Lakey — Not mentioned in text.
  • Todd Lakey — Not mentioned in text.
  • Ron Taylor — Not mentioned in text.
  • Carrie Semmelroth — Not mentioned in text.
  • Carrie Semmelroth — Asked about options for producers in this category, including insurance for unborn calves.
  • Carrie Semmelroth — Asked whether land values have been tracked, especially by region and livestock-sector reliance.
  • Carrie Semmelroth — Referenced as having previously asked about farmer leverage.
  • Christy Zito — Not mentioned in text.
  • Julie VanOrden — Not mentioned in text.
  • Camille Blaylock — Camille Blaylock is mentioned across a short, continuous span of the meeting, with no distinct substantive discussion captured in the provided excerpts.
  • Joshua Kohl — Not mentioned in text.
  • Joshua Kohl — Not mentioned in text.